Like the Beaux Arts style, Neoclassical Revival was inspired by the mammoth White City of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Neoclassical Revival designs, although less ornate than Beaux Arts buildings, are still noted for their extravagant and eclectic use of historical details. The Neoclassical Revival emulated Greek and Roman architecture, looking back also at the Federal or Jeffersonian periods, but added extra classical details for both large public buildings and small temple-like dwellings. This conservative style represented stability and strength and was frequently used for banks, libraries, museums, government buildings, and institutes of learning. The style was very popular between 1890 and 1920.
Identifying Features:
The most predominant features of Neoclassical Revival buildings are massive columns and decorated capitals, usually Ionic or Corinthian. Other features of this formal style include:
- Monumental in appearance, usually in a temple form
- Smooth stone finishes
- Full-length porches that rise to the top of the building
- Balconies and pedimented porches on the front facade
- Balustrades
- Elaborate cornices
- Symmetrical, with rectangular rooms
- Rectangular Shape
- 2 to 3 stories
- Central Entry-Hall Floor plan
- Siding made with Vinyl, Faux Stone, and other composite materials
- Roofline often has Cross-gables and Dormers
- Palladian windows and Semi-circular Fanlights
- Double-hung windows with Decorative shutters
- Temple-like Entrance common; Portico topped by Pediment
- Dentil moldings
The style was first used on houses for the wealthy but trickled down to middle class homes in the twentieth century.
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