Shockingly, Spanish Revival is Overlooked as a Contributing Style

Why does it matter?

Ironically, some Committee Members live in Spanish Revival homes, like many others in the Expansion area. Yet, neither the City nor the Neighborhood Committee ever proposed that Spanish Revival styles are Contributing. Neither the Neighborhood Committee nor the CIty uttered the words “Spanish Revival” in any of the 15 Neighborhood Meetings!

For self-proclaimed preservationists, the category Spanish Revival/Eclectic is just sloppy.

Why Spanish Revival/Eclectic?

During drafting, the Committee and/or City realized their mistake, so they snuck in Spanish Revival by hiding it between Spanish and Eclectic.

Spanish Revival Vs. Spanish Eclectic – What’s the Difference

Revival Styles are like purebred dogs. They are not mixed with other breeds:

Poodle
Labrador,
Cocker Spaniel

Eclectic styles are a like a mixed breed, in this case a pure style with something else. Result: Labradoodle, cockapoo, etc.

Eclectic styles are like a pure breed mixed with another breed:

Labradoodle
Cockapoo

Characteristics of Spanish Revival Style

Spanish Revival homes display all of the minimum characteristics of the Spanish Revival Style: low-pitched roof, eaves with little or no overhang, red tile roof, wall surface that extends into the gable without a break, an asymmetrical facade and arches above principal window or beneath porch roofs.

Spanish Eclectic houses have some of the characteristics of the Spanish Revival style.

I worked with Willis Winters to create the diagram above explaining Spanish Revival vs. Spanish Eclectic.

What is the takeaway?

Before considering a CD, CD Expansion, Amendment or any other change, an inventory of the house styles of the affected area needs to be conducted by a qualified, impartial expert. Because the City apparently does not staff such a person, I would suggest architect and architectural historian Willis Winters for any area of the City.