The Lustron houses that can be found on the tree-lined avenues off Dawson Road [specifically on 2nd, 7th, and 9th Avenues] are a significant modernist architectural resource, hiding in plain sight, and are little known outside a small circle of architectural historians. There are 8 Lustrons in Albany, and while at least three have been significantly altered from their original appearance, the group represents the most concentrated collection of these mid-century marvels in one area in the state of Georgia. There’s also one in nearby Americus. All the Albany houses, and the Americus example, were built by the Hav-A-Home Lustron franchise which was open in Albany circa 1948-1956. While there are also 8 Lustrons in Atlanta, those examples are much more widely scattered than in Albany.
Lustron, which was patented by Roy Strandlund, was the name for the enameled steel panels used in the construction of these houses, which were some of the earliest prefabricated homes available to American consumers after World War II. The material was promoted for durability and ease of maintenance, though it never quite caught on. The prototype for the houses was known as the “Esquire” model and designed by architects Roy Blass and Morris Beckman for the Chicago Vitreous Corporation.
I photographed three of the least altered Albany examples, but will add the others when road work is completed in some of the neighborhoods. I spoke with a nice young man at one of the houses and he noted that others had documented it in the past and he didn’t mind me photographing.
Only two of the Lustrons in Albany in are presently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but they should all be further documented.
National Register of Historic Places
I am reminded of a unique collection of “Sears Kit Houses” I came across some years ago in Greenville, Illinois, a small town about 45 miles east of St. Louis. Marvelous two-story Victorian designs, also prefabricated from standard designs, though different models were available. The Lustron houses shown above were of a much simpler design, and smaller. Perhaps the “too simple” design was at least partly why this brand never took off.
I lived in Albany many years ago, but don’t remember ever having noticed these on Dawson Road. But I do believe I have seen one before — those square panels are unmistakable and memorable — perhaps it was in Albany that I saw one after all. Thanks for this interesting post.
Interesting. I knew about the Sears prefab houses, but never heard of these. They’re sure tiny. I don’t know how people raised families in them. Thanks for the post!