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A replica of the Formica World’s Fair House in New York City just hit the market in Salt Lake City for $1,599,900.
The midcentury modern home last sold in 2002.
Built in 1964, the five-bedroom residence is nestled in the Northcrest neighborhood known as Pill Hill. When the World’s Fair Formica House prototype was constructed, it was the first home to showcase Formica used for outside and inside walls.
A house with history
The durable and affordable modern material was commonly used for home countertops. The World’s Fair House model was a tad more ambitious, though.
“What they learned from that build is that it is not a good application for the exterior of the home, but it was a great product on the inside,” says listing agent Babs De Lay, of Urban Utah Homes & Estates. De Lay also serves on the Salt Lake City Historic Landmarks Commission.
The version in Salt Lake City was designed by Jim Christopher, a local architect known for several notable buildings in the city.
Although the house was probably once filled with loads of colorful Formica, De Lay notes that it now has just one original piece of the material.
The composite substance, typically found in kitchens and baths, has long been replaced in this home; but a small slab remains in the laundry room.
The light-filled entry showcases vaulted ceilings.
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A glass-enclosed dining area is designed for entertaining
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Unlike the current home on the market, the New York model showcased Formica products in every form—furniture, cabinets, and interior walls throughout the ranch-style build. The Formica World’s Fair Model Home was advertised to offer “a glimpse into the wide applications of its miraculous Space Age laminate.”
Updated abode
As fascinating as it might be to live in a “Space-Age” home, this house is far from just a novelty.
The well-preserved, 4,121-square-foot interior accentuates its midcentury modern design roots. And skylights bathe the open floor plan in abundant sunlight.
Updates have been made to the home’s exterior, kitchen, and bathrooms.
“They added a giant chess board, along with over 12 fruit trees,” De Lay says of the sellers’ additions to the backyard. “It still has doors that are original. All of the windows and lighting are also original. The emphasis on the home is light.”
The cozy living room overlooks an activity terrace.
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The kitchen has modern appliances and high ceilings.
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A glass-enclosed dining area leads to a cozy sitting room with a brick fireplace and built-ins.
The sleek, industrial-style kitchen features stainless steel appliances, light-wood cabinets, and a large center island with a stone top. Nearby French doors give way to an “activity terrace” designed for relaxing. Stairs from here lead to a large lap pool.
The finished, walkout basement offers an additional kitchen and extra room for storage and entertaining.
Buyers will likely appreciate the home’s the location and layout, too.
“I think the next owner might be someone relocating to finish the extra years in their medical journey at the University of Utah,” De Lay speculates. “It could also be someone looking for their forever home, as the main floor has a laundry and a bedroom. It could also be a boomer looking to downsize and enjoy one-level living.”
The home offers indoor-outdoor living space.
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Can you spot the last piece of Formica?
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Exterior view of the lower level that features a chess board and lap pool.
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