1927 French-Style Home in School Lane Hills by Lancaster Native

This article profiles S. Kendrick Lichty, a Lancaster native and University of Pennsylvania-trained architect. He left a lasting mark with a singular, highly polished French Eclectic residence in School Lane Hills, built in 1927 for his cousin Frederick S. Miller.

It traces Lichty’s roots in Lancaster and his design language as it developed in the School Lane Hills commission. The article also examines how this hometown project fits within a broader career that extended into the Philadelphia suburbs and includes major regional projects such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The piece highlights the work’s recognition, including praise from Gregory J. Scott, FAIA. It explores what Lichty’s craftsmanship offers contemporary practitioners.

Roots and Training: A Lancaster Native Shapes a Modern Vision

Lichty’s story begins in Lancaster, where he grew up and attended local schools. He laid the foundation for a career that combined regional craftsmanship with cosmopolitan design ideas.

He studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1924. This education connected his early sensibilities to broader trends in American design during the 1920s.

His blend of local roots and elite training shaped his approach to detailing, proportion, and materials. Lichty harmonized European architectural styles with American construction techniques.

From Lancaster to the University of Pennsylvania

Graduating in 1924, Lichty entered a professional world that valued both traditional craft and modern experimentation. His UPenn training provided technical skills and exposure to European styles, which influenced his own work in a French Eclectic idiom with hints of Tudor influence.

Design Language of the School Lane Hills Residence

The School Lane Hills house is Lichty’s most celebrated Lancaster commission. It combines elegance, asymmetry, and texture in a compact design.

The exterior features a steeply pitched hipped slate roof and textured stucco walls. The irregular silhouette shows a European-inspired approach to massing and surface detail.

The façade includes cast stone details and careful attention to scale. These elements convey a sense of permanence and craftsmanship valued in the era.

Lichty incorporates subtle Tudor influences, such as half-timbering, leaded casement windows, and arched openings. Despite these touches, the house maintains a cohesive French Eclectic style.

A prominent integrated chimney anchors the plan and adds vertical rhythm. The overall massing remains clear and human-scaled.

Interior finishes echo the exterior’s style, with fine millwork, a thoughtfully designed staircase, and a fireplace surround. These features demonstrate Lichty’s skill with proportion, texture, and materials.

• Steeply pitched hipped slate roof
• Textured stucco walls with an asymmetrical façade
• Cast stone detailing for mass and light
• Subtle Tudor touches: half-timbering, arched openings, leaded windows
• Integrated chimney as a central vertical element
• Thoughtful interior millwork, staircase, and fireplace surround
• Garage wing integrated into the overall composition

Career and Legacy: From Hometown Commission to Regional Practice

In the School Lane Hills project, Lichty’s work immediately stood out among established architects like C. Emlen Urban and Gilbert T. Karcher. This fresh approach demonstrated Lichty’s ability to bring new ideas to both urban and suburban contexts.

The Lancaster commission was Lichty’s only project in his hometown. He later built a successful practice in the Philadelphia suburbs, contributing to significant works, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

His career was defined by precise proportions and careful material choices. Lichty translated refined European-inspired design into the needs of American clients and sites.

Hometown Impact and Professional Trajectory

After moving to the Philadelphia market, Lichty continued to shape the region’s architecture. He balanced design ambition with practical needs in his projects.

The School Lane Hills house remains a key example of Lichty’s ability to integrate form, texture, and function. His influence can be seen in later works that contributed to regional architecture and major institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Closing Reflections: Preservation, Recognition, and a Lasting Example

Lichty retired in 1955 due to failing health. He relocated to Boca Raton, where he passed away in 1962 at age 62.

The appreciation for his School Lane Hills residence—captured in a column praised by Gregory J. Scott, FAIA—shows how a single commission can define a designer’s approach and leave a lasting legacy.

Lichty’s work offers a case study in creating a unified style that respects the site and values craftsmanship. His designs deliver a refined architectural experience that remains relevant in today’s discussions of preservation and design quality.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Lancaster native designed 1927 French-style home in School Lane Hills [architecture column]