Return to the Lubbock, Texas homepage
Over the last century, classifying a building according to its perceived "style" has become one of the most popular methods both professionals and non-professionals use in categorizing a structure. Style is a complex composition of intent, decorative motifs, materials, plan, and overall form that expresses the attitudes, values, and artistic qualities shared by particular designers and societies in a certain period of time. Therefore, it is often difficult to apply to both eclectic designs, which take their inspiration from several historical styles, and to modern buildings.
Because of Lubbock's relative youth and its distance from regions in which historic styles originated, few buildings in the city are perfect examples of one specific style, let alone authentic originals. They may have some characteristics of a particular style, but are lacking in others, as in simple rectangular commercial buildings that have decorative details applied only to their flat facade. This does not mean that local examples are any less important than stylistically pure prototypes. Since most buildings are influenced by factors pertaining to climate, geography, and local values, there are actually few pure examples of any particular style. Therefore, the inclusion of a local structure in a certain stylistic category means that it shares most of the features common to a certain style.
Most of the stylistic designations used in this guide are taken from the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Register Bulletin 16, Part A. These were compiled as categories for architectural classification by the National Park Service for use in completing the National Register Registration Form. Additionally, Folk Housing, a category related to plan and form, is included that does not fit particular stylistic descriptions.
Dates given for a particular style's popularity in reference books are those generally accepted in the field and may not apply literally to Lubbock. Some styles remained in vogue in this area for several years, or even decades, after they were considered outdated in other areas, or arrived in West Texas after they had reached their zenith elsewhere. Others, particularly ecclesiastical styles, defy obsolescence because of emotional or philosophical associations, reappearing years after their actual prominence diminished.
With a few notable exceptions, 1950 is the most recent construction date for buildings included in this guide. This date roughly coincides with the fifty year minimum age for structures considered for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks. Structures listed in this guidebook with historic designations are noted with initials NR for National Register of Historic Places, RTHL for Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, and LHL for Lubbock Historic Landmarks. The architects for particular buildings are listed, if known, and are local, unless noted otherwise. The examples provided, although listed in chronological order of popularity and divided stylistically, are also divided by periods of major events in Lubbock's history.
Whatever form or style structures take, our diverse built environment should be respected and appreciated because it helps to make Lubbock different from any other city. As in other aspects of life, variety gives flavor. Without it, buildings and cities would all look alike - a bleak notion at best.