Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest and largest cities. because of this, the city is full of several types of architectural styles. Beyond the cookie-cutter new development neighborhoods are several amazing historic homes in a vast array of great architectural styles. One of the prominent architectural styles found in Philadelphia is Greek Revival.
What is Greek Revival Architecture?
Between the years 1825 and 1850, the dominant building style for American domestic homes was Greek revival. This style of home building was inspired by the Archeological study of Ancient Greece that happened during that time and the war Greece was fighting for independence from 1821 to 1830. Philadelphia was the first American city to use Greek Revival home design. The Bank Of Pennsylvania built in 18o1 is one of the most recognized and impressive community buildings with this style of architecture. It was constructed by Benjamin Latrobe. Another prominent Greek Revival public building in Philadelphia is the Bank of the United States built in 1818 by William Stickland.
Ridge Avenue has a great collection of Greek Revival homes. The Valentine Keely House on Ridge Avenue is thought to be the best example of a pure Greek Revival home. The development of roofing materials such as metal allowed for the more shallow pitched roofs that are characteristic of Greek Revival homes. This allowed for a half window on a third floor which dominated Greek Revival houses and construction of most homes in Philadelphia built just before the Civil War.
Defining Attributes of Greek Revival Homes
- tall columns
- pediments
- symmetrical shapes
- decorative window embellishments
- ornate front door embellishments
- decorative window shutters
- half-height third-floor windows
- shallow pitched roof
- gabled or hipped roof
Popular Spots to Find Greek Revival Homes
Possibly the most notable area of Philadelphia to find Greek Revival homes is Society Hill. This is one of Philadelphia’s most historic neighborhoods. The neighborhood has a great collection of meticulously kept-up Greek Revival historic homes. Some homes date back to the early 19th century and we can only imagine the amazing stories they hold. The iconic Lemon Hill Mansion is one of Philadelphia’s most popular Greek Revival homes. The cobblestone streets and seemingly perfect gardens found in Society Hill help lend to the perfectly charming historic atmosphere.
How Can a Buyer Find a Philadelphia Greek Revival Home?
If you are looking for a Greek Revival home in Philadelphia, you want to work with an expert in Philadelphia real estate. You want to work with a local Philadelphia real estate agent who focuses on knowing the city’s real estate better than anyone else to help their clients find the home of their dreams.
The team at Victory Real Estate run a boutique real estate agency that provides the best service and knowledge in both buying and selling homes. To find Greek Revival homes as soon as they hit the market contact the team at Victory Real Estate today.