CO,MA has been diligently working on the property on Avenida de la Playa, originally designed by the renowned architect Russell Forester. Collaborating closely with the project’s designers, Johnston Marklee, we are striving to register this property as historic with the city of San Diego and ensure that the restoration design meets the city’s requirements. Additionally, we oversee that the lifestyle envisioned for the project aligns with our client’s interests.
Russell Forester (1920-2002) is celebrated for his residential and commercial buildings, including the first mid-century modernist Jack-in-the-Box restaurant. Trained under Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Forester brought the Bauhaus style to California. His work is distinguished by the use of light — both figuratively and literally — in rhythmic patterns across the surfaces of his architecture and artwork. His practice focused on perception, space, light, proportion, and texture.
Mid-century modernism diverged from previous architectural styles by eschewing applied ornamentation in favor of well-designed interiors that blurred the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. By integrating homes with their landscapes, these interiors became known for their spaciousness and visual harmony. Emphasizing functionality and interior-exterior integration, mid-century modernist homes, including those designed by Forester, are recognized for their strong and distinctive personalities in San Diego’s architectural landscape.
Through our combined efforts with Johnston Marklee, CO,MA aims to honor Forester’s legacy while ensuring the restoration and preservation of this historic property.