El Big architecture is fairly conservative.
But I find it really interesting coming from N California, otherwise known as Geodesic Dome Central.
This building looks vacant, but it's not.
A turn of the century hot spring hotel that is being rennovated by an inspired group of Christian artists.
Drive through espresso huts! One can hit the Taco Now and the EX-presso drive through hut all within the same block. I think we need a drive-thru gastroenterologist hut on the next block.
I recognize the store's logo, but I don't recognize anything else.
El Big is big on brick. Earthquakes are small and infrequent. Knock on wood (panelling)...
A highrise on the main avenue...
with wonderful original fixtures.
How small can you go without calling it a well-insulated tool shed?
A highschool on the northside.
Living and dead wood for decorative and practical uses...
Que is normally a very agreeable sort, but knotty pine panelling will send him into a rage.
Lanoleum flooring with "braided rug" design.
Hand painted "brick" on the front porch of a home on our house hunt. The home owner is fond of toll painting, so every surface inside and outside, is covered with hand painted texture or floral decoration.
One of El Big's greatest growth period was in the 1970's. It becomes obvious when we begin house hunting...
Another recognizable corporate logo on a small, rural stucture. Cell phone service is available just about in every town, but I rarely see people mashing phones to their ears while driving, or screaming into them at the grocery stores—as they often do in SF.
An art deco period piece. Much of the deco in the area was destroyed and rebuilt in the 1950's or 1970's.
A turn off to the Oregon Trail. Turn right at the delapidated shed with the odd hand painted signage...
Just one of many vacant buildings in the area—just ripe for some artist with a vision to come along and open an art gallery or a cafe. Don't look at me.
Constrasting architecture
An example of many fine, old, handpainted advertising murals on the side of an old brick building. Note encroaching windowless 70's nightmare just below it. Photo by Que
Delapidated structure #042432157
Quonset hut!
This architectural wonder is far, far from the El Big valley, but close enough for my discomfort.
El Bigians are very fond of the color blue...
and white...
and sometimes pink.
Some rare rustic funk in a town across the valley.
The architecture is one of my favorite things about this area. This posting is just the tip of the iceberg.
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Next Week: The ART of El Big!...or The Animals of El Big! I haven't decided.
