Italianate
Inspired by designs of the villas of Italy, the Italianate style surpassed Greek Revival architecture as the most popular mode for homes in the United States by the 1860s and 1870s. It spread throughout the country was enabled by the development of cast-iron and press-metal technology, making the style increasingly affordable. Although most commonly seen in single-family homes, elements of the Italianate style were also applied to multi-family dwellings and storefronts. While there are few surviving pure examples of Italianate architecture in Minneapolis, they remain important evidence to a nation-wide trend in architecture during the late-nineteenth century.
Common characteristics:
- Low-pitched or flat roof
- Square cupola
- Wide, overhanging eaves with brackets and cornices
- Tall, narrow, double-paned windows
- Balanced, symmetrical rectangular shape
Italianate Style in Minneapolis:
Last updated Sep. 27, 2011