Saying ‘screw you’ through architecture: America’s spite houses
Saying ‘screw you’ through architecture: America’s spite houses
Saying screw you through architecture – Aaron Jackson’s journey into the world of spite architecture began with a casual exploration on Google Earth. While navigating the digital terrain, he found himself at a crossroads. The self-proclaimed “news junkie” was living in New York City and working at a nonprofit when Superstorm Sandy struck in 2012, leaving the city in disarray. Trapped in his small Queens apartment, he spent hours scrolling through online content, inadvertently falling into internet rabbit holes. It was during one of these sessions that he stumbled upon the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), a group classified as a hate organization by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Known for their provocative protests—such as picketing soldiers’ funerals with anti-LGBTQ slogans—Jackson was struck by their presence. “The first thing I noticed was that the church was situated in a neighborhood,” he recalled. “I started walking around and decided to do a 360-degree view. I saw a ‘for sale’ sign in front of their home. It struck me as amusing to buy that house.”
A New Beginning in Topeka
Though the specific house in Topeka, Kansas, that Jackson initially targeted was no longer available, another on the same street caught his eye. He made the purchase without ever setting foot on the property, a decision that reflected his desire for a change of scenery. The move to his new residence in the state capital marked the beginning of a deliberate act of defiance. But his plan didn’t stop there. Jackson painted the exterior of his home in rainbow hues, transforming it into a visual representation of the Pride flag. The gesture was intentional, a form of protest tailored for the era of social media. “It was a response to the church’s anti-gay messages,” he explained. “I wanted to make it impossible to ignore.”
The Equality House is a symbol of compassion, peace, and positive change,” the Planting Peace organization’s website states. Yet, its location—directly facing the Westboro Baptist Church—has sparked a different interpretation among critics.
Planting Peace, the nonprofit Jackson founded, has since launched multiple initiatives, including orphanages and elephant rescue projects. However, the Equality House remains a focal point of the group’s efforts. Its presence in a neighborhood just off I-70, a major east-west highway, has made it a convenient stop for travelers. The church and the house are positioned mere steps from the road, creating an unintentional stage for Jackson’s message. Despite its vibrant design, the home’s reputation as a spite house has grown. Jackson himself avoids labeling it as such, but others see it differently. “It’s about making a statement,” he said. “Not just to the church, but to anyone who passes by.”
When Jackson first unveiled the Equality House, he anticipated a brief moment of humor. He expected people to take a photo, chuckle, and move on. Instead, the house became a destination. Visitors began to arrive, drawn by its bold appearance. On social media, the home quickly gained traction, with images of its rainbow facade circulating widely. Among the most popular were photos of tourists striking poses near the property, including the iconic “stretching my arms out between this house and the one next door” frame. The house’s status as a symbol of resistance has only amplified its visibility in the community.
The Evolution of Spite Architecture
A few years after the Equality House was completed, Jackson expanded his project. He bought a second home on the same street and painted it in pink, white, and blue—a nod to the trans pride flag. This move solidified his intent to challenge the WBC’s influence through design. Yet, the concept of spite architecture stretches far beyond this single act. Historically, it has roots in American culture, often linked to eccentric homeowners who choose to remain in their properties despite the surrounding development. These structures are not always about defiance; sometimes they are the result of a bargaining strategy. For instance, some owners hold out for better prices, while others are driven by a sense of pride or stubbornness, much like the little house in the animated film “Up.”
However, spite houses differ from these scenarios. They are built with a specific goal in mind: to annoy or antagonize someone nearby. One of the most renowned examples is Boston’s “Skinny House,” a 10-foot-wide, four-story structure that looms over the historic North End. According to a former real estate agent, the property was owned by two brothers. One constructed a grand mansion, while the other, returning from the Civil War, built a narrow tower to block the view and sunlight of his sibling’s home. The resulting structure, now labeled as a “spite house” on Google Maps, has become a tourist attraction. Its plaque reads “Skinny House” (Spite House), and its proximity to landmarks like the Old North Church and a Paul Revere statue adds to its historical intrigue. Despite its tiny footprint, the home sold for $1.25 million in 2021, a testament to its cultural and symbolic value.
Hostile Architecture in Urban Spaces
The debate surrounding hostile architecture has grown in recent years, with some questioning whether these structures are designed to exclude people—or even nature—from cities. Spite houses are a subset of this broader phenomenon, often occupying prime real estate while serving as a visual counterpoint to their neighbors. The Equality House and the Skinny House exemplify this dynamic, where design choices are not just aesthetic but also strategic. In the case of the Equality House, its rainbow color scheme and proximity to the WBC make it a constant reminder of the tension between opposing ideologies.
While the term “spite architecture” may seem niche, it reflects a deeper trend in urban development. In cities where space is valuable, homeowners might build structures to assert dominance or create a sense of territoriality. This can manifest in various ways—like narrow buildings blocking sunlight, or homes positioned to glare at their neighbors. The act of building a spite house is less about resisting developers and more about making a statement. It’s a form of architectural rebellion, where the structure itself becomes a message.
Spite architecture also raises questions about the role of private property in public spaces. In a city like Topeka, where the Equality House sits just off a major highway, its presence is both a statement and a spectacle. The contrast between the church’s conservative message and the house’s colorful defiance highlights the power of design in shaping perception. Yet, the debate isn’t limited to aesthetics. Some argue that these structures, while provocative, serve a purpose in drawing attention to social issues. Others see them as a form of architectural sabotage, designed to irritate or provoke.
As the popularity of the Equality House grew, so did the conversation around its symbolism. It became a microcosm of the broader struggle between conservative and progressive values, with its bold colors and location acting as a silent protest. Jackson’s story is not unique, but it underscores the growing trend of using architecture as a tool for social commentary. In an age where visual media dominates discourse, a house painted in rainbow stripes can speak volumes, even to those who may not have seen the original messages of the Westboro Baptist Church.
The rise of spite architecture in America reflects a cultural shift toward individual expression and confrontation. While some view these homes as eccentric or even misguided, others see them as necessary acts of resistance. Whether they are meant to challenge a hate group, a neighbor, or the very idea of urban planning, these structures are undeniably present. They occupy spaces that demand attention, often becoming landmarks in their own right. As more people embrace this form of architectural protest, the line between defiance and design continues to blur. In the end, the Equality House stands as a testament to the idea that a home can be more than shelter—it can be a statement, a symbol, and a point of contention. And for those who pass by its rainbow facade, it’s a reminder that architecture, like words, can carry meaning far beyond its walls.
