by Architectural Observer | Oct 15, 2017 | Blog, Observations
The best way to experience “flyover country” is to drive through it. Here are a few scenes which caught my eye this afternoon in the center of the nation: ...
by Architectural Observer | Oct 12, 2017 | Blog, Observations
An early 20th century commercial building, though modest, still retained its original wood double-hung windows until recently. Built in 1917, the Commercial Style structure is typical of many storefronts of its era. The large double-hung windows, an integral part of...
by Architectural Observer | Oct 1, 2017 | Blog, Observations, Projects
Historic preservationists understand the term “stabilization” to mean putting the brakes on further decay of historic structures by making them watertight, structurally braced, and resistant to animals, vegetation and vandals. Also known as...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 24, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses
The “Westly”, a popular kit house by Sears, was offered throughout the ‘teens and 1920’s. Its overtly Craftsman porch supports and balustrade make it memorable and easily recognizable. The following Westly, built in Holdrege, Nebraska, had...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 23, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses
Last weekend I happened by a J-6 house by the Harris Brothers and it occurred to me that we previously had only see the front and side of the house in period material and contemporary photos. What does the back of one of these look like? Will the back match the...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 23, 2017 | Blog, Observations
When Louis Sullivan coined the term “form follows function” in 1896 he could not have been thinking of these recently constructed “senior apartments” – though the structure aptly illustrates his observation. The form of this building...
