by Architectural Observer | Nov 11, 2016 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture, Observations
Old houses have long been subject to changing architectual trends and fashion. Since its beginning, the United States has been a place of change and experimentation; the fact is just one reason why we have not done so well at preserving our architectural history...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 10, 2016 | Blog, Observations
Indigenous to the Ozark region of Missouri and Arkansas, the stone veneers known as “Ozark Giraffe” are a highly memorable vernacular construction technique. Examples of structures clad in this manner are also commonly found in adjacent areas of Oklahoma...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 8, 2016 | Blog, Observations
A common justification for building anew (as opposed to renovating an existing building) is the claim that the client can get “exactly what is wanted” or that new construction will be a “fresh start” – a chance to “do...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 7, 2016 | Blog, Observations
One doesn’t expect to see Victorian-era row houses anywhere in Kansas, but especially not in the less-populated western half. There just wasn’t much need for a dense, urban, housing type on the wide-open prairie. Imagine my surprise when, 15 or 20...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 6, 2016 | Blog, Observations
The passage of time manifests itself differently on some buildings than on others. This place really intrigues me and, because it’s still standing, there is still hope. One of Stockton, Kansas’ most architecturally significant early houses, this Second...
by Architectural Observer | Nov 5, 2016 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture, Observations
I’m so used to seeing real history destroyed or covered up that it kind of shocks me when I see the reverse happen. This stone storefront is a good example. When I first noticed this building in Hays, Kansas, I was puzzled by the clapboard fake front (complete...
