The majority of historic buildings in Springfield are simple frame vernacular structures with limited stylistic detail. Most of these buildings are two-story with a gable or hip roof and exterior walls covered with various types of wood siding or shingles. Almost all of these structures have one or two-story porches. However, many of these frame vernacular structures have certain exterior features reflective of a particular architectural style, predominantly the Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Prairie School and the bungalow. The few masonry vernacular buildings in Springfield are primarily brick or stucco commercial buildings with flat roofs and fixed glass storefronts. Seventy-five percent of the historic buildings in Springfield were constructed before 1921 with the majority after that date being constructed north of Eight Street. Most of the architectural styles popular during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are represented in Springfield including Bungalow, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial Revival, Classical Revival, Mediterranean Revival and Prairie School.
This directory of styles is a general description of the major architectural styles found in Springfield. The glossary in the appendices define many of the architectural terms used in the description of styles. There are several factors that may affect the dating of houses or buildings based on style. First may styles have persisted over a long period of time or lingered beyond their period of popularity. Second, many older houses have been "modernized" resulting in a change of style. For example, many of the frame vernacular buildings may originally had certain sylistic features such as gingerbread and other decorative trim that were later removed.
Also, during the first quarter of the century, there has been a mixing of stylistic elements resulting in fewer "pure styles". Therefore, care should be taken when trying to date or attach a specific style of architecture to an older house or building. A good architectural style book such as A Field Guide to American Houses, by Virginia and Lee McAlester (New York, 1984) are valuable in providing an explanation of the characteristics of each style, as well as the period of popularity.
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FRAME VERNACULAR (1880-1930)
Frame vernacular is the common wood-frame construction of self-taught builders. This type of architecture is the product of the builder's experience, available resources, and responses to the local environment. Vernacular architecture predominates in Springfield.
Frame vernacular architecture in the three districts exhibits common features. The ground plan of buildings is generally regular, rectangular in form, with the narrow side frequently facing the street. Prior to 1920 height was two stories, but afterwards often diminished to one story. Framing rests on pier foundations, commonly brick or concrete block. Exterior sheathing is usually horizontal wood siding, either weatherboard or drop type. Roof types are gable or hip covered with V-crimp or embossed sheet metal or composition or asbestos shingles. Brick chimneys are common features. Windows are double-hung sash, either 1/1 or 2/2 light. Doors are panel type, and entrances are unadorned. One-story full facade width, entrance porches and verandas are common. Some porches have upper galleries, and frequently contain decorative features such as jig-sawn brackets, spindles, and other woodwork. Many frame vernacular buildings in Springfield exhibit at least some stylistic details. The most common influences are the Colonial Revival; the Bungalow, and the Queen Anne.
Characteristics:
1. Plan: regular, rectangular.
2. Foundation: Pier, brick or concrete.
3. Height: two stories; post-1920 one story.
4. Primary exterior material: horizontal wood siding; less common wood shingles.
5. Roof type: gable, hip.
6. Roof surfacing: sheet metal, composition shingles.
7. Ornamentation: simple; usually jig-sawn woodwork on porches or around eaves; corbeling on chimneys.
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MASONRY VERNACULAR (1900-1930)
Masonry vernacular buildings are generally brick or stucco and are either one or two stories in height. In Springfield, most are small apartments or commercial buildings with fixed glass storefronts, dating from the 1910-1920 period. Ornamentation is simple, usually cast concrete detailing or decorative brick work such as corbeling. Roofs are usually hip or flat built-up types with parapet on commercial buildings.
Characteristics:
1. Plan: regular, rectangular.
2. Foundation: continuous or slab (commercial), brick or concrete.
3. Height: two stories (apartments); one-two stories (commercial).
4. Primary exterior material: brick, common or running bond; stucco, rough texture.
5. Roof type: hip; flat with parapet (commercial).
6. Roof surfacing: composition shingles; built-up, commercial.
7. Ornamentation: simple; usually cast-concrete or ornamental brick such as corbelling.
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BUNGALOW (1910-1930)
The Bungalow is a common domestic building style in Springfield. The earliest American Bungalows appeared in the 1890s, but they only became widespread after the turn of the century when plans began to appear in such publications as Bungalow Magazine and The Craftsman. Bungalows came in various shapes and forms, but small size, simplicity and economy generally characterized the style. The Bungalows in Springfield generally have a rectangular ground plan, with the narrowest side oriented toward the street. They have gently sloping gable over gable roofs that face the street. A variety of exterior materials are employed including weatherboard, shingles, and stucco. There are often lattice roof vents in the gable ends. The porches are dominated by short, oversized, tapered or square columns which rest on heavy brick piers connected by a balustrade. Rafter ends are usually exposed and often carved in decorative patterns to combine structure and ornament. Wood sash windows usually have three lights in the upper unit and one in the lower, although there are many examples of multi-light sash or casement windows.
