Greek Revival style became prominent as architects and builders
promoted the classical proportions of Greek temples as symbols of stability
and optimism of Colonial expansion. The style of choice for banks; the temple
form was very adaptable and was used on plain farmhouses / homesteads, 1 1/2
storey homes, stately townhouses, and formal mansions. This style was promoted
in American Builders Companion (Ashler Benjamin) and the Builders
Assistant (John Hariland) which illustrated the Greek orders and components
of Greek temples.
Massing
Height to Width Ratio: classical proportions,
wider than high, style of choice for banks. Roof: gable or hipped, low slope, fascia band emphasized. Facade Arrangement: classical simplicity door featured
extensive use of columns, approximately 25% openings. Rhythm: often created by a colonade of columns or regular
window repetition.
Elements
Entry: central location, more dominant than windows, often
with a pediment and columns or palisters. Windows: vertical sliders, symmetrically placed, often
with pedimented entablature or decorative cresting. Roof: low slope most often gabled with returned eaves. Chimneys: one or two at each end symmetrically placed. Dormers: rare, usually gabled with pediment or returned
eaves.
Details
Entry: 4 or 8 panel door, with a heavy pedimented entablature
supported by classical columns, with Doric, Ionic or Corinthian
capitals. Egg and dart design often incorporated in mouldings. Windows: divided by muntins to give 6 panes in each sash.
Frame trim is often tapered with "eared" moulding. Porch: usually with a pedimented roof supported by an even
number of columns with Doric, Ionic or Corinthian capitals. Walls: early buildings in wood with wide corner boards,
later buildings in brick/sandstone with quoin stones and pilasters
at corners. Roof/Wall: Wide fascia divided to create frieze and architrave
often with egg and dart mouldings and acanthus leaves.
