Architecture
Learn more about some of the special features of Tustin's built environment. From turn of the century to mid-century modern, Tustin's landscape reflects decades of history and growth.
Atomic Ranch Style in North Tustin
by Lisa Harding
Photos By Jim Brown
The phrase, “History repeats itself” often carries a negative connotation unless you’re a true preservationist. Lisa and Steve Harding entered their modest-sized, quintessential atomic ranch home in North Tustin for the first time and liked what they saw: an opportunity to repeat history – 1864 square feet at a time. With two renovated midcentury modern properties in Palm Springs under their belts, they successfully navigated their Tustin renovation and took up residency in January of 2015.
Returning the 1953 property to a colorful midcentury vibe involved restorative and new construction, upgraded electrical systems, appliances and plenty of blood, sweat and tears. Steve steered all the structural aspects of the project. The design and décor were Lisa’s tasks, ones that she relished. The reimagined Mamie Eisenhower-inspired pink bathroom is a crown jewel of the home.
Their efforts were recognized by the authority on mid-century design, Atomic Ranch Magazine in their Spring 2016 print edition, and recently in a rebooted 3-part online version available at www.atomic-ranch. com. Just plug in “Lisa Harding” in the search to see the details. Additionally, Lisa and Steve’s Mid-Mod Palm Springs homes are featured in the documentary, Quiet Elegance: The Architecture of Hugh M. Kaptur. The Tustin Preservation Conservancy is proud to have Lisa Harding on its Board. She talks the talk and walks the walk of historical preservation.
Links to article:
Part 1: https://www.atomic-ranch.com/preserving-midcentury-style/
Part 2: https://www.atomic-ranch.com/harding-pink-tile/
Part 3: https://www.atomic-ranch.com/harding-midcentury-purist/
CLIFF MAY HOMES
by Lisa Harding
Tucked ever so neatly into two neighborhoods in Tustin, lies the legacy of architect Cliff May. Celebrated as a building designer and the Father of the Ranch Home, May designed classic midcentury gems.
Born in San Diego, Cliff May was greatly influenced by the Spanish Rancho. The open interior spaces and high ceilings of this uniquely California architectural style allowed for cool breezes and plenty of space for family gatherings. The Rancho affected Cliff May’s style so much that he is credited with inventing the great room concept.
May began designing furniture in the 1920’s, and then quickly moved to home design by 1930. Influenced by the modernist movement in the early 1950’s, May designed modern homes throughout Southern California and beyond. Floor plans featured the concept of indoor/outdoor living where clerestory windows, tongue and groove wood ceilings and outrigger beams were just a few of the architectural elements within the hip, modern homes. 60 years later the designs are as fresh and on trend today as the day they were built.
Tustin is fortunate to have two Cliff May designed neighborhoods. The largest enclave is located near the corner of Red Hill Blvd. and Irvine Blvd., and is considered to be one of the first housing tracts in Tustin. “At the time, the corner of Irvine and Red Hill was a 4 way stop”, says Cliff May homeowner Stephen Meade. “The neighborhood also has a rare super-sized 3 bedroom model which has an atrium as well.” The other neighborhood, locate near El Camino and Browning, has just 19 homes. It is believed that the two neighborhoods were built by different building contractors.
Originally priced between $13,500-$16,500, the homes were small by today’s standards but big on style and innovation. They came prefabricated from May’s company and were built on site by a local building contractor. In fact, May collaborated with such notable builders as Ross Cortese, the creator of the Rossmoor communities.
May’s designs incorporated such attention to detail as the position of walls and windows to allow for sun and shade, today considered to be “green designs”. Dry wall was used for the interior walls when other builders were still using board and plaster. This was unheard of at the time. The redwood board and batten exteriors were designed to last. And they have.
Over his life time, Cliff May never stopped creating inventive residential design. Over the decades those innovations have turned into art. And Tustin homeowners are happy to live in it.
Photo Credit: https://www.betterlivingsocalhomes.com
CALIFORNIA’S GOLD with HUELL HOWSER
Huell Howser visited Tustin two times for his TV series “California Gold”. His first filming was of our blimp hangars. In 2008, he toured Old Town Tustin, visiting our museum, the blacksmith shop and almost getting a haircut. To view Huell’s dash through our historic district, follow this link to Chapman University’s “California Gold” video archive.
