09 Sep Going All Mod!
I find the architecture of homes in the North End, West Harbour, and Waterfront very, how shall I say it– limiting. The homes were built as modest, working-class homes and do not offer the space 21st Century families need. Finishing basements are difficult, not to mention costly. A main floor level powder room is impossible to carve out, and luxuries such a large closets, linen closets and bright windows are just not feasible.
And it’s just a matter of time before we start seeing the “tear down” syndrome.
A couple of modern, tall, skinny houses have already sprung up in the area: a black siding and stone tall house on Catherine Street North and a stunning home on Hughson Street North that I had the privilege of touring.
For the area, Bylaw says you can build as high as 28 feet, effectively creating two levels and possibly a third or a loft. Construction cost is debatable; I bet you could do it under $150/sq ft., excluding the cost of the lot.
A West Harbour lot will likely cost in the range of $300,000. So on a small narrow lot of 25 x 100, one can build a lot of house with modern amenities homeowners need and seek.
