Architectural Style
American Foursquare
1895–1930
Style Overview
American Foursquare in the SGV.
Early-twentieth-century American vernacular style that produced large numbers of modest two-story homes throughout American suburbs from roughly 1895 through 1930. The SGV inventory is significant, particularly in the older neighborhoods of Pasadena, South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia. The Foursquare overlaps with the Craftsman in some examples, sharing interior detailing including built-ins, wood paneling, and beamed ceilings, and is often mistaken at first glance for Colonial Revival before closer inspection reveals the boxier proportions and the full-width porch.
Characteristics
Identifying American Foursquare.
- Cubic two-and-a-half-story massing
- Hipped or pyramidal roof with central front dormer
- Four roughly equal rooms per floor around a central hall
- Full-width front porch with substantial columns
- Modest exterior decorative trim
- Wood clapboard, shingle, or stucco cladding
- Frequent Craftsman, Prairie, or Colonial Revival detail influences