Bell and Fandetti Design
The 1970s saw some of the highest rates of inflation in the United States in recent history, with interest rates rising in turn to nearly 20%. President Richard Nixon responded to the energy crisis by instituting a strict rationing program.
The energy crisis played a key role in the economic downturn of the 1970s. With the OPEC oil embargo of 1973, oil prices jumped 350%, and the higher costs rippled through the economy.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median home value in 1940 was a mere $2,938. In 1950, it crept up to $7,354. In 1960, it had risen to $11,900, then $17,000 in 1970. By 1980, the cost of buying a home had skyrocketed to $47,200, and things only got worse from there.
Into the Cambridge real estate market entered the young and inspirational architects Doug Bell and Gerald Fandetti. For about a decade, they created a style that can only be described as true Cantabrigian. An intelligent design; considered highly efficient at the time, their intention was to reduce construction costs yet incorporate natural light and a vertical nature to each home. All in, there are less than 200 homes in various collections scattered around Cambridge. The largest group with 24 homes tucked away on Lilac Court in Kendall Square.
The most distinctive characteristics include:
- A wood burning stove in the living room with a large metal chimney extending skyward through the living area
- A vertical set up with multiple floors in a narrow set up
- Built on a concrete slab, so there is no basement
- Lots of windows and skylights
An amazing reimagination of a Bell & Fandetti design can be found at 15 Lilac Court. I’ve included several pictures including a Matterport video tour for your viewing.
Read more about Bell and Fandetti Design in the news about the neighboring property at 19 Lilac Court in this article below:
Bell and Fandetti townhouse in Cambridge drops for $950,000 - Curbed Boston
If you are living in one of these amazing properties and want to sell, call me today!