Common name: Residence
Historic name: Dr. Henry William Cavell House
General Location: Northwest corner of Division and Robinson StreetsCarson City, Nevada
Address: 402 West Robinson Street
Assessor's PN: 003-236-04
Current use: Residence
Original use: Residence
Year of construction: 1907
Architect: John Conant, Oakland, California
A well-designed composition of Classical Revival, Shingle and Colonial Revival styles, this two-story structure has an almost identical twin at 510 West Fourth Street. The modified L-shaped structure has a concrete foundation and a wood frame sheathed in shingles on the second story and rusticated cast concrete on the lower floor. The gambrel roof features large gambrelled dormer windows and wide shallow gables over the porch. Windows are all double hung with first floor windows defined by decorative mullions and second floor windows divided into nine-panes-over-one. The L-shaped porch with its deep overhang is supported by fluted columns with capitals. Rectangular brackets support the eaves and the cornice contains egg-and-dart molding. The variety of surface material adds to the definition of the parts of the building. The rusticated concrete at the base of the first floor becomes rounded for the main portion of the ground floor and shingles surface the second floor roof elements.
Alterations may include modifications to the portion between the gables of the south elevation and the construction of a textured concrete wall to the west end of the building.
A free-standing garage stands on the lot to the rear.
Although larger and more massive than neighboring buildings, and formed of and unusual style, the horizontal emphasis of the structure is compatible in scale and height with its surroundings.
Designed by John Conant of Oakland, California for Dr. Cavell, who was a Carson City dentist, this home is an arresting and unusual combination of styles and materials. Conant was related to the family that built the twin of this house. The textured concrete blocks are said to have been cast on the site.
The structure appears to be essentially intact with little alteration. Unique at the time of its construction because of low ceilings and cast concrete block walls, both gas and electric connections were installed in the original design. As an outstanding design and fine representative of its style, this home is a focal point of the neighborhood and of the city and represents a significant architectural resource.
Source: 1907 (factual: Don Ford), on the original site.
Listed in the National Historic Register: 1987 Jun 22.
City Landmark: Kit Carson Trail, Plaque No. 26.
Year of construction: 1907 (factual: Don Ford), on the original site.
Architect: John Conant, Oakland, California.
Text: Carson City Historic Resources Inventory, 1980.