Italianate

Italianate Style Architecture along I-94 BL in Marshall
This style of architecture is the most common historic commercial architecture found in Michigan. It was built from the 1860s - 1890s. The commercial form of the Italianate style was popular for several reasons. By the late 1800s bricks were being manufactured in many Michigan communities and were readily available as a building material. The issue of public safety was also an important driving force in the trend toward brick construction. Fires were a constant danger, and once ignited easily spread through entire downtown sections comprised of wood frame structures. A town only had to experience such devastation once to be convinced that brick construction was preferable.

Characteristics

• The typical Italianate Commercial structure is two to three stories high and one to two storefronts wide. (In large cities the structures tend to be grander in scale).
• The buildings were constructed side by side often with a shared common wall.
• The windows are tall and narrow and evenly spaced on the building with decorative hoods over the top.
• The cornice line is the most embellished part of the building.
• Bricks laid in a geometric pattern project out from the wall and spires often rise up from the corners.
• The cornice is lined with brackets and other carved features which extends away from the roof.
• At the time of construction the ornamental features of the building would have been painted a contrasting color.
• The building itself even though constructed of brick, would have been painted. Locally produced brick varied in quality and the application of paint helped protect it from the elements.

Another example of Italianate Style Architecture along I-94 BL in Marshall