Preserving Mid-Century Character: The Art of Matching New Masonry Work with Levittown’s Iconic 1950s Architecture
When entrepreneur Abraham Levitt and his sons broke ground on Levittown in 1947, they created what would become the archetype for postwar suburbs throughout the country. These mass-produced, balloon-frame homes originally sold for around $8,000 and featured distinctive architectural elements that defined an era. Today, as these homes approach their 80th birthday, many homeowners face the challenge of renovating their properties while preserving the authentic character that makes Levittown special.
Understanding Levittown’s Original Masonry Elements
The original Levittown homes incorporated masonry elements that were both functional and aesthetic. A masonry wall forming a fireplace screened kitchen/dining functions from the living room without completely walling it off, with the mass of the fireplace masonry creating the sensation of a thrusting cantilever. These homes initially featured plain asbestos facades, but homeowners quickly began personalizing their properties.
Early on, homeowners began experimenting with dormers, bay windows, vinyl siding of various colors, brick and stone elements, fencing, and backyard swimming pools. This evolution reflects the American desire for individualism while working within the constraints of mass-produced housing.
The Challenge of Modern Renovation
Today’s renovation challenges are unique. In buildings built during the 1950s-1970s, a high degree of uniformity of brick and accuracy in masonry was typical, but in the period since then this style was thought to be too sterile, so attempts were made to emulate older, rougher work. This creates a delicate balance for homeowners who want to update their properties while maintaining period-appropriate aesthetics.
Replicating the original construction is the best way to ensure a successful historic renovation. Working with an old building requires an understanding of construction technology at the time it was built. After all, the building has survived until now, because it was properly constructed for its time.
Choosing Period-Appropriate Materials
When selecting masonry materials for Levittown renovations, understanding the era’s construction practices is crucial. By the early 20th century, masonry manufacturing techniques allowed for a wide variety of brick colors and textures. Brick buildings from this period often contain several colors as well as smooth, rough or glazed finishes. Brick buildings were often detailed with stone, terra cotta and other types of decorative surfaces.
The key is finding materials that complement rather than compete with the home’s original design. The materials you end up using for your exterior remodel are often determined by the overall style of the house. When perusing exterior ideas for more traditional homes, you’ll notice that exteriors are usually comprised of brick and wood shingles, while stone and metal siding are popular contemporary options for more modern homes.
Expert Guidance Makes the Difference
Successfully matching new masonry work with 1950s architecture requires more than just selecting the right materials—it demands expertise and experience. This is where partnering with a knowledgeable supplier becomes invaluable. For Long Island homeowners, finding quality masonry supply levittown services with deep understanding of period-appropriate materials is essential for achieving authentic results.
For more than 60 years, the Levittown, NY community has been relying on Valley Supply to meet all of their masonry supply needs. Offering a large selection of products from the best manufacturers in the industry, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service, they understand the unique challenges of working with mid-century architecture.
Best Practices for Masonry Integration
When adding new masonry elements to a 1950s Levittown home, several principles should guide your approach. First, use a mortar mix similar to the original mortar to repoint your masonry building. If you need to repoint your historic masonry house or building, use a mortar mix that is equal to or softer than your historic mortar.
Second, consider the scale and proportion of existing elements. Fronts have sprouted pergolas and porches, roof lines have been raised, pitched, expanded, corniced, and cupolaed. Sides have been carported, breezewayed, broken out, re-covered in redwood, sided in cedar shake, disguised in brick and fieldstone. While these modifications show creativity, the most successful renovations maintain visual harmony with the original design.
Professional Support and Quality Materials
Valley Supply’s family-owned and operated 20,000 square foot facility is fully stocked with a large selection of products from some of the best manufacturers in the industry, including Cambridge Pavers, Dutch Quality Stone, Nitterhouse Brick, Eldorado Stone, and Watsontown Brick. They also offer all of the hardware, tools, and accessories that you could possibly need, such as cement, sand, mixers, trowels, hammers, and much more. Their facility is fully-staffed and employees are extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and are always ready to assist.
This level of expertise proves invaluable when navigating the complexities of period-appropriate renovation. Unlike a big ‘box store’ that carries limited selection and supplies, their knowledgeable staff are experts in this area and know exactly what your project will need from start to finish. Customer service and satisfaction has been their top priority since 1956. They are happy to help calculate how much material you will need for your project and the proper tools needed to complete it.
Preserving Levittown’s Legacy
Renovating a Levittown home is about more than just updating a property—it’s about preserving a piece of American history. This suburban development became a symbol of the “American Dream” as it allowed thousands of families to become home owners. By approaching masonry work with respect for the original design and using appropriate materials and techniques, homeowners can honor this legacy while creating spaces that meet modern needs.
The key to successful Levittown renovation lies in understanding that these homes were designed for adaptability and personalization, but within the context of their era’s aesthetic and construction standards. With the right materials, expert guidance, and respect for the original architecture, new masonry work can seamlessly integrate with 1950s design, preserving the character that makes these communities special while ensuring they remain functional and beautiful for generations to come.