Characteristics:
1. Plan: regular, rectangular, usually oriented with the narrow side facing the street.
2. Foundation: brick pier or continuous brick or concrete block.
3. Height: one story; belvedere, two stories.
4. Primary exterior material: horizontal wood siding, shingles; less frequent stucco.
5. Roof type: gable main roof over gable porch roof; shed dormers frequent secondary roof type; less frequent multiple gable, belvedere.
6. Roof surfacing: composition, asbestos shingles.
7. Ornamentation: simple; exposed structural elements (ridge beams, truss work, rafters, purlins); knees braces; battered porch piers; tapered chimneys.
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COLONIAL REVIVAL (1900-1930)
The Colonial Revival style, which became popular around the turn of the century, is prevalent throughout Springfield. In Springfield it was a strong influence on vernacular architecture. The Colonial Revival style traces its roots to the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, where many of the exhibit buildings sought to revive and interpret historical "colonial" types. These structures were rich in borrowed details, based largely on the classical tradition that produced the styles now known as "Georgian," "Federal," and "Jeffersonian." The major elements of these styles were symmetrical facades, prominent porticos, molded details in bas-relief, rectangular windows with small panes, and fanlights over the front door.
Colonial Revival style buildings in the three districts are generally two to two-and-one-half stories in height. Most are symmetrically massed and exhibit a tall hip roof and hip dormers, as well as a one-story full facade entrance porch or veranda. One variant, the Dutch Colonial Revival, features a gambrel roof. Decorative elements include columns of various orders, balustrades, modillions and dentils. Entrances often feature transoms, fanlights, sidelights, plinth, fluted pilasters, hoods, pediments, and other detailing. Windows are usually double-hung sash with 1/1 or 3/1 lites, although there are some with lattice upper sash. Bays and oriels are frequent. Exterior fabrics include brick, weatherboard; drop siding; and shingles.
Characteristics:
1. Plan: regular, rectangular or nearly square.
2. Foundation: brick piers or continuous brick.
3. Height: two to two-and-one-half stories.
4. Primary exterior material: horizontal wood siding, shingles; less frequent brick.
5. Roof type: hip; hip dormers frequent secondary roof type; gambrel roof on Dutch Colonial Revival.
6. Roof surfacing: embossed sheet metal or shingles; composition, asbestos shingles.
7. Ornamentation: classically derived--columns, balustrades, modillions, dentils. Entrance detailing--transom, sidelights, fanlights, ornamental woodwork--common.
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QUEEN ANNE (1880-1910)
The Queen Anne, the most picturesque of late nineteenth American domestic styles, is present in Springfield, both in its pure form and through its influence on vernacular buildings. The Queen Anne style is characterized by a variety of forms, textures, colors, and materials. The basis for the Queen Anne style can be traced to England, but it developed its own distinctive character in America. Like Colonial Revival, it was introduced to the general public at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and was well received. It was widely publicized in illustrations and press reports, and American architects began to employ the style which reached its zenith of popularity in the 1880s and 1890s.
Queen Anne style houses in Springfield are wood frame structures sided with a variety of wooden materials, principally shingles, weatherboard and novelty siding. Irregular massing of building and roof forms are hallmarks of the style as are extensive use of verandas and wood trim. Roof types include gable, hip, pyramid, and cone (for towers), and roofs feature details such as dormers, tall brick chimneys and roof cresting. The windows are usually irregularly placed, and although double-hung sashes are typical, there may be many light configurations, particularly in the upper sashes. Art glass is a common window and door material.
Characteristics:
1. Plan: irregular.
2. Foundation: piers, brick.
3. Height: two to two-and-one-half stories.
4. Primary exterior material: various: horizontal wood siding, shingles.
5. Roof type: multi-planed, gable most common; towers, gables, turrets common secondary roof structures.
6. Roof surfacing: sheet metal, embossed; composition, asbestos shingles.
7. Ornamentation: A variety of woodwork, including finial, pendants, brackets, scrollwork, trusses, verge boards, panels;
a variety of textures, fish scale, other shingles; and variety of color.
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PRAIRIE (1909-1930)
Another important style associated with a number of buildings in Springfield is Prairie. Jacksonville probably has more Prairie Style influenced architecture than any city outside the Midwest. The Prairie style house, which developed in the American Midwest at the beginning of the twentieth century, owed much of its inspiration to the English Arts and Crafts movement. Horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, bands of windows, and unity between house and landscape were strongly emphasized. The architect most closely associated with the Prairie style in Jacksonville is Henry John Klutho, a native of Illinois, who moved to the city after the great fire of 1901. Klutho introduced the style locally and designed the highest quality examples. His own home is located at 30 West Ninth Street. Other local architects borrowed the style and applied it well into the 1920s.
Characteristics:
1. Plan: irregular.
2. Foundation: continuous.
3. Height: two stories.
4. Primary exterior material: stucco.
5. Roof type: low-pitched hip roof with wide, projecting eaves.
6. Roof surfacing: composition shingles.
7. Ornamentation: geometric detailing: leaded panes or lights in windows; wrought-iron railings, grills; column capitals
and cornices; pediments; fascia; cast-metal brackets. Florid, Sullivanesque ornament.
