394 Danforth Street.
At the far west end of Danforth Street, just before it dives back down to the water, sit 2 of Portland’s best examples of Stick Style architecture. 394 Danforth is without doubt the most exuberant of the pair.
Built in 1871 for one Edward Noyes, this home carries almost all the defining qualities of the style. Those being:
Asymmetrical massing
Using exterior trim to highlight internal framing
Crossed roof lines
Trim that has been cut and shaped into numerous forms.
The use of slate on the walls instead of shingles or clapboards is unique. The siding looks original and in pretty rough shape. If it is original, it is truly a survivor.
The layers of detail, as seen in the picture above, is astounding. Practically no surface is untouched. The mix of turnings, carved details, brackets and finials create a pastiche of planes, lines and shadows. All accented by the heavy projecting eaves.
It is interesting to note
The 1924 tax records show the house was still in the Noyes family. Current records show the home to be owned by a member of the faculty at Catherine McAuley School.
