Victorian Eclectic Architecture
Victorian Eclectic Architecture consists of various elements of Victorian Architecture, all put together to form one, unique style. This style of structure hit its peak between 1870 and 1900 when these homes were being built. Victorian Eclectic Architecture was made of all types of characteristics that this style could not be contributed to any other category of Victorian Architecture. In Phoenix these are some of the oldest homes in the valley with a few in the Roosevelt historic district and others scattered about in downtown Phoenix and even north Central Phoenix.
The three styles the contributed most to Victorian Eclectic Architecture are Gothic, Italianate, and Queen Anne styles but also features smaller elements of other types of Victorian Architecture. These architectural structures are broader in their characteristics and size compared to other styles of architecture during this time. Victorian Eclectic Architecture consists of such a broad combination of characteristics that it is not an approved style of architecture according to the California Office of Historic Preservation.
This type of Victorian architecture is square and symmetric in its shape with a low-pitched, pyramid shaped roof. The eaves that extend off of the roofs of the structure usually contain brackets that help add to the decoration of the building.
The pointed arched, particularly in the roof is reflective of Victorian Gothic Architecture. The windows that are frequent throughout the structure have semicircle arches that it a decorative feature to the structure. The windows were usually individually placed throughout the structure, not multi paned and had metal panes surrounding each window. One significant feature that most Victorian Eclectic Architecture consisted of was an Oriel window, a unique decoration of this style structure.
The doors were typically carved of wood with ornamentation and commonly stained. The homes were usually painted white with another colored trim around the house. At times, a third color was used to trim the metal frames of the windows.
To help get an understanding of Victorian Eclectic Architecture, it is important to know the elements of Victorian Architecture that this style consists of. Gothic style drew inspiration from Western Europe and added dark features of the medieval era.
This style had emphasis on the vertical features of windows and roof-lines. Italianate style came from the Federal Era which combined aspects of Victorian aesthetic and combined them with traits of Roman architecture such as arches as well as pediments. Porches were made a decorative feature of the Italianate style of architecture and decorative eaves were common trait.
Then finally, one of the most recognizable styles of Victorian Architecture is the Queen Anne style. This style became popular around the same time as Victorian Eclectic Architecture, peaking between 1870 and 1900. One of the unique features of the Queen Anne style that was contributed to Victorian Eclectic is the Oriel window. Also the exterior framing what a significant aspect of Queen Anne style Victorian Architecture.
A way to view Victorian Eclectic Architecture is by looking at it as one of its popular nicknames. Gingerbread style homes are an alternative name and it gets this name because of its attention to detail of the decorative features of the home. Most Victorian Eclectic Architecture resembles this storybook style home.
In Phoenix quite a few examples of Victorian Eclectic architecture can be seen in the Roosevelt historic district.
Read about the architectural styles in Phoenix.
