Arkansas State of Architecture
September 23-29, 2019
By Mason Toms
Justin Matthews, Jr. House
Sometimes the most beautiful of residences are hidden in our own backyards. This is certainly the case with the Justin Matthews, Jr. House in the historic Park Hill area of North Little Rock. Perched high on a hillside and surrounded by luxurious landscaping, the Justin Matthews, Jr. House, also known as Edgemont House, appears to be a magnificent Spanish Villa in the heart of central Arkansas. However, it is not just the stunning architecture of the house that makes it note-worthy; it is also the story of its development that makes it a truly historic home.
The Park Hill neighborhood was created by Justin Matthews, Sr., and was the first suburban development in the city of North Little Rock. Matthews was originally from Monticello but moved to Little Rock in 1901. Though he was previously a pharmacist, Matthews ventured in the cotton oil business when he arrived. The money he made from this venture allowed him to turn his sights on real estate development, with Park Hill being his initial project. The development was platted in 1921 with houses being sold the following year. By the time the effects of the Great Depression reached Arkansas, there were already 159 houses constructed in the area as well as a school. The development was aided by the construction of the Broadway and Main Street Bridges across the Arkansas River in 1923-24, making it easily accessible to downtown Little Rock. Its closer proximity to downtown, along with newly paved roadways leading to it, gave Park Hill an advantage over its Little Rock subdivisions of the time. Though Matthews, Sr., did not move to Park Hill until 1940, his eldest son, Justin Matthews, Jr., was living in the neighborhood by 1927. That same year, the Matthews opened a new section of Park Hill, called Edgemont. This section was meant to be larger homes than the previous areas to appeal to a wealthier clientele. It was here that Matthews, Jr., decided to build his statement piece.
Completed in 1928, the impressive Spanish-Eclectic style house was designed by local architect Max Mayer.
The Spanish Eclectic style, sometimes called Spanish Colonial Revival, rose to popularity following the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, designed by architect Bertram Goodhue. Goodhue took inspiration from the entire history of Spanish architecture, including Moorish, Mexican, and Baroque influences. The style typically features stucco walls, clay tile roofs, arched openings, and elaborate decorative ironwork.
Though Spanish Eclectic architecture was primarily popular in the southwest states and Florida, it was also commonly seen in Arkansas. However, most houses designed in the style in Arkansas were generally modest in size, which was true of the numerous examples of the style constructed by the Matthews through Park Hill. The Matthews House was, therefore, an oddity due to its sheer size and grandeur.
Though the stunning Matthews House was meant to set the trend for scale and design in the new Edgemont development, the economic effects of the Great Depression changed that course. Construction in Park Hill effectively halted in 1930 and did not resume until after World War II. This significant decline in revenue also meant that Matthews could not afford his grand home. The house was foreclosed on in 1932 and would not be purchased again until 1942. After the war, the new development in Edgemont followed the precedent established by the original Park Hill homes, instead of the Matthews House. However, this was not the end of the Matthews Real Estate Company. They would go on to create the Lakewood subdivision, as well as most of Sherwood, ultimately becoming the most influential and significant family on the north side of the river.
Though the story of the Justin Matthews, Jr. House was not one of happy-endings, it is still a striking example of the Spanish Eclectic style in central Arkansas. It was also a reminder of the period when Edgemont in Park Hill was poised to become one of the area’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Sometimes the natural state of architecture is as a reminder of old dreams that failed to manifest, but ones that were so glorious they still inspire awe.
PHOTO CAPTION:
The Justin Matthews, Jr. House is a striking example of the Spanish Eclectic style in central Arkansas. It was also a reminder of the period when Edgemont in Park Hill was poised to become one of the area’s most prestigious neighborhoods. (Photo provided)