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MEDITERRANEAN INFLUENCE (1915-1930)
The roots of Mediterranean influenced architecture in Florida can be traced to the Spanish, Spanish Colonial, and Moorish Revival hotels in St. Augustine developed by Henry Flagler and others during the 1880s. Spanish and other Mediterranean influenced styles were popularized during the Panama-California International Exposition at San Diego in 1915, and by the 1920s had swept California and the southwest. The most important early twentieth century Mediterranean building in Florida was Villa Vizcaya in Miami, which was drawn from Italian precedents. One of the most significant architects associated with Mediterranean influenced architecture was Addison Mizner, who designed a number of Spanish Colonial Revival buildings in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and other Florida cities.
The Spanish Colonial Revival, Mission, and other Mediterranean influenced styles were among the most common in Florida during the Boom of the 1920s. As a result, few examples are found in Springfield since much of the neighborhood was already developed at that time. Identifying features include red tile roofs; stucco exterior walls; straight or arched windows; iron window grilles and balconies; arcades; ceramic tile decoration; and ornate, low-relief carving highlighting arches, columns, window surrounds, cornices, and parapets.
Characteristics:
1. Plan: irregular.
2. Foundation: continuous.
3. Height: two stories.
4. Primary exterior material: stucco.
5. Roof type: hip roof; flat with curvilinear parapet (Mission).
6. Roof surfacing: barrel, French interlocking tile.
7. Ornamentation: plaster and terra cotta detailing highlighting arches, columns, window surrounds, cornices, and parapets;
wrought iron grilles, balconies, and balconets.
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CLASSICAL REVIVAL (1900-1930)
Classical Revival is an adaptation of classical Greek temple front and other details added to a variety of structures. Its popularity in America can be traced back as far as 1798 with the designs of William Strickland and, somewhat later, those of his pupil, Robert Mills. Its popularity survived until the Civil War and has seen numerous revivals since that time. Examples of the style in Springfield feature two-story porticos with monumental columns that support a full entablature. A centrally placed balcony frequently appears at the second floor and cornices are decorated with dentils or modillions. Windows are generally 1/1 wood double-hung sashes, and the main entrance is centrally placed with a transom. Exterior fabric is either weatherboard or drop siding.
Characteristics:
1. Plan: regular, rectangular or nearly square
2. Foundation: piers or continuous, brick.
3. Height: two to two-and-one-half stories
4. Primary exterior material: horizontal wood siding
5. Roof type: low-pitched hip.
6. Roof surfacing: embossed sheet metal or metal shingles;
composition, asbestos shingles.
7. Ornamentation: classically derived; full-facade height ionic columns, balustrades, medallions, dentulous. Entrance detailing--transom, sidelights, ornamental woodwork--common.
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MINOR STYLES
Tudor (1915-1930)
The Tudor Style is loosely based on a variety of late Medieval English prototypes. The American expression of the Tudor emphasized steeply pitched, front-facing gables which are almost universally present as a dominant facade element. Many Tudor style buildings have ornamental half-timbering, executed in stucco, masonry, or masonry veneered walls. Uncommon before World War I, the Tudor became widely popular after World War I as masonry veneering techniques allowed even the most modest examples to mimic closely the brick and stone exteriors seen on English prototypes. There are few examples of the style in Springfield.
Collegiate Gothic (1900-1930)
The Collegiate Gothic is closely related to the Tudor and is derived from the frequent application of the style educational buildings, particularly those located on college campuses. The principal example of the style in Springfield is the Corinne Scott Elementary School at 1951 Market Street.
Eastlake (1880-1910)
Among the nineteenth century styles found in Springfield is Eastlake which takes it name from Charles Lock Eastlake, who developed it. It features intricate wood details: porch posts, balustrades, verge boards, pendants, and other decorative elements characterized by a massive and robust quality. Wooden decorative elements were products of the power lathe and saw.
Carpenter Gothic (1880-1920)
The Carpenter Gothic style was popularized in the United States, beginning in the 1830s, with publications based on the designs of Andrew Jackson Downing, Alexander Jackson Davis, and, somewhat later, Richard Upjohn. The major identifying characteristic of the style is the extensive use of sawn wood details based on "Gothic" prototypes. The style was naturally, closely associated with the designs of churches, but it was widely used for houses as well. The best example in Springfield is St. Mary's Episcopal Church, erected in 1913.
Egyptian Revival (1920-1930)
An example of a rare building style in Florida is the Egyptian Revival Scottish Rite Temple at 965 Hubbard Street. Typically, it exhibits a smooth, plain exterior finish. The walls incline and the windows are tall and straight-headed. Ancient Egyptian designs are inscribed in the stone at the entrance and massive stone eagles stand guard at the corners of the roof.
Second Empire (1880-1910)
The Second Empire style takes its name from the reign of Emperor Louis Napoleon in France and was popularized by the urban renewal plans in Paris by Baron Georges-Eugene Haussman during the 1850s and 1860s. Its major feature is the mansard roof, usually combined with a great variety of classical and baroque decorative motifs. The only example in Springfield is the City Water Works building at 1000 Main Street.
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