Imagine your home was like a giant Lego set, but made of metal.
That’s the gist of the Lustron homes – prefabricated and enameled steel beauties that were the talk of the town in the 1950s.
Father-son team John Kennan and Caleb Higgins are on a mission to revive this futuristic wonder using all its original pieces.
Sounds like a labor of love, right? Well, it is, and it’s also a big nod to a cool chapter in home-building history.
Back in the day, Lustron homes stood out from the crowd with their sleek, steel exteriors, a far cry from the typical wood and brick houses.
They were all about durability and modern vibes, appealing to those mid-century sensibilities.
John and Caleb are all in, making sure every part of their restoration sticks to the original materials and design.
It’s like they’re creating a time machine, allowing us to step right into the past.
Here’s a fun fact: out of about 3,000 Lustron homes that were originally built, only around 1,500 are still standing.
That makes every restoration super important. John and Caleb know this, and their work isn’t just about fixing up a house; it’s about preserving a piece of living history.
They’re determined to keep the spirit of the 1950s alive, offering future generations a peek into this innovative era.
The attention to detail in their project is mind-blowing. They’ve thought of everything to recreate the 1950s vibe.
We’re talking about authentic bobby pins in the bathroom, vintage clothes in the closets, and even a retro TV playing shows from 1955.
It’s like stepping into a perfectly preserved snapshot of the past.
Can you imagine lounging on a couch and watching old-school TV in this metal marvel?
And get this – the exterior of the Lustron home is just as quirky and charming.
There’s a giant pink hippopotamus chilling in the front yard and a towering T-Rex keeping an eye on the backyard.
These whimsical touches make the house a local landmark, sparking curiosity and admiration from everyone who passes by.
It’s not just a house; it’s an experience.
So, what’s next for this dynamic duo and their restored Lustron home?
They’ve got some exciting plans up their sleeves.
They’re turning it into an Airbnb, giving guests a chance to live like it’s 1955.
Plus, they’re planning to offer tours, sharing the home’s history and the restoration journey with visitors.
It’s like a live-action history lesson with a side of nostalgia.
John and Caleb’s project is a gift to the St. Louis community.
By restoring and showcasing this Lustron home, they’re creating a fun, educational experience for locals and tourists alike.
Their dedication is a reminder of the importance of preserving history and making it accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Who knew a house could do so much?
People are loving what Caleb is doing.
One viewer gushed, “This isn’t Caleb’s first fixer-upper! I followed him to another house he fixed up, Mr. Brown’s house, did a fabulous job!”
Another fan pointed out, “Caleb has his own (very good) channel here called The2ndEmpireStrikesBack where he remodels his own Victorian-era home and also works on his dad’s Lustron as well.”
And someone else shared a sweet connection: “Very cool! I was a child in the 70s but would love to visit that house and take a step back in time!”
John and Caleb’s Lustron home restoration is a time-traveling adventure back to a world of innovation and imagination.
Their dedication to preserving every detail creates a tangible link to the past, offering a unique and enriching historical experience.
As they get ready to welcome guests and visitors, they’re not just opening doors to a house – they’re opening doors to a beautifully preserved piece of the 1950s.
Take a walk through the colorful world of the 1950s in the video tour below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
