An Eichler, without the atrium

I thoroughly enjoyed your Eichler story [“A Rousing Encore for the Eichlers,” March 3]. My father and stepmother were the first buyers of the last seven homes that Joseph Eichler built in 1974. For this last subdivision in Los Altos, he did build two homes without an atrium. Ours was one of them.

Instead of an atrium we had a huge great room with a double-sided fireplace. Shortly before our houses were finished, Mr. Eichler passed away and his son concluded the project.

I do have a few memories of meeting Mr. Eichler during construction. He was very nice and always took time to walk us through our house.

By the way, almost all of the teenagers on the street used their front window to sneak in and out of the house.

SANDRA FELDNER VANDERGRIFF

Thousands Oaks