The Spanish Colonial Revival Architectural Style
There is an large, increasing interest in Spanish revival architecture throughout California. Although it began to grow in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century, the mission revival style and colonial revival styles are still emulated by people when building their homes and public establishments in the present day. These are the same historic real estate for sale you may see today.
Why do people continue to use this Spanish style? I argue that the Spanish colonial style represents the very beginnings of the United States on the west coast, and this time in the US history continues to spark people’s imaginations. The aesthetic elements are iconic, and people still commission architects to create the homes of their dreams in this style.
Once the opening of the Panama Canal was completed, the Spanish Colonial Revival style was formed in the United States in the 1900’s. The novel Ramona was another great influence on the popularity of this architectural style. The early North and South American Spanish colonies brought with them from their mother country a particular style of architecture. It was this such style that was modernized to accommodate for the new century in the US.
Between 1915 and 1931, this style become all the rage. Movie stars in Hollywood would request to get their Hollywood hills homes constructed to replicate this style. This style was mainly instituted in single-level detached homes. Even my grandmother has one of these homes in California in the bold color of pink!
The Spanish Colonial Revival style is quite similar to the Spanish Mission Revival style, however each has their key differences. Influenced not only by the arts and crafts movement that was the foundation of these architectural styles, they are also similar to the pueblo techniques of the west and southwest. It is a highly noticeable, recognizable style with its use of smooth plaster, chimney finishes, stucco walls, clay tile roofs, terra cotta and concrete ornaments. Other elements include porches and balconies, Roman arcades and fountains, and canvas awnings.
George Washington Smith was the most important Spanish Revival architect in California who applied his techniques during the 1920’s and 1930’s. Possibly his most celebrated house, the Steedman House in Montecito, CA is now a museum called the Casa del Herrero.
There are other architects who transferred the Spanish style across the world. For example, there is the lovely Spanish Revival building in St. Louis by the architect T.P. Barnett. He was the son of George I. Barnett who was another famous architect in St. Louis.
The T.P. Barnett building is particularly interesting because it also has Art Deco influences, making it one of the most unique buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. Certainly the next time you’re in St. Louis, you need to visit this Spanish Revival building on Washington Avenue.






































