The Old Neighborhood Part I

This  attractive single-family house exemplified the pleasant attractive late version of the Queen style, sometimes called the “Princess Anne” because of more modest appearance.  This type of house was popular from the 1890s through the 1920s and many versions can be found in the Westcott neighborhood.  The house has projecting polygonal window bays on the front and south side. The front bay ends the front gable of the cross-gable roof.  The entrance is to the north side and the doorway recalls earlier Georgian and Federal style houses with it two narrow side-light windows flanking the main door.

The house has a small but especially attractive porch. Though exceedingly simple in form, with just thee wooden piers supporting a slightly hipper porch roof,  is it very welcoming and provide a transitional space from the public street to the private parlor. Porches such as this define the Westcott neighborhood, and today are the inspiration for “New Urbanist” architects who attempt to appreciate these forms in the hope of replicating community, in new housing developments.