c.1949 Renovated Michigan Lustron Home For Sale $199K

OHU50K Notes $199,000

Love it when we come across a Lustron home for sale! Our featured home today is the Westchester model. The Westchester is easily recognized by its notched porch outside of the living room. You can date the Westchester design by the bedroom windows. The earliest homes had pairs of small slit windows set high on the wall. In 1949 and 1950, they changed to the larger single window design that this home has.

Check out the Google Map, and you will find five Lustrons in a row on the street. Sadly, one was even sided in brick.

Yard featured at 23430 Oneida St, Oak Park, MI, 48237

Realtor Comments

Architectural history connoisseurs and historians–this one is for you! A truly rare opportunity to own this fantastic MID-CENTURY style LUSTRON PREFAB STEEL HOME produced by Carl Strandlund in 1949. Built to last and with so many incredible vintage features preserved. The interior and exterior of this ranch style home are made with durable enameled steel panels inside and out–even the roof! The open layout includes a spacious living room with the original steel built in shelves that is open to the spacious dining room and kitchen. Vintage style appliances add to the appeal of this mid-century charmer. The main floor laundry room has plenty of room for storage and walks out to the patio and huge backyard. There are two bedrooms with good sized closets and a full bathroom. Huge windows in every room and a great open floor plan contribute to the spacious and open feel of this fabulous home located on a quiet block situated close to the Woodward Corridor and just a bike ride away from downtown Ferndale and Royal Oak. Option to purchase furnishings. Don’t miss this turnkey architectural gem!

2 bed
1 bath
Build date 1949

Porch featured at 23430 Oneida St, Oak Park, MI, 48237

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended.

23430 Oneida St, Oak Park, MI 48237 $199,000

Contact Realtor: DANA COOPER – Max Broock Birmingham
Google Map
Niche

Living Room featured at 23430 Oneida St, Oak Park, MI, 48237

History

The prefab, enameled steel, Lustron homes were introduced in 1948 in response to the need of housing after WWII.

In most cases, like our featured home, the foundation was a basic concrete slab. Windows were casement with aluminum sashes, and the skeleton framing of the house was steel. Porcelain steel panels formed the siding, interior walls and roof. The Westchester’s exterior came in four colors: surf blue, dove gray, maize yellow and desert tan.

Lustron homes like this one sold from the factory for about $7,500. By the time a foundation, erection costs and other fees were added, the total could amount to $10,000. At a time when similar-sized frames homes were going for $6,500 complete, $10K seemed a high price to pay for a small, plain looking house. Although about 2,500 Lustron homes were sold, the company soon folded.

This Lustron

Unfortunately, this renovated Lustron has lost many of its original features, most notably the built-in between the kitchen and the dining room like the one below. The one next door at #23420 was for sale in 2018 and was pretty much all intact. See the write-up/pics about it here.

Additionally, the kitchen and bathroom have been updated, and the exterior was painted red. See photos below.

Other Interiors featured at 23430 Oneida St, Oak Park, MI, 48237

Location of This Lustron For Sale

Pros of Oak Park, Michigan:

Diverse Community: Oak Park is known for its diversity, with a welcoming atmosphere that attracts people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Proximity to Detroit: Oak Park is a suburb of Detroit, making it convenient for residents to access the city’s amenities, job market, and cultural attractions, while still enjoying a quieter suburban lifestyle.
Affordable Housing: Compared to some neighboring suburbs, Oak Park offers relatively affordable housing, making it attractive for families, young professionals, and retirees.
Parks and Recreation: The city has several parks and recreational facilities, providing residents with outdoor spaces for activities like walking, sports, and family gatherings.
Growing Business Sector: Oak Park has been actively revitalizing its business sector, with new developments aimed at attracting small businesses and restaurants, which is enhancing the local economy.

Cons of Oak Park, Michigan:

Limited Nightlife and Entertainment: While Oak Park offers some dining and shopping options, it lacks the vibrant nightlife and entertainment choices found in nearby cities like Detroit or Royal Oak.
Public Transportation: Although close to Detroit, public transportation options are somewhat limited, making it necessary for most residents to rely on personal vehicles.
Winter Weather: Like much of Michigan, Oak Park experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, which can be challenging for some residents.
Older Infrastructure: Some parts of Oak Park have older homes and infrastructure, which may require renovation or maintenance.
Property Taxes: Property taxes in Michigan, including in Oak Park, can be higher than the national average, which could be a drawback for some homeowners.