Just Don't Call it a 'McMansion'

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.

1 minute read

February 6, 2008, 10:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"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

FULL STORY: City Staff Trying to Block McMansions

Tuesday, February 5, 2008 in The North County Times

Architecture Government / Politics California

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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