Pottlitzer House facts for kids
The Pottlitzer House is a special historic home located at 801 Brown Street in the Centennial Neighborhood of Lafayette, Indiana. It was built in 1893 by Leo and Minnie Pottlitzer. This house is unique because it blends several different architectural styles, making it stand out.
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What Makes the Pottlitzer House Unique?
The Pottlitzer House is a great example of late 19th-century architecture. It combines elements from three distinct styles:
- Colonial Revival: This style looks back to early American homes, often featuring symmetrical designs and classic details.
- Chateau: This style takes inspiration from grand French castles, sometimes including towers or elaborate roofs.
- Queen Anne: This popular Victorian style often has towers, turrets, and decorative details like patterned shingles.
How Much Did It Cost to Build?
When the Pottlitzer House was built in 1893, it cost $9,000. That might not sound like much today, but it was a lot of money back then! In today's money, that would be about $260,000. This shows it was a very grand and expensive home for its time.
Special Features of the House
The house has many interesting features that show its unique design. Look for the finials, which are decorative ornaments often found on top of roofs or gables. The house also has large gables (the triangular parts of a wall under a sloping roof) with detailed sculptures.
One of the most notable parts of the Pottlitzer House is its tall spires on the roof. These spires are very rare. In fact, they are the only known example of this style on a residential house in Lafayette.
A Recent Challenge
In early 2015, the Pottlitzer House faced a challenge when it caught fire. The fire caused significant damage to the back of the building. Despite this, the house remains an important part of Lafayette's history and architectural heritage.
