by Architectural Observer | Jan 14, 2019 | Blog, Observations
The impact original window sash can have in an historic building in terms of enhancing and maintaining architectural integrity is enormous yet frequently undervalued. In addition to the shape and size of the window openings themselves,...
by Architectural Observer | Dec 27, 2018 | Blog, Observations
OK, I’ll admit it; the house we’re about to look at was never a great piece of architecture. But it did have its own character which was reflective of the mid-century suburban neighborhood in which it was built. My issue with the house is not that it was...
by Architectural Observer | Dec 23, 2018 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
While Abilene, Kansas, has long been noted for its many fine Victorian-era houses and colorful early cow-town history, not much (if any) attention has been given to the plan book and manufactured kit origins of some of the town’s houses. The town is primarily...
by Architectural Observer | Dec 23, 2018 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses
Robert W. Shoppell was one of many successful plan book publishers in the late nineteenth century. Surviving houses built from the mail-order plans he sold through his New York-based Co-operative Building Plan Association can be found throughout the country. In...
by Architectural Observer | Dec 9, 2018 | Blog, Observations
When I was in my teens I was given a small book by my parents who understood my passion for nineteenth century buildings. Published around 1900 or so by the Red Oak Commercial Club (which I’m guessing was something akin to the Chamber of Commerce) the book,...
