The Federal style, named for the new American republic, evolved from the more ornate English Georgian style but appeared as a strong and dignified, simple and restrained statement of its own outstanding merit. Three variants existed: Jeffersonian Classical, Regency, and Adam, the most common locally.

FORM: simple rectangle, 2 to 3 stories, usually symmetrical, with occasional small portico (porch) supported by smooth columns, round or square.

ROOF:  medium pitch gable, or hip, sometimes rimmed by a balustrade; ridge parallel to street: no overhang, minimal cornice.

ENTRANCES: emphasized by small porches with classical columns or flat, fluted pilaster; supporting a triangular pediment; door flanked by narrow sidelights whose panels of glass and wood matched those of the door.

WINDOWS: double-hung, small panes 6 over 6, shuttered, often trimmed with a slightly emphasized header (architrave); elliptical fanlight transom and side lights flanking the main entrance were common nationally, rare locally.

CORNICE: often classical with accentuated dentils.
 

202 S. Huron, c.1840 2004

211 N. Huron, c.1840 2004