Franny KnightHistoric Homes & Neighborhood Storyteller

Architecture

Know Your Kansas City House

An illustrated introduction to house styles. Dates and neighborhood examples are preliminary and awaiting research review; images are illustrations, not documentary photographs.

Illustration inspired by Kansas City Shirtwaist architecture

1900–1920

Kansas City Shirtwaist

  • Brick or stone first floor
  • Frame or shingled second floor
  • Deep full-width porch

Find it in: Hyde Park, Volker, Old Hyde Park

Illustration inspired by American Foursquare architecture

1895–1930

American Foursquare

  • Boxy 2½ stories
  • Hipped roof with dormer
  • Four rooms per floor

Find it in: Longfellow, Valentine

Illustration inspired by Craftsman Bungalow architecture

1910–1930

Craftsman Bungalow

  • Low pitched roof
  • Exposed rafter tails
  • Tapered porch columns

Find it in: Waldo, Brookside, Blenheim

Illustration inspired by Tudor Revival architecture

1915–1940

Tudor Revival

  • Steep front gables
  • Half-timbering
  • Arched entry, leaded glass

Find it in: Roanoke, Countryside, Armour Hills

Illustration inspired by Colonial Revival architecture

1900–1950

Colonial Revival

  • Symmetrical facade
  • Centered entry with fanlight
  • Double-hung windows

Find it in: Sunset Hill, Armour Hills

Illustration inspired by Victorian architecture

1870–1900

Victorian

  • Tall proportions
  • Decorative millwork
  • Bay windows

Find it in: Pendleton Heights, Historic Northeast

Illustration inspired by Queen Anne architecture

1880–1905

Queen Anne

  • Asymmetrical massing
  • Turrets and wraparound porches
  • Patterned shingles

Find it in: Historic Northeast, Union Hill

Illustration inspired by Spanish Revival architecture

1920–1935

Spanish Revival

  • Stucco walls
  • Clay tile roof
  • Arched openings

Find it in: Country Club District pockets

Illustration inspired by Prairie Style architecture

1900–1925

Prairie Style

  • Horizontal emphasis
  • Wide eaves
  • Ribbon windows

Find it in: Rockhill, Southmoreland

Illustration inspired by Mid-Century Modern architecture

1945–1970

Mid-Century Modern

  • Flat or low-slope roof
  • Walls of glass
  • Open plan

Find it in: Red Bridge, Prairie Village

stay curious

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