About
A popular variant of the Romanesque Revival style emerged in the United States in the later half of the nineteenth century due in large part to architect Henry Hobson Richardson. Borrowing inspiration from eleventh and twelfth century Spanish and French designs, Richardson adapted the style through the use of rough-cut stone, dramatic semi-circular arches, and deeply recessed windows. Richardsonian Romanesque is well represented throughout Minneapolis, especially among churches, civic buildings, and urban mansions. The architecture firm of Long and Kees, credited with many of the remaining Richardsonian Romanesque buildings in the downtown district, adapted and refined many of Richardson’s techniques to design many of Minneapolis’ most prominent landmarks.
Common Characteristics:
- Heavy, rusticated stone materials
- Semi-circular arches
- Deeply recessed windows
- Towers with cone-shaped roofs
- Low, broad arches over arcades and doorways
Richardsonian Romanesque Style in Minneapolis: