West Lawn (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Lawn
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West Lawn, October 2010
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 407 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1873-1874 |
| Architect | Burger, J. Adam |
| Architectural style | Second Empire, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003453 |
| Added to NRHP | May 3, 1984 |
West Lawn, also known as the Embassy House Apartments, is a very old and special building in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, between 1873 and 1874. This historic home has a unique design that mixes two popular styles from the past: Italianate and Second Empire architecture.
It has a cool, tall tower with a special roof. Over the years, West Lawn has changed how it is used. It was once a home, then a place for a college group, and now it has been made into apartments. Because it is so important and has such a rich history, West Lawn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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Discovering West Lawn's History
West Lawn was built in the 1870s, a time when many beautiful and grand homes were being constructed. It was designed by an architect named J. Adam Burger. The building stands on about half an acre of land.
For many years, it was a private home. Later, it became a place where members of a college fraternity lived. In 1973, the building was changed again to become apartments. This means many different people have lived and spent time in this historic building over the years.
What Makes West Lawn Special?
West Lawn has a very interesting design. It is shaped like the letter "T" when you look at it from above. The main part of the building is two and a half stories tall. It also has a wing at the back that is also two and a half stories high.
The roof is covered with slate, which is a type of rock. It has a special kind of roof called a mansard roof. This type of roof has four sides, and each side slopes down in two parts. The lower part is steeper than the upper part. This design is a key feature of the Second Empire style.
Architectural Styles Explained
West Lawn combines two popular building styles from the 1800s:
- Italianate: This style often includes tall, narrow windows, wide overhanging roofs, and decorative brackets under the eaves. It was inspired by Italian farmhouses and villas.
- Second Empire: This style is known for its grand look, often featuring mansard roofs, decorative details, and sometimes towers or cupolas. It was popular in France during the reign of Napoleon III.
The mix of these two styles gives West Lawn its unique and impressive appearance. The three-and-a-half-story tower with its own mansard roof is a very noticeable part of the building.
Why Is It on the National Register?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a building like West Lawn is added to this list, it means it is recognized as a significant part of the past.
Being on the National Register helps to protect these special places. It encourages people to preserve them for future generations to enjoy and learn from. West Lawn was added to this important list on May 3, 1984, showing its value to the history and look of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
