Seeing as how the English Tudor Cottage stories and photos are among the most often viewed files here on the blog, I thought I would share an article and drawings that ran in The Oregonian homes section on December 20, 1925 (click on the image to enlarge). Interesting to note that plan sets like this were available in abundance. Every week, the newspaper focused on a different house style: the narrative describing each house could have been the same for every story, favoring words like roomy, inexpensive, tasteful, convenient. If you live in a Tudor, does this floor plan and design look familiar?
From The Oregonian, December 20, 1925
Alameda Old House History 
Going west on NE Fremont the other day, I noticed a new construction at the intersection across from Alameda School. Is that a re-do or a tear down? It’s different; I’m sure not very popular with the neighbors. I remember that property as having the prize rose beds.
Hi Shirley: The lot at the corner of NE 29th and Fremont was a vacant lot (which still sported some nice roses until recently) up til a year or 18 months ago, when it was partitioned off and the city approved the “skinny house” design for that spot. I’ve watched construction closely and can only agree that the neighbors must not be very happy, particularly the house to the east. Another example of a skinny house (a wide side yard lost to development) is on the east side of NE 22nd between Fremont and Klickitat. Go have a look at that. Would be interested to hear what other readers feel about the infill development trend in Northeast neighborhoods…
I’m all for infill, and all for skinny houses. I live in Sabin, where the original housing stock is generally not as fine as what was built in Alameda, but regardless of whether the house to either side is a 600-square-foot tumbledown Queen Anne or a perfect large bungalow, I’d just as soon not see more of the same in the vacant spot in between.
We have amazing opportunities with infill to incorporate new architectural ideas and building methods. I’m always sorry to see a brand-new slavish imitation of some old style.
Something is lost with infill and increased density, there’s no doubt about it; to my mind, however, what’s lost may be overdue to go away: resource-hungry yards, inefficient houses, and a “country squire in the city” aesthetic that’s not valid for our times.
There are several wonderful mid-century modern houses along Alameda Ridge that must have once shocked and dismayed the neighbors, but over time, everyone seems to have moved on. I’m sure it will happen again.
I just found your website which will be invaluable for the lecture that I am designing on storybook houses in Portland. I am taking the Alameda walking tour that includes all the stairs so I will get a feel for the neighborhood. Can I contact you about specific houses and their history?