this style uses the pointed arch motif of medieval, Gothic churches
the roof line is tall with steep gables
small, one story examples can be found but two story, narrow, "L" shaped profiles dominate
windows are tall and narrow with pointed arches (lancet windows)
expect a wide overhang or eaves
a porch is a common feature
wooden trim may be elaborate with fancy scroll work on barge boards (fascia boards) cut by the then newly developed scroll saw
although not visible from the outside, these houses are balloon frame construction which is the result of mechanized standardization in wood milling which reached Michigan about 1850.
There are examples of this style home in Marine City but the distinctive window shapes and decorative trim are usually missing. If you look are looking at a local house that has a steeply pitched roof (such that it looks "pointy" on top) and tall, narrow windows, it may have started life as a Gothic. Window replacement often got rid of the Gothic arch (pointed) shape originally used for windows. This style is well suited for country homes and is found more frequently in a rural settings.
A Gothic Revival house in Indiana.
Holy Cross Catholic Church built in 1903.
This Gothic Revival style Church was designed by Harry J. Bell. The style is based on ancient French design and construction principles that began around 1150 and flourished till around 1350. It is a style that uses pointed arches for doors, windows and vault supports. This allowed large stained glass windows to be built. Gothic Revival style was extremely popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Perhaps the most famous example of this revival style is St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.
The stained glass window in the south transept of Holy Cross Church.
