Eleanor Dr, San Mateo, CA (19th Avenue Park)
San Mateo
Located in 19th Avenue Park, one of San Mateo’s two iconic Eichler neighborhoods, this custom remodel transformed a classic mid century modern home into a larger, brighter, and more functional living space while preserving the timeless architectural character that defines an Eichler home. GMJ Construction has completed numerous Eichler renovations throughout 19th Avenue Park and the San Mateo Highlands, giving our team extensive experience with the specialized construction methods, post and beam framing, radiant heating systems, and floor-to-ceiling glass that make these homes truly unique. For this Eleanor Drive project, the homeowners wanted to expand the home’s footprint, modernize the

Project Challenges
Expanding Without Losing Character
Adding square footage while maintaining the proportions and clean architectural lines of the original Eichler required careful planning and thoughtful execution.
Blending New Construction with Existing Architecture
The home addition needed to integrate seamlessly with the existing post and beam structure so the finished home would appear as though it had always been designed this way.
Preserving Signature Eichler Features
Maintaining the home’s indoor-outdoor connection, abundant natural light, and minimalist design language remained a priority throughout construction.
Balancing Modern Comfort with Historic Design
The homeowners wanted today’s conveniences, premium finishes, and improved energy efficiency without compromising the timeless simplicity that defines Eichler homes.
Objectives
Expand the home’s living space with a seamless addition.
Create a brighter, more open floor plan for modern family living.
Preserve the original post and beam Eichler architecture.
Install new Eichler-style floor-to-ceiling glass systems.
Completely modernize the kitchen and bathrooms.
Guide the homeowners through every finish selection to create a timeless interior.
Improve energy efficiency while maintaining the home’s mid century modern identity.
Results
Expanded Living Space
The thoughtfully designed addition provides significantly more usable living space while blending seamlessly with the original Eichler architecture.
Modernized Interior
A completely reimagined floor plan, custom cabinetry, premium finishes, and updated systems transformed the home into a modern, functional residence.
Authentic Eichler Character
Original architectural elements including the post and beam framing and expansive glass walls were preserved and enhanced rather than replaced.
Luxury Bathrooms
Floor-to-ceiling porcelain tile, floating vanities, premium fixtures, and timeless materials created elegant spaces designed to remain beautiful for years to come.
Timeless Material Selection
Every finish, from flooring and cabinetry to lighting and plumbing fixtures, was carefully selected with the homeowners to create a cohesive mid century modern aesthetic.
Improved Energy Efficiency
New glazing systems, updated materials, and modern construction techniques improve comfort and performance while maintaining the home’s original design philosophy.
Solutions & Strategy
Design and Planning
GMJ Construction collaborated closely with the homeowners from initial planning through final construction. The existing layout was thoughtfully reconfigured while additional square footage was incorporated into the home without disrupting its original architectural flow.
Every material selection, layout decision, and architectural detail was chosen to complement the Eichler design while providing the functionality expected in a modern home.
Home Addition & Floor Plan
The home’s footprint was expanded to create larger, more usable living spaces while preserving the open feeling that Eichler homes are known for. New construction was carefully integrated into the original structure, ensuring the transition between old and new remained virtually invisible.
The redesigned floor plan improves circulation throughout the home while maximizing natural light and maintaining strong visual connections to the surrounding landscape.
Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen was completely transformed with custom white oak cabinetry, premium quartz countertops, modern appliances, and generous preparation space centered around a large island.
New floor-to-ceiling windows flood the kitchen with natural light while preserving the seamless connection between indoor living spaces and the exterior landscape. Clean lines, minimalist detailing, and integrated storage create a kitchen that feels contemporary while remaining authentic to the Eichler aesthetic.
Bathroom Remodeling
Each bathroom received a complete renovation featuring floor-to-ceiling porcelain tile, floating vanities, wall-mounted toilets, premium plumbing fixtures, and carefully selected modern finishes.
Throughout the design process, GMJ Construction worked alongside the homeowners to select cabinetry, tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, flooring, and accessories that complement the home’s overall architectural style while creating warm, functional spaces.
Preserving Eichler Architecture
One of the defining aspects of this remodel was protecting the home’s original architectural identity. New Eichler-style floor-to-ceiling glass systems were installed while preserving the exposed post and beam framing that gives these homes their unmistakable character.
Natural light, open sightlines, and the relationship between interior spaces and the outdoors remained central to every phase of construction.
Budget and Time Management
GMJ Construction coordinated every stage of construction, from structural work and framing to cabinetry installation, finish selections, and final detailing. Through careful scheduling and consistent communication, the project remained organized while allowing homeowners to participate in every major design decision throughout the renovation.
“GMJ Construction brought our vision to life while preserving everything we loved about our Eichler. The entire process felt collaborative, the craftsmanship exceeded our expectations, and the finished home feels both timeless and completely new.”




















