Welland's Housing Styles Over Time: A Look Back Through the Years

Before the city got its current name, the settlement along the Welland Canal was renowned as Merrittsville. After the town was incorporated into Canada in 1858, it got its new name Welland.

You can get a glimpse of the long and vibrant history of Welland in the architecture and style of homes. The style and features of the modern homes reflect the influences of historic periods and the city’s journey through the different phases of development. Every occupied property and house for sale in Welland is a tangible record of the town’s history and the evolution of its architectural style.

In this article, we will explore in-depth about the evolution of house styles across Welland. We will discuss the specific influences and features of each of these architectural styles and take you on a trip through history.

Georgian Era (1714-1830):

The Georgian-era homes were influenced by the housing style in Britain. These home designs were renowned for its symmetrical facades that used to extend to the doors and windows. The Georgian-era architectural trend was brought to the city of Welland by British immigrants and Loyalists. Later on, these homes started adopting more simpler designs in construction.

Greek Revival (Early 1800):

In the early 1800s, the architecture of homes in Welland saw a shift from the British-styled properties to a Greek Revival design. This architectural style was influenced by the ancient Greek temples. During this period, houses all across Welland had graceful columns, steep pediments, and white colour to mimic the crisp marble look in Greek temples. A unique feature of this house for sale in Welland was its 6 over 6 windows.

Gothic Revival and Italianate (1840-1880):

The 1840s saw the appearance of the Gothic Revival architectural style. This new edgy building design wasn’t unlike the symmetry, box-like shapes and basic architecture that was seen in the Georgian and Greek Revival eras.

Here are some of the unique design features of these homes -

• Uneven house shape with vertical emphasis

• Intricate woodwork all along the roof

• Gothic, V-point arches on doors and windows

• Mixing and matching different materials in the construction

• Vibrant and bold colours and tons of designs

Another architectural style that was commonly seen in the homes for sale in Welland during this period was Italianate. The Italianate houses were quite tall and had roof edges with decorative brackets, big windows with intricate trim, entry porches, and rounded windows. These homes often had large balconies with elegant wrought iron railings.

Queen Anne (1800-1930):

Wood, stone, and brick were used in constructing these home designs. These homes were painted in different colours to highlight the best features of the property. This housing style incorporated elements from Gothic and Renaissance times.

Elaborate woodwork was the unique element of these architectural-style properties. This home construction style went out of trend by the 20th century.

International Style (1930):

Newly constructed properties started to prioritise utility and convenience over aesthetics. The International Style homes for sale in Welland had boxy shapes, flat surfaces, and sheets of glass all throughout the property. Glass, steel, and reinforced concrete were made to construct these houses due to their durability.

Modernist Architecture (1950 and 1960):

A generation of modern architects brought a new era in the architectural styles in the 1950s. After the Second World War ended, there was an increased demand for new residential and commercial space and a rise in the suburbs.

The 1950s mostly saw single-family detached and semi-detached homes. From 1970-1980, townhouses and condo apartments grew in popularity in Welland.

You may also like:

How to Choose the Right Neighbourhood in Brampton for Your Lifestyle

Quality of Life Rankings: Where Does Your City Stand? A Look at Canada's Best Cities

Return to Traditional Homes (1970 and 1980):

The 1970s and 1980s architectural style saw a comeback to more traditional house designs such as the Victorian and Georgian Era. The homes in Welland for sale were more larger and lavish than the houses of the 1950s and 1960s.

Contemporary, Sustainable and Minimalistic (1990 till Present):

Modern homes have contemporary styles with minimalistic designs, vast outdoor spaces, and smart home features. Detached single-family homes are more in trend in the city. Condos and townhouses are more popular among empty nesters and homebuyers who are low on budget.

One feature that remains common among the historic and contemporary housing styles in Welland is their focus on sustainability. Earlier, houses were constructed in such a way to survive the cold, snowy climate of the country. Today, people are more inclined towards energy-efficient homes that don't harm the environment.