by Architectural Observer | Dec 13, 2017 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture, Observations
When houses in a neighborhood are built by the same developer (and at roughly the same time), they tend to look a lot alike. Some developers will make an effort to introduce a little variety, either by changing exterior colors or materials, or sometimes by using...
by Architectural Observer | Dec 9, 2017 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture, Observations
At first glance this house in Council Bluffs, Iowa, appears to be a Tudor Revival from the 1920’s or 30’s Closer inspection reveals that the house began as an 1880’s Queen Anne. Sorry about the photo quality… these images were taken...
by Architectural Observer | Dec 5, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
A building which retains its architectural integrity is one which has been maintained as it was built and intended to be. When buildings are altered through remodeling or the installation of “maintenance -free” windows or siding, integrity is compromised....
by Architectural Observer | Dec 4, 2017 | Blog, Observations
It’s always exciting to discover a new type of architectural depravity (hat tip to Seth!) which I had not previously encountered. Such discoveries typically involve the loss of architectural integrity which is not exciting, but I’m getting used to...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 28, 2017 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture, Observations
We’ve all seen them. And with the proliferation of both Big Box home “improvement” stores and infomercials posing as television programs about restoration, renovation and design, we’ll continue to see even more of them: entry doors which are...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 22, 2017 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses, Observations
I recently ran across a house in McDonald, Kansas, which looked oddly familiar. Pretty sure I’d seen this facade before… maybe a Sears kit house? So I took a photo. After some digging, I found what I was looking for. To me, the house at first appeared...
