Architecture | 1920selmira

Architectural Styles

The Elmira architectural firm of Pierce and Bickford designed a range of public and private buildings during the 1920s. The most significant of their projects were Iszard’s department store, the YMCA, and Southside High School. For these buildings the firm employed variations on classical styles, including Greek Revival and Italian Renaissance. In their residential work, however, the firm worked in a wider range of styles in response to the demands of their clients as Art Deco and other modern architectural became more popular.

Morningside Drive, 1926 There was a construction boom in West Elmira to accommodate the city’s growing middle class.	YMCA Building Inspired by the Farnese Palace in Rome, this building reflects Pierce and Bickford’s preference for the Italian Renaissance style, a model of the more conservative architectural principles that were being challenged by modernist styles.	Main St. Bridge An early example of the Art Deco style in Elmira, the Main Street Bridge played a significant role in promoting the development of the city’s downtown. Its style contributed to the modern look that would come to dominate urban architecture in the 1920s.

Architectural Styles

Morningside Drive, 1926

There was a construction boom in West Elmira to accommodate the city’s growing middle class.

YMCA Building

Inspired by the Farnese Palace in Rome, this building reflects Pierce and Bickford’s preference for the Italian Renaissance style, a model of the more conservative architectural principles that were being challenged by modernist styles.

Main St. Bridge

An early example of the Art Deco style in Elmira, the Main Street Bridge played a significant role in promoting the development of the city’s downtown. Its style contributed to the modern look that would come to dominate urban architecture in the 1920s.