Architectural Heritage of Cathedral Hill
A guide to the diverse architectural styles that make Cathedral Hill a living museum of American design.
Cathedral Hill and Summit Avenue together form one of the most comprehensive collections of historic residential architecture in the United States. Walking through the neighborhood is like paging through an encyclopedia of American architectural styles from the mid-19th to the early 20th century.
Italianate (1850s-1880s): Among the earliest substantial homes in the neighborhood, Italianate houses feature low-pitched roofs with wide eaves, tall windows with decorative hoods, and balanced, symmetrical facades. The Burbank-Livingston-Griggs House on Summit Avenue is one of the finest examples.
Second Empire (1860s-1880s): Recognized by their distinctive mansard roofs (steeply sloped with dormer windows), Second Empire homes brought a touch of Parisian elegance to the frontier. Several examples survive in the Irvine Park area.
Richardsonian Romanesque (1880s-1890s): Named after architect H.H. Richardson, this style features rough-cut stone, round arches, and massive, fortress-like forms. The James J. Hill House is the most prominent example, but several other Romanesque residences line Summit Avenue.
Queen Anne (1880s-1900s): The most exuberant of Victorian styles, Queen Anne homes feature asymmetrical facades, turrets, wrap-around porches, decorative shingles, and a riot of color and ornament. Cathedral Hill has many fine Queen Anne examples.
Colonial Revival (1890s-1920s): As the Victorian era waned, many architects turned to the restrained elegance of Colonial American design. Colonial Revival homes feature symmetrical facades, classical columns, and refined proportions.
Tudor Revival (1900s-1930s): Drawing on English medieval and Renaissance models, Tudor Revival homes feature half-timbered upper stories, steep roofs, and tall chimneys. The University Club is a notable institutional example.
Beaux-Arts (1900s-1920s): The grandest civic and religious buildings in the neighborhood, including the Cathedral of Saint Paul, reflect the classical tradition taught at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
Prairie Style (1900s-1920s): The Midwest's own architectural contribution, developed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his followers, features horizontal lines, broad eaves, and integration with the landscape. A few examples can be found in the neighborhood.
This extraordinary range of styles within a compact area makes Cathedral Hill an invaluable resource for understanding the evolution of American architectural taste and the aspirations of the people who built these remarkable buildings.