Moment in Time (January 12, 2023)

An architectural design competition sponsored by the Columbus chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Columbus Real Estate Board asked architects across the U.S. to submit designs for a house that cost under $6000 for lots very much like those in the developing areas of Grandview and Upper Arlington. The winning two-story design, shown here, is from architect Fred Wells of Toledo, and was estimated at $5956 to build.

An article in the December 1917 issue of Architecture magazine announced a national competition for the design of a “practical” small house, not to exceed $6000, that could be built on a lot that was similar in size to a lot in the Northwest Boulevard Addition or in the new developing community of Upper Arlington. Sponsored by the Columbus Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, in conjunction with the Columbus Real Estate Board, the winners of the competition earned a cash prize and their designs were featured in a display at the Real Estate and Building show at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in January of 1918.

The stated specifications for the competition were: the house was to be designed for a flat non-corner lot of 50’x115’; it had to feature at least 3 bedrooms, a bath, kitchen, dining room and living room (or combination living/dining), and a full basement; materials were to be specified by the architect; and the overall cost of the house (excluding the lot and landscaping) was not to exceed $6000.

Judges were Columbus architects Frank Packard, Charles Inscho, and George Bulford along with several others. Packard indicated that the winning designs, which were published in Architecture magazine, would likely be used in constructing homes in new subdivisions across the country. In fact, the winning design, from architect Fred Wells of Toledo, was reportedly used in homes on streets such as Mulford and Inglis Avenues in Grandview and on several lots in Arlington.

Over two hundred and fifty architects from across the U.S. submitted designs in the short time allotted. Twenty-five were chosen for the show at the fairgrounds, and the top seven received cash awards. The judges reported that every submission was a high quality design and that all would be made available to builders who were interested.

The winning design, which featured a garage joined to the house with a “tea house” structure, was also published in the February 1918 Norwester magazine (the top four designs were printed in successive issues) and is in the photo above.

References:
1.     The Columbus Real Estate and Building Show, Architecture Magazine, Vol. 36, #6, Dec. 1917, page 242.
2.     Suburban Home Plans, Norwester Magazine, Vol 1, #3, January 1918, pp 11-12.

NOTE: This Moment in Time is the final submission for the ThisWeek Tri-Village News. The Tri-Village News ceased publication on January 26, 2023.