During the late 19th century, there was a revived interest in Colonial architecture in the United States. The 1876 Centennial as well as the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago influenced this as did reactions to the perceived excesses of Victorian architecture.
Colonial Revival homes imitate their 18th century originals but often will exaggerate Colonial architectural details with the buildings being much larger and extravagant than their 18th century ancestors. While some attempt to copy real Colonials, others are Victorian homes with Colonial detail applied as decoration and ornament. The Colonial Revival style was the most common residential architectural style in the first half of the 20th century.
Colonial Revival homes have very symmetrical, formal facades with a center front door and porch that is often accentuated with columns, pilasters, sidelights, fanlights, and pediments surrounded by symmetrically-arranged, and often paired, pedimented or gabled windows. Generally rectangular in shape, the homes can be one to two stories in height with hipped, gable, or gambrel roofs.
Colonial Revival residences can be found in many Lowell neighborhoods including the Andover Street, Belvidere Hill, Rogers Fort Hill Park, Tyler Park, Wannalancit Street, and Wilder Street Historic Districts.
