Clarkdale, Arizona, is not only known for its rich copper mining history but also for the unique architectural styles that define its streets. Built in the early 20th century as a company town at the direction of Senator Clark to house the employees of the United Verde Copper Company (UVCC), Clarkdale’s homes and buildings tell a fascinating story of its workers and their communities. From the grand homes of Upper Town to the practical structures of Lower Town, the architecture of Clarkdale is a visual timeline of the town's past.
The Vision Behind Clarkdale's Architecture
Clarkdale was meticulously planned with distinct neighborhoods designed to cater to different socio-economic groups. Upper Town, Lower Town, Patio Park, and Rio Vista each have their own architectural styles, reflecting the diversity of the workforce.
Postcard Ca. 1920s Courtesy: Clarkdale Museum
Upper Town Residences: A Taste of Affluence
Upper Town Clarkdale was home to the town’s white-collar workers, and it’s easy to see why. With wide boulevards and spacious lots, the homes in this area were designed to reflect the higher status of their residents. The early 20th century saw a variety of architectural styles make their way to Upper Town, including Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and Bungalow. The larger, more elaborate homes were often made with bricks from Clarkdale's brick plant, lumber from as far as Oregon, and stylish touches like decorative columns and overhanging eaves. These homes cost more to build but also represented the success and aspirations of the people who lived there.
Upper Town, Ca. late 1910s Courtesy: Clarkdale Museum
Lower Town and Patio Park: Practical Design for the Working Class
In contrast to Upper Town, Lower Town housed the blue-collar workers who toiled in the copper mines, and Patio Park was home to Mexican laborers who helped build the town. The homes in these areas were more modest, featuring simpler designs with practical layouts. Patio Park was particularly unique, as the homes were designed with central courtyards that reflected the Mexican fresh-air lifestyle, making the most of the Arizona climate.
Rio Vista: A Riverfront Community
Rio Vista, located near the Verde River, was a more independent area where employees built their own homes on land rented from the UVCC. The homes here had a more rural character, with an emphasis on self-sufficiency and community.
Architectural Styles in Clarkdale: A Blend of Influences
Upper Town Craftsman Model, Ca. 1940. Courtesy: Clarkdale Museum
Craftsman Architecture in Clarkdale
The Craftsman style is one of the most prominent architectural styles found in Clarkdale, particularly in Upper Town, where it was used to build some of the first homes. Popular in the early 20th century, the Craftsman style emphasizes handcrafted details and simple, functional design. These homes feature low-pitched gable roofs, wide eaves with exposed rafters, and decorative brackets under the eaves, making them stand out as both practical and artistic. The square porch columns support the roof and give the home a sturdy, grounded appearance.
Craftsman homes were designed using locally sourced brick from the Clarkdale brick plant, with lumber shipped in from as far as Oregon. The shingle roofing used was not only durable but helped to create a unified look throughout the Upper Town neighborhood. The use of handcrafted woodwork, including carved wood panels and brackets under windows and porches, added a unique, personalized touch to each home. These homes were designed to be functional while showcasing an appreciation for craftsmanship, making them symbols of prosperity in a growing town. Most of the homes in Clarkdale were designed by the UVCC's in-house architects and engineers, with each design receiving approval from Senator Clark or his son.
Upper Town Tudor Revival, Ca. 1980. Courtesy: Clarkdale Museum
Tudor Revival in Upper Town
The Tudor Revival style in Clarkdale, seen in homes built in the 1930s, reflects a desire to mimic the rustic charm of English countryside cottages. These homes were designed with steeply pitched gable roofs that give them a dramatic and quaint appearance, often with half-timbered exteriors that resemble the medieval-style buildings found in rural England. Tall, narrow windows with multiple small panes evoke the look of a storybook house, contributing to the whimsical and historic feel of these homes.
