by Architectural Observer | Nov 29, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Likely built in the 1870’s, this surprisingly small Second Empire style house definitely thinks big as it displays details more typical of a house five times its size. Built of native stone in the Kansas vernacular, the house has languished for years, appearing...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 26, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Sometimes I’m drawn to the kitschy and camp as well as the practical and refined. I’m generally not a fan of vehicles of any sort, but earlier this fall friends showed me the interior of their recent acquisition… a 1978 Delta Motorhome. I was...
by Architectural Observer | Oct 30, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Happy Halloween, everyone! Have you ever wondered why it is that popular opinion has long viewed old houses as creepy, scary and almost certainly “haunted”? Many will be quick to blame television — or Hollywood in general — but movies are only...
by Architectural Observer | Oct 1, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Recently I attended a birthday party for a retired friend — the location of which was his outdoor entertaining area. A multi-year construction project, the site is now nearing completion. Built entirely from scrap or otherwise salvaged items, the structures...
by Architectural Observer | Sep 8, 2019 | Blog, Observations
A Craftsman bungalow — built with a stucco exterior — is in the process of being clad in vinyl siding. In a presumed effort to facilitate the installation, all of the original stucco is being removed. Amazingly, the stucco had never been painted and...
by Architectural Observer | Jul 10, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Much like porch alterations, replacement doors have the ability to change the way a house looks or is perceived. Unfortunately, most people just buy what they like and give little thought to maintaining the architectural integrity of the exterior when purchasing a new...
