Structures which read as disorderly or awkward compositions are often victims of remodeling projects in which the maintenance of architectural integrity was not a top priority. Exhibiting a form of architectural psychosis, such structures are increasingly commonplace. Here are six examples:
Alterations include a porch enclosure and the loss of original windows. Replacement windows are small and lack consistency. New siding will presumably cover the scars at some point, but the fenestration will remain forever awkward. And what about that gable end? I’m torn as to whether it was built this way or started out as a gambrel roof which was later normalized. Either way, the composition is awkward.
This house, a Queen Anne Free Classic, has lost some of its architectural integrity. A series of alterations including a side dormer, a side addition, two periods of replacement windows, and a modern slab door leading to a roof deck without a balustrade have left it a bit frazzled. The wide replacement siding helps to unify the changes but simultaneously erodes original character.
The distinction between mass and void becomes a bit murky on some structures.
Changes in the masonry – along with window spacing – make it clear that this small church once boasted a corner tower. Care was taken to at least make an effort at matching the masonry; even the original stylized quoining was duplicated. A new entry between floor levels was simultaneously created.
It’s hard to say what exactly happened here, but it appears that this started out as a three-story structure with Craftsman detailing which was later modified with small replacement windows and brick veneer (at the basement level as well as the first two stories). The third story is clad in asphalt shingles while a blank dormer inexplicably emerges from the roof. The porches appear to be a work in progress.
Perhaps an early motel? This place, and a similar one adjacent to it, appear to have been converted to storage units. The infilled windows give it a very forlorn appearance.
I am not a big fan of demolition but in #5’S case I might make an exception. YIKES!! and #1 – where would you start to fix it since it looks like it was muddled as constructed. what were they thinking especially at that roof peak. makes it look like a haircut that needs a trim.
The only thing I could think of to improve the appearance of the gable end on #1 would be to remove the diagonal siding and replace it with vertical tongue-and-groove bead board (car siding would also work). The diagonal patterning really detracts in my opinion. Turning the porch back into a porch would also greatly improve things!