Redwood City Eichler Homes: Mid-Century Modern Gems with Unique Character
Redwood City is home to several intimate Eichler enclaves that showcase classic mid-century modern design. These neighborhoods blend indoor and outdoor living through features like open-beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass, and private patios, all set amid quiet, tree-lined streets.
Redwood City holds a significant but often overlooked slice of Eichler history, with three small Eichler neighborhoods—Atherwood, Fairwood (Lyons Street), and Sequoia Meadow—built in the early 1950s. These intimate enclaves showcase the signature mid-century modern flair for which Joseph Eichler became known: post-and-beam construction, open floor plans, and expansive walls of glass that seamlessly connect indoor spaces to the outdoors. With only about 160 Eichler homes in total (versus thousands in Palo Alto or Sunnyvale), Redwood City’s Eichlers are a rare find. Their limited scale contributes to a unique character and strong community feel, largely preserved thanks to dedicated homeowners—unlike some larger Silicon Valley Eichler tracts that have seen more extensive alterations. As a result, Redwood City’s Eichler neighborhoods are highly sought after for their blend of timeless design and a close-knit, nostalgic atmosphere.
Key Eichler Tracts in Redwood City
Each Eichler tract in Redwood City has its own story and charm. Below are the key neighborhoods and what makes them stand out:
Atherwood (1950): Eichler’s first Redwood City development, notable for pioneering mid-century designs. These are typically single-story 3-bedroom homes (1–2 baths) with open-beam ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass, built by Eichler’s early architects Anshen & Allen eichlerhomesforsale.com. Atherwood gained national acclaim when Architectural Forum magazine named it a “Subdivision of the Year” in 1950 eichlerhomesforsale.com – one of only four developments (and the only one outside Palo Alto) to earn that honor. This tract even featured a bold experiment: about ten homes with dramatic butterfly rooflines, the first tract in California to showcase that striking V-shaped roof design eichlerhomesforsale.com. Such innovations, alongside its award-winning design, cement Atherwood’s status as Redwood City’s most historic Eichler enclave.
Fairwood (Lyons Street, 1953): A one-block Eichler tract often celebrated as Redwood City’s “Dream Street” for its idyllic canopy of mature trees and remarkably preserved 1950s character. Fairwood’s homes are 3-bedroom, 2-bath designs (about 1,300 sq. ft.) with open layouts and broad windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Built just before Eichler introduced atriums, these houses instead use expansive glass walls and seamless indoor-outdoor flow to create an airy atmosphere. Thanks to devoted homeowners, Lyons Street retains an almost time-capsule feel—original facades and mid-century features (like globe entry lights and simple panel front doors) are largely intact, and any updates are thoughtfully done to honor Eichler’s aesthetic. It’s often regarded as the most pristine of Redwood City’s Eichler neighborhoods, truly living up to its “Dream Street” nickname.
Sequoia Meadow (1954): The final Eichler tract built in Redwood City, Sequoia Meadow is a tiny cluster of homes arranged around a cozy cul-de-sac off Northumberland Avenue. Most are modest 3-bedroom/2-bath houses (~1,110 sq. ft.) with a few larger models up to ~1,400 sq. ft., reflecting slight design expansions in the later builds. These homes continued Eichler’s open-beam, glass-walled design ethos and benefited from minor refinements by architects Jones & Emmons (such as more expansive window walls and built-in storage). The cul-de-sac layout and single entry give Sequoia Meadow an intimate, tucked-away feel—neighbors often know each other well, fostering a friendly, tight-knit vibe much like Lyons Street. Lesser-known except to Eichler aficionados, Sequoia Meadow stands out as a peaceful mid-century haven where the Eichler spirit of indoor-outdoor living endures in a quiet corner of Redwood City.
Architectural Highlights of Redwood City Eichlers
A classic Redwood City Eichler home showcasing mid-century modern design – note the low-pitched roofline, open-beam ceiling, and expanses of glass that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Eichler homes present a modest face to the street (often with a carport or garage up front), yet inside they are filled with natural light and connected to private outdoor spaces. This harmony of form and function is a hallmark of Eichler’s “indoor-outdoor” philosophy.
