2001 HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENT
Redlands Area Historical Society
321 Normandie Court
Charles D. Martinez, owner
1926
One of the original 16 petite houses built by F.E. Corson and C.R. Hudson on Normandie Court. This is a fine example of French “Chateaux” Eclectic and was the first home occupied in this development. It features a steeply pitched crossed-hipped roof with no overhang, casement and double hung windows, stucco walls, stuccoed chimney with a reversed progressive step pattern, and a prominent round tower. The tower houses the principal doorway and is capped with a metal “Candle-snuffer”.
The houses in this subdivision were originally offered as rentals and this first home was occupied by Wilbur and Margaret Schall in 1926. The “Redlands Daily Facts” advertisement stated that inquires could be made at 321 Normandie Court which would indicate that the Schall’s would be available to show the other homes.
Each Normandie Court home was built with a single car garage. The homes were fully landscaped and could be rented furnished or unfurnished. Although built as rental they maintained their own separate legal identity in order to accommodate future individual sales. According to the San Bernardino County Archive records the homes remained as rentals until about 1949 when individual owners began purchasing lots.
Charles Dan Martinez purchased 321 Normandie Court in January 2000 from Michael and Suzanne Sneary. According to Dan, the Sneary’s are responsible for the renovation of the home. Dan has restored the original red oak hardwood floors and currently is remodeling the kitchen in old country French style.
The Redlands Area Historical Society commends the Snearys and Dan Martinez for their wonderful stewardship of this unique home.
Researched and written by Rosa E. Gomez and Liz Beguelin.
