ITALIAN RENAISSANCE REVIVAL / MEDITERRANEAN REVIVAL (1890-1935)
The earlier of the two, Italian Renaissance Revival is probably an outgrowth of the Italianate style discussed earlier. Italian Renaissance Revival in its more academically pure form is sometimes referred to as Second Renaissance Revival. The Villard Houses (1883) in New York City by McKim, Mead, and White are considered the first examples of the style. Italian Renaissance Revival structures tend to be more archaeologically correct versions of high-style Italian architecture than the preceding Italianate style, although fairly free adaptations can be found. The freer adaptations are often classified simply as Mediterranean Revival. This classicizing trend is motivated by the same concerns that brought about a renewed interest in the Classical and Colonial Revivals of the same period.
The first Italian Renaissance Revival building of note in Denver was the Equitable Building (1890) on 17th Street. An excellent example of high-style Italian Renaissance Revival is the U.S. Mint (1897) at 320 West Colfax Avenue, by James Knox Taylor. This building draws obvious design inspiration from Quatrocento Florence, using the Medici’s Palazzo Riccardi (1444-1460) by Michelozzi and the Palazzo Strozzi (1489-1539) by Majano and Cronaca as precedents. An excellent example of the freer Mediterranean Revival style is the Morris-Wood-Bonfils House at 707 Washington Street.
Defining characteristics:
• Stucco or masonry
• Low-pitched tile or flat roofs
• Quoins
• Roofline balustrades
• Classical door surrounds