Redwood City’s Eichler homes exemplify many of the defining mid-century modern architectural features that Joseph Eichler pioneered. Key design highlights include:
Post-and-Beam Construction: Instead of relying on many interior walls for support, Eichler homes use a robust post-and-beam framework. Exposed wooden beams support the flat or low-pitched roof, freeing up the floor plan to be wide open. This structural choice creates airy, open interiors with higher ceilings and allows glass walls to replace solid walls in conventional houses. The visible beams and plank ceilings also add visual interest and a natural, honest material texture to the design.
Walls of Glass & Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Eichler’s signature floor-to-ceiling glass panels and sliding glass doors connect interior living areas to patios, gardens, and atriums, effectively “bringing the outside in”. Natural light pours into the rooms, and sight lines extend out to the landscape, making the modestly sized homes feel larger and in tune with nature. In Redwood City’s Eichlers, large windows often open onto private side or back yards, blurring the boundary between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. This seamless indoor-outdoor flow encourages a lifestyle of al fresco dining, gardening, and play under the California sun.
Central Atriums & Courtyards: One of Eichler’s most iconic contributions to home design is the open-air atrium in the center of the house – essentially a room without a roof. Starting in the mid-1950s, many Eichler models were built with a private atrium courtyard at the heart of the floor plan, surrounded by glass walls. This sun-filled central courtyard serves as a dramatic entry and a family outdoor living room, bringing light and air into the home's core while maintaining privacy from the street. (Redwood City’s earlier Eichler models were built just before the atrium concept debuted, so most lack a central atrium. However, they still use enclosed patios and breezeways to similar effect, ensuring every home centers on a connection to the outdoors.)
In-Floor Radiant Heating: Eichler homes were technologically innovative for their time. Notably, they feature radiant heating embedded in the concrete slab floors. Warm water pipes run underfoot, which gently warm the house from the floor up. This system provides comfortable, even heat on cool days without the need for visible furnaces or air vents. The result is not only cozy feet in winter but also clean lines in the interior – no bulky radiators to disrupt the minimalist design. Many Redwood City Eichlers still operate with (or have updated) radiant heat, a testament to Eichler’s forward-thinking approach to comfort and aesthetics.
Natural Materials & Mid-Century Details: Eichler homes embrace a palette of natural and simple materials. Exterior siding and fences were often clear-heart redwood, which weathered beautifully. Interiors featured Philippine mahogany wall paneling, exposed wood posts and beams, tongue-and-groove wood ceilings, and concrete floors (often with aggregate or cork flooring on top). Large panes of glass, combined with those warm wood elements and occasional brick or decorative concrete block, create a balanced mid-century look. Characteristic details like globe pendant lights, sliding partition walls, and open-air courtyards visible from inside further define the Eichler aesthetic. Together, these materials and details lend the homes a warm, organic modernism that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Why Redwood City’s Eichlers Are Special
Beyond their architectural pedigree, the Eichler homes in Redwood City have unique qualities that make them especially cherished. Here are a few reasons these neighborhoods stand out:
Rarity: Eichler homes are uncommon to begin with – and in Redwood City they are especially limited in number. Only about 160 Eichlers were built in the city, a small enclave compared to the ~2,700 Eichlers in Palo Alto or 1,100+ in Sunnyvale. This scarcity enhances their allure. Eichler enthusiasts and design-savvy buyers actively watch for these homes, and competition can be fierce for the few that come on the market. The limited supply and high demand have made Redwood City’s Eichlers “architectural treasures” that command a premium and inspire devoted followings.
Community: A special sense of community thrives in these Eichler enclaves. Because the tracts are small and the homeowners share a common appreciation for mid-century architecture, neighbors tend to form close bonds. On Lyons Street, for example, residents affectionately call it “our dream street,” and the block hosts annual traditions like Halloween gatherings that draw friends from around the area eichlerhomesforsale.com. Neighbors know each other by name, stop to chat on evening walks, and even organize occasional mid-century modern home tours and block parties. This close-knit, friendly atmosphere harks back to a bygone era of neighborhood camaraderie and is a defining feature of Redwood City’s Eichler areas eichlerhomesforsale.com. Newcomers often find that buying an Eichler here isn’t just purchasing a home – it’s joining a passionate community.
