Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

WildfellHallX t1_ith4efc wrote

Why did formstone become a thing, anyway?

19

SaveFailsafe t1_ithdh0k wrote

It was patented in Baltimore and at the time was considered a cleaner, more modern look than brick. It also protected the brick and provided a measure of insulation and weather resistance. Exposed brick needs semi-regular maintenance. Slap formstone on top and the brick underneath is pretty much good forever.

26

WildfellHallX t1_ithf3i8 wrote

Aha! So pretty much a Baltimore phenomenon, with not much adoption elsewhere. Hard to imagine that it ever looked "modern" to anyone.

13

SaveFailsafe t1_ithgcgw wrote

Yeah, I wonder what the future will consider this generation's shag carpet and faux-wood paneling.

9

danhalka t1_ithrnhf wrote

The answer is gray wood-look LVP flooring and shiplap.

41

chairmanm30w t1_itizo7d wrote

I think about that a lot. Also, I try to imagine if something I consider beautiful because of its age, like the Victorian row houses in Charles Village, was ever considered an unfortunate new development similar to how some people see luxury apartments today. I also try to picture what things will be admired in the future. Are people going to be psyched about an early 21st century McMansion in 50 years?

5

wbruce098 t1_ithmjii wrote

Different times, and red brick was not only everywhere, but “old fashioned” (I remember growing up surrounded by old, fairly ugly red brick and swearing I’d never buy a house made from that!). I think there’s a similar style in a few of the other east coast cities like NYC from around the same time, but this has definitely become a classic look… when well preserved and updated.

5

fireslayer03 t1_ithcw9x wrote

Cheap to build with gave a nicer appearance than brick also fun fact it was a Baltimore company

8

Obasan123 t1_itj78mh wrote

A lot of the less expensive row houses were built with a cheaper brick that was soft and permeable. Formstone was added to protect the structures.

Never could figure out why our first home in West Baltimore was a brick row house with a very imposing door surround added in Formstone. I hated it in those days because the rest of the house had a sort of Colonial appearance and then this big, ugly gray fake door surround.

It goes in and out of style. For a long time people didn't want to do anything to change it because it was regarded as a sort of folk art thing like having painted screens or blue window shades.

3