Classical Revival

Classical Revival architecture is a romantic style that makes use of elements found in Greek and Roman buildings from antiquity.

Popular in Edmonton from 1905 to 1915, the style combines classical architecture from ancient Greece and Rome with ideas from the Renaissance. Characterized by order, symmetry, formal design, grandiosity, and elaborate ornamentation, this style of architecture represented an appearance of strength and stability. Due to the size and grandeur of the buildings, the Classical Revival style is most commonly seen in public buildings, though some residences display elements as well. The intricate and ornate detailing is quite impressive when compared to many of the other simpler styles of the time.

Characteristics

Broad expanses of plain wall surface
Masonry walls (usually light in color)
Decorations include quoins, pilasters, columns, garlands, floral patterns and shields
Symmetrical facades
Arches or lintels above doors and windows
Porticos supported by classical columns

Details

Character Defining Elements

Arched Windows, Architrave, Balconette, Balcony, Balustrade, Brackets, Brick cladding, Brick structure, Carving, Chimney, Clock tower, Columns, Cornice, Cupola, Date stone, Dentil, Dome, Entablature, Flat roof, Giant columns, Hipped dormers, Hipped roof, Intersecting gable roof, Irregular footprint, Keystone, Lintel, Mansard roof, Marquee sign, Nailed frame structure, Oculus window, Parapet, Pediment, Pendant, Pilaster, Plinth, Porte cochere, Portico, Pyramidal roof, Quoins, Rectangular footprint, Reinforced concrete structure, Returned eaves, Rock-faced stone, Rusticated stone, Scagliola, Skylight, Smooth stone, Stepped parapet, Stone cladding, Stone structure, String course, Stucco cladding, T shape footprint, Three storeys or more, Two storeys, Veranda