The Certigrade House
The 'Certigrade House' became nationally famous in 1938 when plans for its construction in Arlington, Virginia were announced
It became the first home in the U.S. to qualify for a loan under the auspices of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a New Deal” agency established in the Roosevelt Administration.
The 'Certigrade House' became nationally famous in 1938 when plans for its construction in Arlington, Virginia were announced. It became the first home in the U.S. to qualify for a loan under the auspices of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a New Deal” agency established in the Roosevelt Administration.
The Certigrade House was a prototype model to demonstrate to both contractors and banks that new homes could be built economically. It was part of the FHA's efforts to stimulate a long-term residential construction program. The modern ranch-style home had a listed price in 1938 of $2,500.
The house was built on a lot located at 5411 North 11th Road and was completed in 1942 by the Certigrade Company, a large lumber and timber milling business in Portland, Oregon. It was constructed entirely of Douglas fir and red cedar wood. This made it pleasantly aromatic, but also highly resistant to water damage, wood rot, mold, fungus, insects, termites, and rodents.
Since the house was issued FHA Loan No. 1, it was no surprise when the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, came to Arlington and conducted the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In 2011 the house was sold to a developer as a tear down. Despite the Certigrade House's notable history, preservationists were unable to prevent the house from being demolished.
Sources:
1. “The California Lumber Merchant” - March 1938
2. The Washington Post, Style Section, “Haunting at Overlee pool in Arlington shows past is still part of community’s future” P.1 June 13, 2012
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