Gothic Revival

American architects first introduced Gothic Revival style buildings to the United States in the mid-19th Century. Borrowed from a popular revival that first began in 18th Century Britain, the style spread through building pattern books. Medieval castles and cathedrals of 11th-13th Century Europe were reinterpreted as picturesque churches, homes and university buildings in the United States.

Gothic skyscrapers are less common, but Chicago has three good examples, including: Tribune Tower, Chicago Temple and the Fisher Building.

Characteristics of these buildings include:

• Vertical emphasis
• Gothic tracery in stone
• Pointed arches
• Spires
• Finials
• Flying buttresses