Many of these homes were designed with stone or brick exteriors, which provide a sense of permanence and sturdiness. Prominent chimneys, a hallmark of Tudor Revival, add to the cozy, old-world aesthetic. Decorative woodwork was often used in door frames and window detailing, reflecting the craftsmanship of the builders. These homes were part of a broader trend of Period Revival styles that sought to combine the comfort of historical European cottages with the practicality of American living. Like the other neighborhoods in Clarkdale, these homes were designed by the UVCC’s in-house architects and engineers, ensuring a unified and planned aesthetic for the community.
Upper Town Eclectic Model, Ca. 2010 Courtesy: Clarkdale Museum
Eclectic Period Revival Architecture
The Eclectic Period Revival style, seen in homes built in Clarkdale during the 1910s, was a blend of different architectural influences that were popular in the early 20th century. As the name suggests, this style drew inspiration from various historical periods, mixing features like gabled roofs, stucco walls, and decorative columns to create a varied, yet cohesive look. Homes in this style were not bound to a single tradition but instead sought to combine the best elements from different architectural movements, allowing for creative variety.
Common features of Eclectic Period Revival homes in Clarkdale include wide front porches, decorative columns, and stucco or brick exteriors. The roofs were often hipped or gabled, creating a pleasing contrast with the straight lines of the columns and windows. The homes often featured large windows that allowed natural light to flood the interiors, creating bright and airy spaces. This style reflects Clarkdale’s broader trend of embracing both traditional designs and new architectural ideas. The UVCC’s in-house architects and engineers designed these homes, blending influences from various architectural traditions to meet the needs of the town’s diverse population.
Upper Town Bungalow, 2011 Courtesy: Clarkdale Museum
Bungalow Architecture
The Bungalow style, with its low-pitched roofs and simple layouts, was a major influence in Clarkdale. Fifty-five of the Bungalow-style homes were built from 1915 to 1917, many of which were constructed in Upper Town. Bricks used to build the homes came in two colors and were produced at the Clarkdale brick plant. These homes were practical and cost-effective, with large front porches and small, efficient interiors, ideal for the Arizona climate. The Bungalow style was popular across the United States and became associated with the American middle class, offering a modest yet comfortable home for families.
The Bungalow homes in Clarkdale were designed by the UVCC's in-house team of architects and engineers, and all designs received approval from Senator Clark or his son. The homes were built using locally sourced materials such as brick and stone, and many included shingle roofing and wooden trim that contributed to their distinct, inviting look. The deep front porches, a hallmark of Bungalows, provided shade and a gathering space, fostering a sense of community in the neighborhood. These homes were designed to be both functional and affordable, making them a popular choice for working families in Clarkdale.
Staff of the United Verde Copper Company, Ca. 1930 Courtesy: Town of Clarkdale
The UVCC’s Role in Shaping the Town’s Design
The United Verde Copper Company not only provided the land for Clarkdale’s development but also helped shape the town's architectural identity. From its early emphasis on creating a well-housed, contented workforce to its use of local materials like brick and copper, the UVCC played a critical role in designing the physical environment of Clarkdale. The company’s vision extended beyond just the homes, as it also provided services like electricity, water, and sewer systems to its residents.
Clarkdale’s Evolution: Architecture Through the Ages
As the years passed, Clarkdale's architectural landscape evolved. New building styles were introduced, and the town adapted to the changing needs of its residents. Today, Clarkdale is a blend of historical charm and modern convenience, with homes that reflect the town's rich past and the lives of the people who helped build it.
Whether you are walking through Upper Town or taking in the views from the Verde River, the architectural history of Clarkdale offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The unique combination of styles tells the story of a town built from the ground up by a diverse community, united in its efforts to create something enduring.
Read more about the history and architecture of Clarkdale at the historical markers located by the Town Park.
For those interested in learning more about Clarkdale’s history, the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum (currently open on Saturdays) offers additional resources and exhibits. Visit the museum to explore the stories behind the architecture and the people who made Clarkdale the unique town it is today.
Comments