Historic Building Styles

These images show many styles found in neighborhoods from the early days of Tucson. There are often variations on a basic style. Just like today, the homeowner may have wanted details that didn't conform to a particular style of home. These styles were also found in other parts of the country.  Adobe construction was common before the railroad made bricks available. In later years, the adobe was often covered in stucco and the building restyled as a Queen Anne or Craftsman. The hot weather made ventilation  more important, leading to many large gables with vents, even on hipped roofs. The oldest houses were built  with flat roofs, sometimes now covered with a pitched roof.  American Territorial houses imported elements of homes in the east adapted to local conditions and  materials. For example, brick is commonly used but wood siding and framing were rarely used.  The names of the various styles are not completely standardized. Labeling some styles can be a challenge. Is a house Greek Revival or Sullivanesque? Sullivan used Greek elements in his design.