This article discusses an architect's attempt to classify his homes as "McMansions" and the city's unwillingness to accept the "McMansion" label as an acceptable way to categorize the architecture of proposed homes.
"The city's planning department believes 'McMansion' has a negative connotation -- a term used to describe 'cookie-cutter' homes that don't mesh with surrounding homes."
"The commission is being asked to weigh in because the architect, Larry Vesely of Riverside, and the city's planning staff have been unable to come to an agreement on what would be an appropriate architectural style for the homes planned for a vacant lot near Summerhill Road and Scenic Ridge Drive."
"After reviewing the initial design submitted by Vesely, Lake Elsinore's planners asked him to describe the type of architecture. He said it was Spanish-colonial. The staff didn't agree, asking him to strengthen the Spanish-colonial influence by adding flourishes such as recessed windows and wrought-iron railings."
"In response to those suggestions, Vesely submitted documents identifying the homes as 'McMansion' in style and he provided background information on 'McMansion' architecture printed from the Internet."
Thanks to Max K
Read the full story: City Staff Trying to Block McMansions
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority