The Neo-Classical Style

The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 featured numerous buildings incorporating design elements from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. The popularity of the World's Fair influenced a generation of architects to work in a classical vein. Buildings at the World's Fair were grandly scaled and used carved stone pediments, columns and central domes borrowed from classical architecture.

A grand building on a grand scale, the 1904-1906 Huntington County Courthouse most closely typifies the architecture of the Chicago World's Fair. Four main entrances are defined by a group of three round arches that reach two stories. Above these, four pairs of carved stone classic columns support a triangular pediment featuring a clock dial. The clock is framed by classical figures carved in stone. The main portion of the building is dominated by a central dome topped by a "cupola" in imitation of a small Roman temple. The massing and arrangement, as in all neo-classic structures, is symmetrical.

Above is an example of a neo-classic residence in brick with painted wood trim. Ornamentation in the form of painted wooden columns is restricted to the main entrance. A painted wood molding forms a band at the base of the parapet wall, which hides the roof and keeps the lines of the building clean and straight. The corners of the building feature projecting squares of brick work call "quoins" (coins) which are borrowed from classical architecture. This is the Charles McGrew house from 1910.

This brick and stone example above is the Boos and Pfeiffer building built in 1904. The building has the clean lines and smooth surfaces we would expect in a neo-classic building. A series of arched windows at the top of the building suggest a classic arcade. Four projecting brick piers topped by limestone trim suggest flat columns or "pilasters" and serve to visually unite the building's three stories.

Another good example of neo-classic architecture in brick and stone. A parapet wall hides the roof and allows for clean, straight lines. Horizontal bands of stone work unite the structure visually. The slightly projecting main entrance features a recessed doorway flanked by carved stone columns. This is the Warren Public Library from 1920.

SUMMARY

Though the Neo-Classical style of architecture changed significantly in the first three years of this century, all buildings in this style have in common the decorative details and a refined sense of proportion that were the hallmarks of ancient classical architecture.

Proceed to the American 4-Square Exhibit.