Craftsmen remodeling a craftsman

This is what's known as an American Craftsman house. Based on the British Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th century, American architects rejected the industrialized look of modern buildings and brought in decorative touches that added style to the structure, but not like the overdone kitsch of the Victorian era. Says Wikipedia: While the British movement was a response to the Victorian, the Arts and Crafts style's arrival in the United States was precisely at the moment when the Victorian era was coming to a close. The American Arts and Crafts Movement did share the philosophy of the reform movement and encouraged originality, simplicity of form, local natural materials, and the visibility of handicraft. It was distinguished by being concerned with ennobling the modest homes of the rapidly expanding American middle class, which became the craftsman bungalow style.

There are many such houses in our neighborhood - most are probably 80 - 100 years old. Most remodeling tends to maintain the eye appeal of the handicraft. I much prefer this look to the modern homes that sneak onto our neighborhood lots here and there, or the boxy steel and glass condos that are becoming so popular in Portland. I'm all for infill, but please don't assault the aesthetics!

View LARGE for more detail.