Thomas A. Beach House, Italianate house in Fairbury, Illinois.
The Thomas A. Beach House is a two-story Italianate residence in Fairbury with triple-layered brick walls, a central tower, and double bracketed eaves defining its exterior. Tall slender windows punctuate the facade, creating the refined appearance typical of this architectural style.
The house was built in 1872 and received expansions in 1886 and 1900 that increased its size and function. The residence remained in Beach family ownership until 1981 and gained National Register listing in 1983.
The residence showcases how prosperous business owners of the 1800s built their homes and reflects the preference for Italian architectural styles in a residential neighborhood. The Beach family lived here for over a century, shaping the local character of the town.
The original design of the building remains largely intact, with only a 1951 garage addition modifying the property after its main construction. The structure preserves its original features and provides insight into late 1800s construction techniques.
The triple-layered brick walls contain air spaces that functioned as an advanced insulation technique in the 1800s. This sophisticated construction method reveals the technical knowledge that builders applied to residential projects of that era.
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