Preservation: Redwood City’s Eichler neighborhoods have retained an impressive degree of their original mid-century modern character. Many homeowners are conscientious stewards of Eichler’s legacy, preserving authentic features like the open-beam ceilings, original exterior siding, and iconic atrium layouts (in later models) even as they update kitchens or bathrooms for modern living. In Fairwood’s Lyons Street tract, nearly every house still displays its 1950s roof profile and facade, making the street feel like a mid-century time capsule. Atherwood, too, despite some remodeling over the decades, still boasts rare butterfly-roof Eichlers and a cohesive retro vibe. Because there are no strict historical ordinances, respectful renovation is a choice—one that most owners happily make. The result is that these neighborhoods have largely avoided out-of-character teardowns or McMansion-style expansions, preserving the architectural integrity that makes them special.
Location: Nestled in the Redwood Oaks/Woodside Plaza area of Redwood City, these Eichler pockets offer a prime Peninsula location with a relaxed feel. Residents enjoy being conveniently midway between San Francisco and Silicon Valley job centers, with Caltrain and freeway access nearby – yet the Eichler tracts themselves are tucked away on tranquil, tree-lined streets with a peaceful suburban ambience. Many homes are within walking distance of parks (e.g., Red Morton Park is steps from Lyons Street), schools, and local shops, enhancing the easy-living vibe. This blend of central location and neighborhood charm means Eichler owners get the best of both worlds: the vibrant Silicon Valley lifestyle and a quiet, family-friendly retreat to come home to each day.
The Boyenga Team: Eichler Specialists and “Property Nerds” in Redwood City
For Eichler buyers and sellers in Redwood City, partnering with an experienced team that truly understands these homes is crucial. Eric & Janelle Boyenga of Compass – aptly nicknamed the “Property Nerds” – have built a practice as Silicon Valley’s leading Eichler real estate specialists. With over two decades of experience and an encyclopedic understanding of Eichler architecture, the Boyenga Team offers unmatched expertise in this niche market. They know the unique character of each Eichler tract – from Atherwood’s award-winning early models to Lyons Street’s preserved gems and Sequoia Meadow’s cozy cul-de-sac – and can pinpoint what makes each home special.
The Boyenga Team’s genuine passion for mid-century modern design, combined with their deep knowledge of architectural nuances and market trends, truly sets them apart. They function as more than agents; they are enthusiastic advocates for Eichler homes. For sellers, the Boyengas excel at telling the story of your Eichler – leveraging modern marketing (stunning architectural photography, 3D tours, social media) to showcase open floor plans, indoor-outdoor living, and other features that Eichler lovers value. They tap into a wide network of mid-century home enthusiasts and qualified buyers who appreciate the design heritage, ensuring you find the right new steward for your home. And if you’re looking to buy an Eichler, the Boyenga Team will guide you to the neighborhood and house that best fits your lifestyle, while offering savvy advice on maintenance, restoration, and market value.
It’s no surprise that the Boyenga Team has cultivated a sterling reputation in the Eichler community. They are recognized as Silicon Valley’s preeminent Eichler experts, and their data-driven, detail-oriented approach as the “Property Nerds” means clients benefit from informed, analytical insights at every step. One Eichler seller noted that with the Boyengas it was “immediately apparent that they have a real passion for Eichler homes,” which is exactly the kind of dedication you want on your side.
Whether you’re dreaming of owning a Redwood City Eichler or considering selling one, the Boyenga Team’s unparalleled expertise and love for these mid-century modern gems make them the ideal partners to help you achieve your goals. With the Boyenga Team, you’re not just getting realtors – you’re getting fellow Eichler enthusiasts and knowledgeable guides who will ensure your Eichler experience is as rewarding as the homes themselves.
