Midcourt Eichler Homes: A Hidden Architectural Treasure in Palo Alto
Tucked away on the quiet cul-de-sac of Toyon Place, Midcourt is one of the smallest and most exclusive Eichler communities in Palo Alto. With just nine Eichler homes, this secluded enclave is beloved by residents who appreciate its privacy, tranquility, and mid-century modern charm. Built-in 1972, just two years before Joseph Eichler’s passing, Midcourt represents one of the last phases of Eichler’s architectural evolution, incorporating unique design elements that set it apart from earlier Eichler neighborhoods.
Midcourt may suffer from what residents call "Unknown Syndrome" due to its low profile. Still, it remains one of Palo Alto’s best-kept secrets, offering spacious, thoughtfully designed homes that blend innovation with Eichler’s signature style. This blog explores the history, architectural significance, and enduring appeal of Midcourt Eichlers, demonstrating why this hidden gem continues to captivate Eichler enthusiasts and homebuyers alike.
A Rare Late-Stage Eichler Development
Midcourt was developed at a time when Eichler’s designs were undergoing significant refinements. By the early 1970s, Eichler had begun incorporating new materials and architectural features to improve insulation, enhance durability, and accommodate the changing needs of homeowners. Working with architect Claude Oakland, the Midcourt Eichlers departed from traditional models, showcasing some of the most innovative Eichler features ever built.
Key characteristics of Midcourt Eichlers include:
Hipped roofs with exposed and protruding beams, a striking departure from the flat and low-gable roofs of earlier Eichlers.
Insulated walls and sheetrock finishes, replacing the traditional mahogany paneling found in earlier Eichler homes.
Covered galleries in place of open-air atriums, providing sheltered outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with the home’s interior.
Larger floor plans, with some homes reaching 2,400 square feet, an uncommon feature for Eichler developments.
These design innovations reflect Eichler’s continuous commitment to modernist principles while adapting to the evolving expectations of homeowners in the early 1970s.
The Architectural Uniqueness of Midcourt Eichlers
While Midcourt remains unmistakably Eichler in its open floor plans and seamless indoor-outdoor connection, it introduces several rare features that set it apart from other Eichler neighborhoods.
Post-and-Beam Construction with an Emphasis on Insulation
Earlier Eichler homes, while stunning in their transparency and openness, often struggled with insulation. By the 1970s, advancements in materials allowed Eichler to incorporate insulated walls and ceilings, creating a more energy-efficient home without compromising design integrity.
Hipped Roofs with Exposed Beams
Unlike Eichler’s classic flat or low-gabled roofs, Midcourt Eichlers feature hipped roofs with extended beams, adding a distinctive architectural flair while improving structural durability and water drainage.
Gallery-Style Outdoor Spaces
Traditional Eichlers are known for open-air atriums, but in Midcourt, Eichler introduced covered galleries, creating more versatile and weather-protected outdoor spaces. These galleries extend the living space outdoors, reinforcing Eichler’s philosophy of blending nature with architecture.
Larger Home Designs
One of the most notable aspects of Midcourt is the presence of a 2,400-square-foot Eichler, a rare and unusually spacious model for the brand. This expansion reflects a shift toward accommodating larger families while maintaining Eichler’s signature aesthetic.
A Secluded Community with a Strong Sense of Identity
Unlike larger Eichler neighborhoods that span multiple streets, Midcourt is a single-street cul-de-sac, fostering a tight-knit, almost private community atmosphere. The small number of homes means that neighbors develop strong connections, with a shared appreciation for mid-century modern architecture and the Eichler legacy.
Residents love the peaceful setting, limited traffic, and enhanced privacy that comes with living in a small, exclusive enclave. Despite its hidden nature, Midcourt is centrally located, providing easy access to Palo Alto’s best amenities, parks, schools, and tech hubs.
Why Midcourt Eichlers are Highly Desirable
Midcourt’s combination of architectural uniqueness, privacy, and proximity to Silicon Valley makes it one of the most desirable Eichler enclaves in Palo Alto. Here’s why:
1. A Rare Eichler Design Evolution
With its insulated walls, hipped roofs, and covered galleries, Midcourt represents one of the last iterations of Eichler’s architectural vision, making these homes highly sought after by Eichler enthusiasts and collectors.
2. Prime Location in Palo Alto
Midcourt is centrally located, offering:
Access to top-rated schools, including Palo Verde Elementary, JLS Middle School, and Gunn High School.
Close proximity to leading tech companies, such as Google, Tesla, Apple, and Stanford University.
Convenience to parks, cafes, shopping centers, and cultural attractions, including downtown Palo Alto and Stanford Shopping Center.
3. Limited Inventory and Strong Market Demand
With only nine Eichler homes, Midcourt properties are incredibly rare. The limited supply and high demand ensure that homes in this enclave maintain strong resale value and attract premium buyers.
4. Strong Sense of Community and Privacy
Unlike larger Eichler neighborhoods, Midcourt provides an intimate, exclusive living experience, making it a perfect sanctuary for those who value privacy while still being part of an architectural legacy.
The Boyenga Team: Eichler Real Estate Experts in Midcourt
For those looking to buy, sell, or restore an Eichler home in Midcourt, working with specialized Eichler real estate professionals is essential.
Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass are renowned Eichler home experts, offering:
Eichler-Specific Real Estate Services, guiding buyers and sellers through Palo Alto’s competitive Eichler market.
Luxury Home Preparation & Staging, highlighting Eichler homes to attract architecture-conscious buyers.
Architectural Restoration & Renovation Consulting, ensuring homeowners can modernize their Eichler homes while preserving their historic integrity.
With years of experience and a passion for mid-century modern architecture, the Boyenga Team provides expert representation, helping buyers and sellers achieve optimal value and seamless transactions.
For expert guidance on Eichler properties in Midcourt, visit SiliconValleyEichlers.com and BayAreaEichlerHomes.com.
Midcourt as an Eichler Masterpiece
Midcourt represents the final chapter in Eichler’s architectural journey, incorporating his last design innovations before his passing. With only nine homes, this secluded Eichler enclave offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of mid-century modern history in one of Palo Alto’s most desirable locations.
For Eichler enthusiasts, Midcourt is more than just a neighborhood—it’s a living museum of Eichler’s architectural legacy, blending innovation, privacy, and community in a way that remains timeless and highly sought after today.