Reflecting on McMansions

Few words are spoken with as much disdain as ‘McMansion.’ I’ll admit to criticizing a property with the term on occasion, though I’m not one of those people who could wax poetic about the evils they represent.

In fact, I recently discovered that I had trouble even defining the term while I was talking with a local builder/developer about a project in which he may participate. After mentioning the main value drivers in the finished home, like location, quality, location, price point, and location, I suggested that he make sure to differentiate the property from a McMansion.

And that’s when I began to really think about the term. Wikipedia has an extensive page outlining all the characteristics (evils) of McMansions. It’s actually amusing that the tone of the entire piece is so negative, all the way down to the final sentence and its snarky footnote. Articles and photo galleries have also taken McMansions to task.

It seems to me that ‘McMansion’ is just another way to say ‘new construction.’ Properties that wear the scarlet ‘Mc’ are purchased by folks who are interested in homes that have modern features and amenities. The 1,700 square foot, 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath colonial just isn’t big enough for some people. And when choosing between 3,000 square foot homes, why not pick something brand new instead of something 100 years old if the prices are comparable?

A high percentage of new homes meet at least some criteria laid out in the various definitions of McMansions. Doesn’t that suggest that they are their own unique style?

Would the West End of Hartford have been considered McMansions during the early 1900’s if the term existed?  It’s full of starter castles that were built in former farmland at the edge of town with few mature trees.

Perhaps we’re seeing another example of our collective preference for historical artistic styles over current artistic styles. Maybe one day there will be a judgment-neutral term describing this style of architecture and even associations celebrating the structures.

The good news for McMansion-haters is that there’s a good chance public sentiment (and their preferred architecture) is currently changing due to reflect the rising energy prices.

I’m very interested to hear what others think…