Vernacular L-type

Circa 1880-1893 in Aspen
The term “vernacular” refers to building traditions that reflect local taste, customs and materials. The vernacular houses of Aspen are similar to those throughout other Colorado mining towns—these houses were designed for utilitarian purposes with minimal attempts to copy a prescribed style. Typically, decorative elements were applied to cottages with steep roofs, wooden siding, vertical sash windows and front porches. Some homes received more ornament than others, often influenced by Queen Anne or Gothic Revival designs usually around windows and doors and at porches and gable ends. In plan, these cottages were L-type, gable end, or side gable. Often shed additions were added.

The L-type houses have two wings with intersecting gable roofs that form a letter “L” in plan. Very often an attached porch runs along the street-facing facade. Most of these houses are 1- story, but 1-1/2 and 2-story versions also exist.

Characteristics:

  • overall, simple building forms
  • 1-story, covered porch, usually at the intersection of the two wings
  • projecting bay windows
  • wood clapboard siding
  • shingle roof
  • two front doors, a social custom
GO

100 E Bleeker

Learn more
GO

1000 E Cooper

Learn more
GO

1008 E Hopkins

Learn more
GO

101 Puppy Smith

Learn more
GO

1020 E Cooper

Learn more
GO

110 E Bleeker

Learn more
GO

113 E Hopkins

Learn more
GO

123 W Francis

Learn more
GO

126 E Bleeker

Learn more
GO

126 W Francis

Learn more
GO

127 E Hallam

Learn more
GO

129 W Bleeker

Learn more
GO

131 W Bleeker

Learn more
GO

134 E Bleeker

Learn more
GO

134 W Hopkins

Learn more
GO

135 W Francis

Learn more
GO

135 W Hopkins

Learn more
GO

2 Williams Way

Learn more
GO

202 E Main

Learn more
GO

202 W Francis

Learn more