Like every storied city, Fresno, Clovis, and other areas we serve tell a compelling tale with their architecture. Stroll down Huntington Boulevard and you’ll see ornate Spanish Colonial Revival homes from the 1920s, complete with red tile roofs and arched windows. Drive a few miles north and you’re in a 1960s subdivision filled with long, low Ranch houses built for casual post-war living.
At Imagine Remodeling, we see these contrasts not as mismatches, but as opportunities. Ranch homes, with their open layouts and generous yards, make a strong foundation for a modern style transformation. Spanish Revival, with its rich textures, timeless detailing, and climate-friendly materials, is a natural fit for our Central Valley. In this blog, we’ll explore where these styles came from, what defines them, and how our team transforms your home while keeping every project efficient, compliant, and beautiful.
Both Mission Revival and Spanish Revival architecture owe their roots to the Spanish missions built along California’s coast in the late 1700s. Their simple forms, thick stucco walls, and red tile roofs were practical for the climate and became a visual shorthand for “California heritage.” Over time, architects layered in Mediterranean influences from Italy and southern Spain, adding courtyards, balconies, and ornate tilework. The result was a style perfectly suited to Fresno’s sunny, dry summers and mild winters and one that remains timeless in both form and function.
Spanish Revival architecture made its mark in California decades earlier, gaining momentum after the 1915 Panama–California Exposition in San Diego. The style drew from the country’s colonial past and incorporated romantic details like stucco walls, clay tile roofs, arched openings, wrought iron, and decorative tile. In Fresno, early examples took root in established neighborhoods such as Huntington Boulevard and Old Fig Garden, where many still stand as some of the city’s most distinctive homes.
In the years following World War II, Fresno’s housing market surged. Returning veterans, growing families, and the availability of larger suburban lots fueled the spread of Ranch-style homes. These houses were designed for efficiency and comfort, with long, low rooflines, open layouts, attached garages, and big windows connecting the indoors to the yard. Neighborhoods built during the 1950s through the 1970s in northeast and northwest Fresno still showcase these hallmarks today. The style was practical, but its clean, uncomplicated lines also left plenty of room for personalization.
Fresno and Clovis neighborhoods are a living catalog of architectural eras. Knowing the character of each area is key to a remodel that looks right at home. Here’s how some of our most distinctive neighborhoods stack up and what that means when you’re planning updates.
This historic district is lined with Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Craftsman homes dating back to the early 1900s. Many still have original tile roofs, arched entries, and handcrafted details. Remodeling here often means working within preservation guidelines, using period-appropriate materials while discreetly upgrading systems and incorporating kitchen remodeling and bathroom updates that meet today’s standards.
Eclectic is the rule here. Mission Revival façades sit next to Art Deco storefronts and early Ranch houses. Homes in the Tower often benefit from selective restoration, stripping back later alterations, refreshing stucco or wood siding, and enhancing original windows, while integrating modern energy-efficient features behind the scenes.
Larger lots, mature trees, and a wide range of styles from Mediterranean to classic Ranch define this area. The setting invites designs that connect indoors and outdoors. We often see projects here that include landscape integration, generous patios, and materials that stand up to Central Valley summers while also delivering the kind of return on investment that enhances both daily living and long-term home value.
Developed from the 1950s through the 1970s, these neighborhoods are dominated by mid-century and late Ranch designs. They offer wide frontages, attached garages, and open floor plans. Remodeling priorities often include curb appeal updates, energy efficiency upgrades, and layouts that better support modern lifestyles without losing the easygoing feel.
Clovis’s downtown streets feature early 20th-century bungalows, Craftsman cottages, and modest Revival styles. Many of these homes have compact footprints, so smart space planning is key. Remodeling here is often about maximizing storage, refining finishes, and preserving exterior charm.
When you work in Fresno and Clovis, you see how much a home’s exterior defines its presence on the street. Whether the inspiration is Spanish Revival, mid-century Ranch, or a tailored blend, certain upgrades create stylish continuity and modern comfort.
