National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet

NPS Form 10-900-A OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 (8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Number: _7_ Page: _4_ Geneva-Minnesota Historic District, Medford, OR
Those structures dating from the first development period, including virtually all of the properties
fronting on Geneva Street (Sites 4 to 7, and 25 through 37) are universally of either the
"Bungalow" or "Craftsman" styles, both popular residential idioms used extensively during the
first two decades of this century. While the exact design sources for these buildings remains
unknown it is clear that they derive from "planbook" designs. Similarities between the structures
indicated the presence of a limited number of basic designs, mildly altered and re-used throughout
the first period of development. Compare, for example the bungalow design used repetitively for
Sites 18, 23, and 25. Similarly, the larger two-story "Craftsman" styling used for the majority of
properties on Geneva Street appears based on two or three basic plan types, replicated or used in
mirror-image for various individual structures. While Sites 32 and 33 appear to be virtually
identical, Sites 31 and 37, although detailed in somewhat different fashion, clearly stem from a
common design. 6
Properties developed during the second phase of development within the Geneva-Minnesota
District, predominately those built facing Minnesota Street (Sites 9-13, 19 and 20) and the two
dwellings designed for the McKee brothers on Geneva (Sites 2 and 3) represent a more
sophisticated design approach. Most of these properties are the work of local architect Frank
Chamberlain Clark and exhibit the elements commonly referred to as "Historic Period" styles.
Elements of Colonial architecture, such as Doric columns, arched-top windows with delicate
muntin patterns, grand, symmetrical, entryways with large doors and flanking sidelights at all
typical features of these homes.
Only two of the structures within the district deviate substantially from the general development
pattern. Both replace earlier buildings lost to demolition or fire. Site 34, built following the
destruction of a Craftsman-style house, unfortunately disrupts the otherwise uniform two-story
streetscape of Geneva south of Minnesota with a small minimal eave style house that has a certain
modest colonial appearance. Site 38, at the extreme edge of the district facing East Main is a
well-designed modern office building that, while substantially at odds with the overall character of
the district, is far enough removed and oriented outward that it does not unnecessarily impact the
area's integrity.
Please refer to Section 8 for additional commentary on the source of the plans used along the east-facing side
of Geneva Street.