Common name: Private residence
Historic name: William Spence House
General Location: Northwest corner of Thompson and Fourth Streets, Carson City, Nevada
Address: 308 Thompson Street
Assessor's PN: 003-133-30
Current use: Residence
Original use: Residence
Year of construction: Early 1870s
Architect: Unknown
The two-and-a-half story brick building combines the essential form of the Greek Revival style with primarily Italianate design detailing. The building is gabled and its foundation is concrete. A slanted bay with paneling projects from the facade and ornate brackets with drops support the entrance canopy. A balustrade with cut work is echoed in the gates contained in the one-by-one inch picket fence. Windows are shuttered and have stone sills and lintels, and a stone belt course encircles the house at the first floor level.
Alterations include a small extension at the rear, the addition of shutters, a balustrade and the iron fence. The structure has recently been rehabilitated. The building surface was sandblasted and treated with silicone.
The structure is taller than adjacent structures but relates in residential use and design.
Located on the 1875 Bird's Eye View Map, this structure is an excellent example of its style. It is a fine design with outstanding detailing and has retained a high degree of integrity. It is sited prominently on a large corner lot and provides and important image-setting focal point for the area and Preservation District No. 2.
Source: 1875 Bird's Eye View of Carson City; Noreen Humphreys.
Listed in the National Historic Register: 1985 July 18.
Year of construction: Early 1870s (estimated), on the original site.
Architect: Unknown.
Text: Carson City Historic Resources Inventory, 1980.