Smooth trowel or Santa Barbara stucco delivers a timeless look but demands skilled application. A proper stucco assembly includes a water-resistive barrier, lath, weep screeds, and control joints to manage cracking. We handle these details so the finish is beautiful on day one and resilient for years.
A clay barrel tile roof immediately signals Mediterranean influence, while dimensional asphalt shingles can suit mid-century or contemporary interpretations. If you choose traditional clay tile, we assess rafter load and recommend reinforcements or lightweight alternatives that achieve the same aesthetic without compromising structure.
Elements like arched entries, stuccoed pop-outs, decorative gable vents, and modest tower features add depth and character. On Ranch and mid-century homes, simple trim profiles and updated porch structures can sharpen the curb appeal without feeling out of place.
Changing window style can shift a home’s architectural language. Divided-light casements suit Revival styles, while large horizontal sliders or clerestory windows fit a modernist mood. Decorative iron grilles, Juliet balconies, or streamlined aluminum railings each have their place, depending on the style cues you want to reinforce.
Few features change the feel of a space as quickly as a plaster archway. They create a graceful transition between rooms, adding character while still defining separate areas. In open layouts, arches can frame key sightlines, giving the eye a destination without closing off the flow. The finish work matters. Smooth curves, even texture, and crisp edges are what make an arch look intentional rather than improvised.
Exposed beams instantly add warmth and dimension to a room. They can be structural, carrying load, or purely decorative to capture the look without the engineering requirements. In a Revival-inspired home, beams are often stained or distressed. In more contemporary spaces, a smooth, dark-stained finish can feel tailored and modern. We evaluate ceiling height, existing framing, and load paths to ensure any added beam detail feels proportional and safe.
Tile is one of the most versatile tools for adding style and durability. Saltillo floors bring warmth and authenticity, decorative stair risers make an immediate statement, and niche insets create opportunities for artisan tile display. Saltillo is naturally porous, so proper sealing is critical to prevent staining and wear. We use professional-grade sealers and maintenance plans so your flooring remains rich in color and easy to care for over time.
Curious about current local remodeling costs? See our updated cost guide for Fresno and Clovis here.
A well-designed outdoor space extends your home’s living area and connects it to Fresno’s climate. Courtyards, in particular, provide privacy, shade, and a central gathering spot that feels both secluded and open.
A low stucco wall, arched gate, and layered plantings can turn even a side yard into an inviting courtyard. Position seating areas to take advantage of morning sun and afternoon shade.
Water features add movement and sound, while tiled borders and inlays bring color and artistry. Durable materials like terracotta, porcelain, or concrete pavers stand up to Central Valley heat and require less maintenance than softer stone.
Mediterranean landscapes pair beautifully with our climate. Using UC’s Central Valley plant list, we recommend water-wise options like rosemary, lavender, olive trees, and agaves. These choices cut water use, reduce upkeep, and maintain the aesthetic year-round.
Remodeling in Fresno or Clovis means working within a clear set of rules, and knowing them ahead of time keeps projects moving smoothly.
Any roofing replacement requires a permit, and certain materials like clay tile may require engineering for structural load.
California’s energy code governs insulation, window performance, lighting, and HVAC systems. Reroofs must also meet reflective or “cool roof” requirements, depending on material and roof slope.
Fresno and Clovis fall within California’s Climate Zone 13, which means higher summer cooling loads and specific requirements for attic insulation, glazing, and roof assembly.
Working with a design-build firm means all code requirements are integrated from the start. We coordinate engineering, permitting, and construction sequencing so energy compliance, structural safety, and style choices align, with no costly redesigns halfway through the project.
Ready to see what your home can become? Let’s design a remodel that looks right in your neighborhood, works perfectly for your lifestyle, and lasts for decades. Contact Imagine Remodeling today and let’s get started.