Guess How Much This Midcentury Home Built By 23 Students Just Sold For
Built by 23 students at Pasadena City College in California, this midcentury home was celebrated in a public display when construction was completed in 1960. The 1,200-square-foot structure, known as 'Case Study House #11,' was then sold via a silent auction and moved from the campus to its current location in nearby Altadena.
Many original features can be found throughout the home, which was once again auctioned off this past Saturday, July 27, with bids starting at $599,000. Scroll down to learn more about the property's unique history and its latest sale price.
The home is nestled among large trees and lush landscaping, and its simple exterior design still resonates decades later.
Extensive historical records provide more information about this model home and the Learn by Doing program at Pasadena City College. The student initiative, which started in 1949, aimed to complete one home each year as part of the college's building construction class.
The front entrance opens directly into the main living area. Clerestory windows and a large sliding door bring lots of natural light into the space.
According to records: "The home design was selected from plans submitted by Pasadena Unified School District and P.C.C. students under sponsorship of the Pasadena Architectural Club. Members of the building class worked together under student and close faculty leadership four hours daily for two years to produce a house."
This home's floor plan manages to feel spacious despite its compact size. An open living and dining room features beams across the gabled ceiling and wood paneling along one wall.
With three bedrooms, as well as one and a half bathrooms, this piece of local history incorporated state-of-the-art building techniques and modern amenities for its time. The property has remained in the same family for the entirety of its almost 60-year existence—until now.
The dining room faces a large glass door with views of the swimming pool and patio. An original lighting fixture hangs above the table.
A built-in cabinet with textured glass doors provides storage for extra glassware or supplies for entertaining. The furniture piece is a unique conversation starter in the dining room.
With a starting bid of $599,000, 2859 Saint James Place was sold via plumBid on Saturday, July 27 for a final sales price of $810,400. Visit the Deasy Penner Podley website for more information about this home and other available properties.
Minimal updates have been made to the kitchen, which features original NuTone appliances and birch cabinetry. A large window sits above the sink and overlooks the backyard.
The kitchen is filled with ’60s-era features. A built-in AM/FM radio and an electric NuTone grilling station are located along the right counter area.
A built-in spice cabinet is yet another of the kitchen's many unique details.
The wood-beamed ceilings continue into the bedrooms, which overlook the quiet yard. New carpeting adds a fresh feeling to the spaces.
A hallway outside the bathroom includes built-in storage with copper-tone hardware.
The original bathroom vanity is in excellent condition, with formica countertops and lots of storage. A built-in weight scale is another eccentric period feature of this home.
The almost 7,500-square-foot lot features a large in-ground swimming pool and a concrete patio. A separate pool house is adjacent to the main home.
The property also includes a small shed and a two-car garage with direct access to an alleyway.
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