Homes from the Past

A Midcentury Gem Tucked Between the City’s Hustle

Tucked between the bustle of I-215, the Valley Fair Mall, the DMV, and a busy Costco lies one of West Valley City’s most remarkable hidden gems — the Westshire neighborhood. Though surrounded by the noise of modern commerce, this quiet pocket feels like a step back into thoughtful design and timeless style.

Built in the 1960s, Westshire is home to 160 strikingly original, midcentury modern homes. More than 60 years later, their charm endures. Designed by Utah architect Ronald L. Molen and constructed by Research Homes, these houses were ahead of their time — and in many ways, still are. With features that favored aesthetics, light, and functionality, Molen’s designs offered something entirely different from the split-level and rambler styles common in that era.

From the start, the homes were affordable — originally selling for just $17,000 to $25,000 — but stood out thanks to their unique character. Hallmarks of Westshire homes include sunken living rooms with built-in benches and fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air atriums, and aggregate stone entryways. Many have built-in furniture, including bunk beds, platform beds, and even fireman poles in children’s rooms.

Molen’s philosophy was simple: bring the basement up, shift the home’s orientation toward the backyard, and make space not just for living, but for enjoying life. Twelve homes even included swimming pools, and most featured decks or patios designed for connection with nature and family.

Decades later, these homes have been lovingly cared for by owners who appreciate their originality. Some homeowners have waited years for the chance to buy here. Today, design enthusiasts and preservationists admire the neighborhood for its authenticity and vision.

Westshire isn’t just a place to live — it’s a community. Annual pancake breakfasts, shared garage sales, and flowerbeds at the entrance (lovingly maintained by residents) reflect a sense of togetherness that’s rare in modern neighborhoods. Some homes have swim pools, some

Good design never goes out of style — just like a classic song or a little black dress. And in Westshire, that enduring beauty is not only preserved but lived in every day.