Introduction
The George E. Eckel / Leonard M. Smith Spec House No. 1 is historically and architecturally significant for its embodiment of Modern Ranch residential architecture that characterized Southern California, San Diego, and Mt. Helix in the 1950s and 1960s; and for its association with post-WWII development patterns of Mt. Helix; as a masterful representation of the work of George E. Eckel and Leonard M. Smith; and lastly, for its association with Robert K. Castetter and Marjorie Bruce Castetter, important people in the growth of California Western School of Law.
The property qualified for historical designation under the following criteria:
- V. (b)(1) for its association with development patterns of the greater Casa de Oro-Mt. Helix community in the Modern Ranch period (circa 1935-1975). The period of significance under this context and criterion is 1959, from completion of construction, through 1975, the end of the Modern Ranch period.
- V. (b)(2) for its association with Robert K. Castetter and Marjorie Bruce Castetter, important people in the growth of California Western School of Law. The period of significance under this context and criterion is 1963 through 1985, the Castetters’ active involvement in the school’s growth while residing in the subject property: gaining full accreditation for the school, bringing high-quality students and faculty to the school, and significantly increasing the school's reputation in the legal community.
- V. (b)(3) for embodying the distinctive characteristics of Modern Ranch residential architecture in the greater Casa de Oro-Mt. Helix community. The period of significance under this context and criterion is 1959, completion of construction, through 1975, the end of the Modern Ranch period.
- V. (b)(3) for representing the work of George E. Eckel and Leonard M. Smith. The period of significance for this context and criterion is 1959, completion of construction.
