So what WILL happen to Clairemont and similar “mid-century blah” neighborhoods? Will the homes really last 100+ years? Will they continue to deteriorate and become slums, or will people eventually buy the homes and “remodel” in the manner you suggest (ie saving one wall?
(We know a couple who did just that in Bird Rock.)
I’m trying to imagine this town in 2050 and beyond.[/quote]
Actually the “mid century” ranch is the currently one of the hottest and sought after architectural styles. A well-built “mid-century” ranch house with some or all of the original accoutrements of its era still intact is a relatively expensive home.
Yes, the homes will last and each subsequent owner will hopefully maintain and improve the properties one by one. Clairemont (SD) tracts are NOT of “mid-century” design. They were mostly built in the early 60’s but were originally built to be affordable for Convair and other SD defense workers and their families. Part of Clairemont has tract(s) which were not built with either attics or insulation and these tracts no doubt sold for less new. The average “Mtn Street” home sold new for $16K to $18K.
The NW corner of Clairemont (as you posted) with the more cheaply-built homes within it has many rentals now and will likely continue to be a rental area in the future.
There is no reason to believe that future owners will not keep the homes in Clairemont maintained. You can’t take away its location. It is what it is. Gas prices can still go up from here :-]
