ITALIANATE STYLE, ca. 1850 - ca. 1890 The Italianate style was a popular national style from the mid- to-late 19th century. The style was influenced
by rural villas and urban architecture of Italy and promoted by a number of notable American architects such
as Alexander Davis and Andrew Downing. Italianate dwellings in Elgin are generally two stories in height
with low-pitched gable roofs and wide eaves. Characteristics of this style include elaborate eave brackets,
segmental arched windows, and decorative hood molding. Porches with ornate milled columns and railing are
also common on these dwellings. There are several fine examples of this style in both the Elgin and
Spring/Douglas Historic Districts including 320 N. Spring Street and 469 Douglas Avenue.
