Dr. Charles M. Wright House, Italianate residence in Effingham County, Illinois.
The Dr. Charles M. Wright House is an Italianate residence in Effingham County, Illinois, characterized by tall rectangular windows, ornamental brackets under the roofline, and symmetrical proportions throughout. The building features a low-pitched hip roof and decorative window crowns that blend Italian design principles with American residential traditions.
The house was constructed between 1875 and 1899 by architects Charles Hanker and Charles H. Spilman during a period of significant architectural innovation in Illinois. Its development during these decades reflects the growing adoption of European architectural styles in rural American towns.
The residence reflects how prosperous medical professionals expressed their social standing through architectural choices in rural communities. The style demonstrates the adoption of sophisticated European design principles by practical professionals in smaller Illinois towns.
The house is located on West Jackson Street in Altamont and preserves its original structural elements and details. Visitors can see a well-maintained example of how this architectural style was adapted to local conditions in smaller Illinois communities.
The house stands out as a rare example of high-quality architectural work in a small rural location where such refined designs were uncommon. The combination of decorative Italian elements with practical American craftsmanship makes it a distinctive record of regional building practices.
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