The early 1900s brought a change in architectural styles to prominent Fort Worth neighborhoods.
This change was due to a well-known Texas commodity – oil. Fort Worth was already home to three oil refineries when gushers began popping up in small surrounding towns. Nine additional refineries were built, making Fort Worth the pipeline center of Texas.
With the oil boom came an influx of money. Development was at its peak with elegant new hotels, multiple-story office buildings, beautifully landscaped schools and neighborhoods being built. Tudor Revival homes, which resembled charming medieval English cottages and country houses filled these stately neighborhoods, as the architectural style that swept across America in the early 20th century made its way to Texas. Regional variations, reflecting the local climate, available building materials and stylistic influences common to the area, were made to enhance the basic Tudor style.
Front facing asymmetrical gables with steeply pitched roofs and multi-paned windows grouped closely together gave these homes a distinctive fairytale look. Half timbering was the most common element, with stucco or brick infilling between the timbers. Façades were easily recognizable by their picturesque asymmetrical gables, especially over the entry.
Walsh builders will feature an updated version of this beautiful home. While the shingled or slated roofs will maintain the typical dark brown or black coloring, the builders will make changes to the exteriors to better incorporate these homes into the natural environment found at Walsh.
Painted brick exteriors in lighter colors and wider windows will allow an abundance of natural light to flow within. Massive, prominent chimneys and multiple or asymmetrical gables will provide the classic Tudor look. Half timbering will be infilled with stucco or brick in a charming herringbone or basket weave pattern. The use of cast stone door and window surrounds, as well as other elements, will provide the traditional architectural details identified with this style.
While drawing from the architecture of Fort Worth’s historic neighborhoods, Walsh’s Tudor Revival homes will seamlessly blend into the neighborhood’s park centric design and lifestyle for decades to come.
By: Diann Nichols
