Houses in Liberty reflect a variety of architectural styles, related to the years in which a house was constructed. Many of the older homes sat on larger lots initially, usually surrounded by a little bit of pasture or garden. These large lots were divided as time went on, and newer houses of different architectural style were built. As the train replaced the horse and buggy, lots were subdivided further once stables were unnecessary and once the commuter population of Liberty exploded. Dozens of smaller homes filled in the gaps. Today's streetscape in the historic districts of Liberty largely reflect this final housing boom in the 1920s.
Some of the most common styles of homes found in Liberty are depicted below. Click on the outline which most closely matches your home, and you will find a brief description of some of the distinguishing features of that style of house. Some houses may have been built in stages, reflecting several styles as newer additions were added and "modern" looks incorporated.
Greek Revival
These homes have low-pitched roofs, wide bands of woodwork trim under the eaves and full-height porches (one or two story) supported by Greek-style classical columns. They are usually built on a simple, rectangular floorplan. This style took its inspiration from large southern plantations and was used most in Liberty before the Civil War.
I-House
One of the most common styles built in the 19th century, these homes are one room deep and two rooms wide, often with a central entry hall. They are two stories tall. Many I-houses were later modified with additions to become the foundation for other architectural styles. Additions off the back, wrapped porches, or ornamentation might be added.
Gothic
These homes are generally symmetrical, with steeply gabled roofs. There may be one larger dormer gable centered in the front. Windows may be ached or lancet, or may have shaped moldings above them. While many of these may have had “gingerbread” on them in the past, much of that is lost now.
Italianate
Built of brick, these homes are generally two stories high and have low-pitched roofs and decorative brackets under the eaves. Windows are tall and narrow, often with elaborate crowns and other decorative woodwork.
Queen Anne
These homes are not symmetrical, and have steeply pitched roofs and irregular rooflines. Front porches often wrap around one or both sides of the house, supported by carved spindles and ornamented with “gingerbread” woodwork.
FourSquare
Horizontal lines distinguish these homes, built around the turn of the century. Roofs are low in pitch and have broad eaves. One-story porches are supported by square, often brick, piers. Ornamentation is simpler and very precise in flavor. There are several variations of this form, including the Prairie and Bungalow forms, each with their own unique flavor.
Prairie
Marked by the same emphasis on horizontal lines and square supports, these homes often have contrasting horizontal beams between floors or at windows. The broader first floor and generous wide porches are topped by a smaller second floor.
Bungalow
Smaller than other foursquare variants, these homes have exposed roof rafters under the eaves, beams under the gables and full– or partial-width porches supported by piers or pedestals. They are often a story and a half tall.
Tudor
A few of these can be found in the downtown area. The façade has prominent cross-gables and a steeply-pitched roof. There may be decorative timbering, or brick with stone trim. Chimneys are prominent, and doorways are often ornamented with quoins or keystone arches.
Historic Liberty
210 North Water Street . Liberty, Missouri 64068
info@HistoricLIberty.org