Historic mission churches built by Spanish colonists inspired the turn-of-the-century house style known as Mission, Spanish Mission, or California Mission.
Photo © 2005 Jupiterimages Corporation
Owls Club Mansion is an especially elaborate example of Mission Revival architecture in Tucson, Arizona
Spanish Mission style houses have many of these features:
- Smooth stucco siding
- Roof parapets
- Large square pillars
- Twisted columns
- Arcaded entry porch
- Round or quatrefoil window
- Red tile roof
About the Photo:
Shown here is the Owls Club Mansion, an especially elaborate example of Mission Revival architecture in Tucson, Arizona. Architect Henry Trost modeled the home after a design by Louis Sullivan. Completed in 1902, the house is decorated with geometric patterns, parapets with ornamental drainpipes, and other details inspired by historic Spanish mission churches.About the Mission Revival Style:
Celebrating the architecture of Hispanic settlers, Mission Revival style houses usually have arched dormers and roof parapets. Some resemble old Spanish mission churches with bell towers and elaborate arches.The earliest Mission style homes were built in California, USA. The style spread eastward, but most Spanish Mission homes are located in the southwestern states. Deeply shaded porches and dark interiors make these homes particularly suited for warmer climates.
By the 1920s, architects were combining Mission styling with features from other movements. Mission houses often have details from these popular styles:
The term Mission style may also describe the Arts & Crafts furniture by Gustav Stickley.Learn more about Mission architecture:
- California Mission Studies Association
This Web site is a good source for exploring the old Colonial missions that inspired Victorian mission style architecture. - California Mission History
Web site with history, maps, photos, and links for California's colonial era Mission architecture.