now Delta Sigma Chi House
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Parker-Ficke House (now Delta Sigma Chi House)
1881–1884, attrib. Benjamin W. Gartside. 1208 Main St.
The French Second Empire style appears here in its most exuberant phase. The design was built around numerous pavilions and bays, each of which asserts its own identity primarily through separate mansard roofs. Each of these bays or pavilions is really quite small, so the general effect is that of seeing a French country chateau from some distance. Close up, the effect is that of a charming, somewhat enlarged (and unbelievable) dollhouse. This fragmented quality is enhanced by the highly contrasting trim of stone, wood, and cast iron which is played off the darker brick body of the building. The roofscape with its projecting tower and dormered mansard roofs is further enriched by metal rail crests and variously patterned and colored shingles.
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