First, let us just say: We are not architects. We’re just real estate guys who love the historic homes in Downtown Phoenix and have made them a core part of our business. We welcome feedback and comments to this piece from those who know more than we do when it comes to historic architecture. That said, we’d like to give you our take on what is Revival style architecture in Phoenix.
What is Revival Style Architecture?
Most Revival literature suggests it’s the incorporation or echoing of previous design styles in a new design. For example, a Tudor Revival incorporates elements of the grand Elizabethan Tudor homes and a Mission Revival contains visual aspects found in the Spanish Missions.
Often, the elements that make us say, “That’s a Revival style home” are very subtle and then there are times when it’s pretty obvious. Remember, most of the homes built in Phoenix during the early 1900’s were fairly small. Builders and architects had to balance interesting design with affordability and scale.
Let’s take a brief look at the major revival style architecture found in the downtown Phoenix area.
TUDOR REVIVAL:
A client’s young daughter summed up Tudor Revival when she said, “I like the houses with the pointy roofs best.” Tudor Revival homes are known for the following elements:
- Steep, multi-gabled roof lines• Steep, multi-gabled roof lines
- Decorative half-timber framing
- Massive chimneys
- Windows in groups of two, three or four, often multi-paned and sometimes arranged in a diamond pattern
MONTERREY REVIVAL:
This is a blend of Spanish and Colonial styles and some of the most common elements are:
- Two-story and often rectilinear
- Low-pitched gable roofs covered with shingles or red clay tiles
- Projecting cantilevered second floor balconies with wood railings
- White plaster walls
PUEBLO REVIVAL:
These homes contain characteristics associated with Native American designs and often feature:
- Thick, round-edged walls
- Flat roof with no overhang
- Multiple Levels
- Rounded parapet rising above the roof line
- Clay spout to carry water off the roof
- Some have “vegas,” timbers embedded in the design or used as support element
- Door and window openings often designed to look deeper than a regular home
MISSION REVIVAL:
This is a style containing elements found in the California Missions. We don’t see too many of these homes in Phoenix as many were lost to fire and time, however the most comment design elements are:
- A façade front that tries to capture the mission feeling
- Generally, a rectangular shape
- Often two-story structure
- Likely to carry some arches in the facades and windows
SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL:
An eclectic style that blends Mission, Spanish, Pueblo and other Southwest influences. Architect Bertram Goodhue was an early influencer presenting the style at the 1915 San Diego Panama Exposition. Since it’s a blended style, it’s often hard for us non-architects to recognize, but in general they:
- Are either one- or two-story
- Have smooth exterior walls
- Feature a lower roof line and rectangular shape
- Sometimes are lengthy, like a ranch-style home
AMERICAN COLONIAL REVIVAL:
These homes are very rare in Phoenix. They are easily recognized as looking like they belong in New England rather than the Southwest. Some of the basic elements include:
- Symmetrical facade
- Rectangular shape
- Two to three stories
- Brick or wood siding
- Simple and classical detailing
- Gable roof
- Pillars and columns
BUNGALOW STYLE:
There are numerous versions of the basic bungalow. The most common are the California and Craftsman Bungalow. The California often has more decorative finishes. Bungalows are often found in the Coronado Historic district and Roosevelt Historic district. The basic design elements include:
- 1.5 stories
- Most of the living spaces on the ground floor
- Low-pitched roof and horizontal shape
- Living room at the center
- Connecting rooms without hallways
- Mostly symmetrical front porches
Naturally there are other revival style architecture styles found around town but these are some of the most prevalent. You will find lots of pictures of these homes in the various articles and video tours we’ve written about the historic districts. We hope this has been both entertaining and educational as we tried to answer the question…what is revival style architecture?
The Caniglia Group
7600 N 16th St #100
Phoenix, AZ 85020
602-428-5687