Towns evolve over time and their architecture (both residential and commercial) tends to reflect, in part, the cycles of changing economic conditions. During boom periods, larger, more impressive buildings were constructed. But when the
In several of my past columns, most recently in my series on infill builds, I referred to the New Traditional school of design. However, I have really not elaborated on the approach this
There is no question that the War of 1812 destroyed much of the town’s original built architecture. Many fine buildings were put to the torch and burned to the ground. Imagine if Robert Kerr’s
Why is it that Canadians must always attempt to put everything into nice, neat little boxes? The need to categorize seems to be part of our national condition. Unfortunately, this predilection limits our
Over the course of history, I suspect fire has destroyed more human-built structures than any other calamity. One would think, with the advances in building technology that our species may have focused more
I'm the first one to admit I’m OCD about realizing the finest expression of a heritage building which, typically, is how it would have appeared when first completed. I think the goal of
In last week’s column we reviewed a number of considerations related to context being fundamental in developing good residential infill design. Height, massing, topography, setback patterning, establishing open space and preserving lines of
So you’d like to build a dream house as an infill within an established neighbourhood. Where do you start? It should not begin with acquiring a lot, unless, of course, you are completely open
During my speaking engagements on Canadian architecture, one of the questions I’m most often asked is, “Do you have a favourite architectural style?” Although I usually attempt to reply that I appreciate virtually
Over the last two weeks, this column has raised the issue of managing Niagara-on-the-Lake’s development and the role of design review guidelines. For those who suggest that guidelines might not be acceptable under
Distinct from zoning bylaws, secondary plans or etc., design guidelines speak specifically to criteria used to ensure any contemplated alteration to the landscape (either built and/or natural) of a particular jurisdiction maintains or
On the morning of Canada Day I visited with some folks in Old Town. They live in what appears to be a modest 1920s bungalow, however, passing the threshold I was gobsmacked by an
This afternoon I parked beside the old Parliament Oak school property and walked the block imagining the development as proposed by the owners, Liberty Sites Ltd., when completed. What would be the impact
The mechanization and consolidation of Canada’s fruit and vegetable industry at the end of the 19th century transformed the farms and canneries of Niagara. Where earlier farms were typically operated by the farm
It’s post-war North America and the housing boom is in full swing. Subdivisions of Victory Houses (minimal traditional) geared to the returning rank-and-file veterans are popping up like mushrooms. For those who are
When identifying the architectural style of a home, the type of roof is often a vital clue. So, let’s consider some of the most common roof styles. We’ll begin with the gable roof,
First as a visitor and then as a resident, I have been driving the roads of Niagara-on-the-Lake for nearly 50 years. From the beginning I was entranced by a town that had not followed
For more than two decades in the mid-20th century, the Ranch bungalow had reigned supreme as the architectural style of choice. The sprawling single-storey design with its inside/outside entertaining transitions was ideally suited
It seemed that each time my father was promoted up the corporate ladder, the new position came with a relocation. In fact, our family lived in four different houses before I reached the
No examination of church architecture in Niagara-on-the-Lake would be complete without including St. Vincent de Paul, which has been identified as “the oldest surviving Catholic church still used for regular worship in the
It’s 1852 in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the second Presbyterian church in town had just opened its doors. Built a mere five-minute walk from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, it was a very different building. The
At the heart of every community was its church. Whether your community was in a city, town, village or rural, a church was a place of faith, a centre for social interaction and spot for
It is a fact that well-constructed buildings will often outlive the purpose for which they were originally intended. Churches without congregations, factories that cannot support modern production, warehouses with ceilings too low for
During a recent conversation concerning the design details of the new entry stairway being constructed at 240 Centre St., the masonry folks questioned why the brick bond (pattern) specified was not an exact
Thinking of a home renovation, an addition, or a build? Be prepared, because the cost of your project under current market conditions is going to be significantly more than you think. And allow
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