ICONIC ARCHITECTURE
Historic Pensacola
P
ensacola’s most prominent architecture is displayed on buildings and structures throughout Historic
Downtown Pensacola. Comprised of 30 different properties, Historic Pensacola spans across eight-anda-half acres which feature some of the most unique buildings in Pensacola. The architectural styles of the structures range from French Creole, Greek Revival and Folk Victorian to Mediterranean, Classical and Renaissance Revival. The structures feature a variety of different architectural styles. More than 150,000 historic artifacts are located in the buildings of Historic Pensacola. A selection of 12 of the 30 buildings that make up Historic Pensacola are open to the public, and some offer tours. In certain locations, visitors can meet and interact with history interpreters to enhance their touring experience. One of the structures included in Historic Pensacola is the Old Christ Church. This church, true to its name, is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in Pensacola. Built in 1832, the architecture of the Old Christ Church contains elements of Norman-Gothic, which is a style transitioning from Roman-Classical to Gothic. While the architect and builder of the church are both unknown, it was built to be an Episcopal church. It now serves as a popular venue for events and weddings. Tours of the church are open Tuesday through Saturday and include the exploration of other historic sites as well. Included in the tour is another significant building in Historic Pensacola called the Lear/Rocheblave House. This house was built in 1890 for John and Kate Lear, but they never lived in it. Instead, the house was inhabited by Captain Benito Rocheblave for many years and has been a museum house since 1988. The architecture is Folk Victorian, two-story and with Queen Anne design elements. The interior of the house reflects the Pensacola of the 1920s.
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Also featured in the Tuesday through Saturday tours, is the Dorr House. Clara Barkley Dorr had the Dorr House built in 1871 for her and her five children during an economic boom in Pensacola. This Victorian era home has Greek or Classical Revival features, and the architect and builder are unknown. The Historic Pensacola Preservation Board purchased the house in 1975. The Barkley House was built around 1835. George Barkley first purchased the lot in 1825, and the Barkley House is the oldest surviving high-house in the city. It is now a popular event and wedding venue due to its beautiful grounds and great view. Old Christ Church in Historic Pensacola