What, Exactly Do You Call A Brand New Eichler?

I’ve got to ask the question.  When is an Eichler not an Eichler?  Technically, I guess I’ve always assumed that only a home built by Mid-Century developer Joseph Eichler could call itself an Eichler.  So…  What should we call the new home that has just been built and is up for sale in SoCal?

Tagged as a Desert Eichler Home, the home at 800 E Bogert Trail is being constructed using a licensed Claude Oakland/Joseph Eichler floor plan.  This new, 21^st Century, A-Frame Eichler comes complete with an atrium – and certainly bears a great resemblance to an original Eichler.  It features post-and-beam construction, walnut paneling, expansive windows, open design, and the aforementioned atrium.  What has changed are the amenities.  The “new” Eichler has been brought into the here-and-now with energy efficient windows and roofing, green-rated central cooling and heating, and enough wiring to please the most demanding technology enthusiast.

Built and offered for sale by KUD Properties, this present day Eichler is being marketed as a 5-bedroom / 4 bathroom home in 2529 square feet of Modern Mid-Century design. It comes complete with a 2-car garage, high-end appliances, a pool/spa on an oversized lot, and a certificate of authenticity.  It can be yours for $1.29M.

Regardless of whether you can bring yourself to call this an Eichler or you prefer to call it an Eichler-style home, it will make its debut next month at the Palm Springs Modernism Week festivities.  Come and see it for yourself.  What do you think?  Should we call it an Eichler or an Eichler reimagined?

                                                                     Photo: KUD Properties