Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

SaveFailsafe t1_ithdh0k wrote

Reply to comment by WildfellHallX in Have you recently had your formstone painted? How much did it cost? by ThisAmericanSatire

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