Italianate style emerged along with the Gothic Revival buildings
as a rebellion to the restrictive formality of earlier classical ideals. The
style used rambling, informal Italian farmhouses as models for the picturesque
movement. Italianate style was promoted in architectural guide-books by Andrew
Jackson Downing. Calvert Vaux and William H. Ranlett. Italianate was the style
of choice in Saint John after the great fire of 1877. Prince William Street
was designed one of only four national streetscapes, because it has the best
collection of Italianate commercial architecture in Canada.
Massing
Height to Width Ratio:often equal - commonly square in plan. Roof: low pitch often wiyh cupola Facade Arrangement: horizontal emphasis with wide overhanging eaves, window grouped
, arched openings common; based on Italian farmhouses. Rhythm: regular spacing, usually symmetrical placement of elements, sometimes in pairs.
Elements
Entry: central location usually with roman arch (round) opening
, with double doors with roman arched glazed transoms instead of sidelights. Windows: tall and narrow, most commonly roman arch but sometimes segmented arch. Roof: wide overhanging eaves supprted by elaborate brackets often in pairs. Chimney: elaborate chimney pots and corbel bands. Dormers: rare usually replaced by cupola.
Details
Entry: paired doors usually with 4 panels (2 of glass) and roman arched transom, in elaborate frame with brackets. Windows: usually 2/2 with roman or segmented arch and elaborate entablature with brackets. Porch/Verandah: usually full width and only one storey unless combined with a tower, elaborate brackets on simple columns with chamfered corners. Walls: wood shingles or clapboard siding. Roof/Wall: wide overhanging eaves supported by elaborate brackets, often in pairs commonly placed on a deep fascia band which is also often enhanced with panels or mouldings. Walls: usually brick (Italianate was the prominant style after the Great Fire of 1877.)
