Mission Architect

Originated in southern California, the Mission architecture was the first style to diffuse from the West to the East. The style was viewed as the California counterpart to the Georgian-inspired Colonial Revival well-known in Northeast. The Mission phenomenon of the Arts and Crafts movement was not only limited to California, Florida and the Southwest; some states with Spanish past have used it. It was adopted by both the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe Railways for train stations, resort hotels and other rail corridor buildings. The many variants of this style became popular after the Panama-California Exposition in San Diego, California, in 1915.

How is Mission Architecture Style Different?

Widely used throughout the Southwest and Florida, it features:

• Mission-shaped dormers or roof parapet; wide, overhanging eaves, exposed rafters and red-tiled roof
• Stucco walls, arched windows and doors on ground level.
• Whitewashed walls, courtyards, and heavy decorative detailing
• Vaguely Moorish towers
• Round arches recalling a mission cloister
• Plain but functional interiors
• Fireplace
• Some art glass

Mission Style Buildings

These structures below were built during the first half of the 20th century.

1. Las Vegas. New Mexico. Castenada Hotel
2. Kingman, Arizona. AT & SF Railway depot
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico. AT & SF Railway Depot
4. Redlands, California. Smiley Public Library. The central tower hints Italian Renaissance style as well.

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