1900–2000 blocks
Spruce St.
Like many of the main east-west streets in the area, these blocks were largely developed by speculative builders in the 1850s and ’60s with rows of essentially identical brick and brownstone houses. Varying in detail, they nevertheless form a harmonious ensemble with a continuous street wall and consistent proportions. The exceptions that add variety to the streetscape belong to a second phase of development. These are the architect-designed facades applied to existing houses in the 1890s for clients who could afford to express their individual tastes. An example is the Welsh House at 1923 Spruce which clamors for attention with its golden-pink Pompeian brick and rusty-red terra cotta ornament. Over the entry, infant caryatids support a Dutch gable with heraldic devices.