The Homes and Neighborhoods of Walsh

The Arts and Crafts movement came to America in the early 20th century and expanded into architectural design. Architects, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, embraced its simple, handcrafted details. Some of the most common home designs of the Arts and Crafts movement were the Craftsman, the Prairie and the American Four Square. These styles became a favorite of many noted architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright.

The use of a combination of siding, brick and stone was characteristic of these homes. But what was probably the most recognizable feature was the wide porch supported by tapered wooden columns sitting atop stone or brick bases. Exposed roof rafters added to the appeal of these homes, as did the low-pitched roofs with large overhanging eaves. The dormers often contained multiple windows made up of rectangular panes of glass. Leaded or plain glass also featured prominently in the front doors. Many of these houses had charming porte-cocheres leading to detached garages.

The Colonial Revival style of architecture sprang up in the United States in the late 1800s and was popular through the mid-1900s. Reminiscent of English and Dutch prototypes, this style moved into Fort Worth neighborhoods in the 1920s.

Known for its clean lines and simple design, Colonial Revival homes were typically two-storied and rectangular, running parallel to the street. The front door, usually accentuated and having a covered portico or porch, was centered and prominent with equally spaced rectangular windows adding to the symmetrical look of these houses. Some featured a smaller one-story garage or sunroom on one side that was set back from the body of the main house.

As Fort Worth neighborhoods flourished in the 1920s, a different style of architecture became exceedingly prominent in these new neighborhoods. Influenced by Spanish Colonial houses, this new style of Mediterranean homes was vastly popular in southern climates.

Taking a cue from the conventional adobe haciendas found in areas influenced by Spanish colonies, these stucco homes were characterized by red or brown clay Spanish tiles on low-pitched roofs. Ornate iron grillwork often covered the windows and heavy wooden doors. Archways were popular, as were porticos and balconies.

The Mid-Century Modern style was a response by 20th century architects, turning from traditional styles toward a more original philosophy. It was inspired by the unique designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and Bauhaus artists and exhibits contemporary, futuristic features, with an emphasis on function.

Mid-Century Modern homes usually exhibit three prevalent components: a clean, austere aesthetic, an emphasis on bringing the outdoors in, and the expression of angular structures. A home of this style is intentionally designed to diminish decoration and pare down the architecture to its bare essentials. Flat planes, clean lines and minimal ornamentation characterize the exteriors, often featuring monochromatic brickwork with sections of painted siding or stucco accent. Geometric forms and asymmetrical massing are employed to create the signature modernist feel.

The Modern Farmhouse style is a contemporary take on the traditional farm homes constructed during much of the agrarian period of American history and many examples can be found in Fort Worth and surrounding areas. The practicality of the old farmhouse has become popular once again and has spawned the Modern Farmhouse style, which looks to combine the aesthetic of the utility-focused farmhouse with the necessity of modern comfort.

Modern Farmhouse homes usually exhibit three main features: A simple, rectangular structure with added “boxes” as the family grew, lots of windows and large doors to link the outside of the house to the interior, and large covered porches where the family could gather outside.

During the 19th century, the plains and prairies of rural Texas were dotted with simple, functional homes constructed in an architectural style known as Texas Vernacular. Now that style has been given a refresh. Think palatial, rectangular houses with projected porches, stone facades with exposed wooden beams and brackets, and metal roofing. This style can be seen throughout Texas as well as in our favorite Fort Worth neighborhoods.

Walsh is continuing the Texas Vernacular architectural tradition, albeit with a bit of a facelift. Using columns and beams with wide, open spaces between, these homes will take advantage of readily available materials like stone, stucco and siding to become an extension of the natural environment surrounding them.

As a forward-looking community, Walsh welcomes a blend of vibrant, aesthetically pleasing architectural styles in addition to styles previously announced. These styles fall under the category of Transitional and include, but are not limited to, International, Modern and Contemporary.

During the early to mid-20th century, Modern architecture brought a clean, functional and simple design to the housing industry. Architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright designed these homes to blend into their natural environment by using exposed beams, open floor plans and bold, flat roof lines. Often, many rooms would open onto large patios or atriums with the intent of blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.

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.