Renaissance Revival

Example of Renaissance Revival Style.

The Equitable Building in Denver.

Renaissance Revival, also known as Italian Renaissance, is best identified by the horizontal divisions, usually defined by belt or string courses, and the different treatment in each division.  This is sometimes accomplished by using different materials for each story or section and by changing window surrounds, shapes, or sizes.  The Equitable Building in Denver is the textbook example.  Arcades and arched openings, quoins, projecting cornices with modillions and dentils, and engaged columns and piers also characterize this style.

Simpler examples are less ornate and smaller in scale.  They do, however, employ some of the same details, particularly arcades, quoins, and enriched cornices.  This style was most common in Colorado between 1900 and 1930 and is distinguished from the Classical Revival by its lack of monumental porticos and columns.

Common elements:

  1. horizontal division
  2. belt/string course
  3. arcades
  4. modillions
  5. enriched cornice
  6. quoins
  7. dentils

<< Colorado's Historic Architecture & Engineering Guide