Building Language: Gothic Revival

Gothic Revival. Let’s travel a little farther back in time to discuss the wonderful architectural style of the Gothic Revival. This architectural style was common in the middle decades of the 19th century, featured on both residential and religious architecture. The roof of a Gothic Revival structure is typically gabled, with a steep pitch, and many include ornamental features such as bargeboard. The Gothic Revival structure may feature a first story porch. The windows on a Gothic Revival structure will frequently feature some type of “Gothic” detailing, ranging from pointed, arched windows, a bay window, or an oriel window. Doors on a Gothic Revival may feature similar Gothic detailing. A Gothic Revival structure is frequently of masonry construction, although residential examples may employ a wood frame with wood cladding. Religious examples of the Gothic Revival may include features such as a turret, battlements, and finials.

There are some great extant examples of the Gothic Revival in Indianapolis, several which have been featured on Historic Indianapolis. The first is a residential example on the 1900 Block of Central Avenue. This adorable cottage features a wood frame, with an ornamented gable, an arched central window, and an elaborate first story porch. The steep, cross-gabled roof is also a typical Gothic Revival presentation. It has been noted this may be the only remaining Gothic Revival house left in Indianapolis – so if you can find another, let us know!

The 1857 Christ Church Cathedral, located on the Circle in downtown Indianapolis, is another great example of the Gothic Revival. The steeply pitched, cross gabled roof is the first indication of the structure’s Gothic Revival style. The use of several pointed arched windows, complete with stained glass, and the use of masonry also define this Gothic Revival example. The wonderful history of the Christ Church Cathedral has been featured in other posts, so you can learn more about this Gothic Revival treasure.

Add it to your vocabulary – how might one use today’s Building Language term in their everyday life?