Spanish Colonial Revival Style Architecture
There is an large, increasing interest in Spanish revival architecture throughout California. Although it began to grow in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century, the mission revival style and colonial revival styles are still emulated by people when building their homes and public establishments in the present day. These are the same historic real estate for sale you may see today.
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.
The Spanish Colonial Revival style was created in the United States in the 20th century, and it was sparked after the opening of the Panama Canal. The novel Ramona also had a great influence on the popularity of this architectural style. The early Spanish colonies of North and South America had their particular style of architecture brought from the homeland, and this style was then updated to accommodate the new century in the US.
Between 1915 and 1931, this style become all the rage. Movie stars in Hollywood would request to get their Hollywood hills homes constructed to replicate this style. This style was mainly instituted in single-level detached homes. Even my grandmother has one of these homes in California in the bold color of 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 significant Spanish Revival architect in California. He applied his techniques during the 1920′s and 1930′s. The Steedman House in Montecito, CA is possibly his most celebrated house and isnow a museum called the Casa del Herrero.
But there are other architects who took this Spanish style across the globe. Take for example a lovely Spanish Revival building in St. Louis, by the architect T.P. Barnett, son of George I. Barnett; another famous architect in St. Louis.
The T.P. Barnett building is very interesting because it also contains Art Deco influences, which makes it one of the most astonishing buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. The next time you’re in St. Louis, you will certainly need to visit this Spanish Revival building on Washington Avenue.
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