By far the most common style of architecture, vernacular wood frame structures have been built throughout Colorado since 1860. With an absence of architectural features and ornamentation that can distinguish a specific style, these simple, modest homes are divided into types according to floor plan and roof shapes.

The gabled L usually follows a L-shaped floor plan, with a front facing gable and intersecting side gable. A variation of this type is a U-shaped, double gabled structure.

The front gabled structure is perhaps the plainest of the vernacular types. The front gable is commonly used for churches and school houses as well as public buildings in rural settings.

The hipped box is a small, one-story structure with hipped roof and usually a front porch. These structures are commonly confused with the more elaborate classic box or bungalow styles. Ornamentation is the key to distinguishing between these styles. The hipped box has no decorative elements.

The roof of the side gable is parallel with the facade or front entrance, with the gable ends facing the side. Detailing is again limited, with a simple dormer centered in the gable.

The false front commercial structure is simply a front gabled structure faced with a plain wooden facade extending above the peak of the gable.

These photos depict some designated landmarks in Longmont that are representative of the Vernacular Wood Frame style.