Spanish revival architecture is hugely popular in California, and increasingly across the nation. The mission revival style and colonial revival styles grew in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century, but people today still chose to emulate the Spanish style when building their homes and public establishments.
Why are people still using this Spanish style? Because the Spanish colonial style symbolizes the early beginnings of the United States on the west coast. This particular time in US history continues to intrigue people\’s imaginations. Although the artistic elements are emblems of times long gone, people still commission architects to create the home of their dreams in this Spanish style.
Once the opening of the Panama Canal was completed, the Spanish Colonial Revival style was formed in the United States in the 1900\’s. The novel Ramona was another great influence on the popularity of this architectural style. The early North and South American Spanish colonies brought with them from their mother country a particular style of architecture. It was this such style that was modernized to accommodate for the new century in the US.
Between 1915 and 1931 this style was all the rage, and movie stars in Hollywood clamored to get their Hollywood hills homes built in this style. Mostly the single-level detached home saw this style. On a personal note, my own grandmother has one of these homes in California, and it\’s pink!
Although, the Spanish Colonial Revival style is quite similar to the Spanish Mission Revival style each has their own key differences. They are influenced by the arts and crafts movement which was the foundation of these architectural styles. They are also similar to the pueblo practices of the west and southwest. It is an extremely evident and recognizable style. It has distinguished features such as the use of smooth plaster, chimney finishes, stucco walls, clay tile roofs, terra cotta and concrete ornaments. Other components include porches and balconies, Roman arcades and fountains, and canvas awnings.
George Washington Smith was the most important Spanish Revival architect in California who applied his techniques during the 1920\’s and 1930\’s. Possibly his most celebrated house, the Steedman House in Montecito, CA is now a museum called the Casa del Herrero.
There are other architects who transferred the Spanish style across the world. For example, there is the lovely Spanish Revival building in St. Louis by the architect T.P. Barnett. He was the son of George I. Barnett who was another famous architect in St. Louis.
The T.P. Barnett building is particularly interesting because it also has Art Deco influences, making it one of the most unique buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. Certainly the next time you\’re in St. Louis, you need to visit this Spanish Revival building on Washington Avenue.
Art Deco and Spanish Mission Style Architecture is part of some of the classic buildings of Missouri. To download the original plans of the Thomas P Barnett Historic Building or go here to find out more about St Louis Commercial Real Estate For Sale
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