Scottsdale Blvd Master Model Homes (May 2013)

We nearly purchased a former Master Model Home on Scottsdale Blvd. It was beautifully renovated, but an inspection revealed multiple problems, indicating lackluster updating of the infrastructure.
17732 Scottsdale Blvd:

The house was designed in the Pennsylvania Farmhouse style by the firm of Fox, Duthie and Foose.

We were willing to live without central air conditioning because the house had a steel frame and concrete floors. It was designated a City of Shaker Heights Landmark on 8/27/1984, with a plaque near the front door to prove it.
As a former Master Model Home, it was one of eight built on Scottsdale Boulevard in 1928, sponsored by the Plain Dealer (the main Cleveland newspaper) and the Home Owners' Service Institute of New York. All were designed by the firm of Fox, Duthie and Foose.

The other homes include 17725 Scottsdale Blvd:

Designed in the American Colonial style.

18108 Scottsdale Blvd:

Designed in the Urban French style.

18302 Scottsdale Blvd:

Designed in the Rural English Cottage style.

18305 Scottsdale Blvd:

Fortunately this house was on a corner to allow another view:

Designed in the English Studio style.

18320 Scottsdale Blvd:

Designed in the French Norman or French Country style with stucco exterior.

18421 Scottsdale Blvd:

Designed in the American Colonial/Colonial Revival style.

18716 Scottsdale Blvd:

Designed in the Rural English Cottage with Tudor-style half timbering and leaded-glass casement windows.

The Shaker Building Card Index shows that the homes were built by the Robert V. Clapp Company. They originally had steam heat and asbestos roof shingles. Some of the homes still have the asbestos shingles, including the one we had wanted to buy.