This Victorian Row Home is Literally Half a House
Lynette K. — April 25, 2013 — Art & Design
This 120-year-old residence is quite the head turner, since it visually appears as half a house. It tends to garner the attention of passerbys as it is one half of what used to be a semi-detached home. As a result, the residence now lacks the symmetry of the other side, thus distinguishing it from other houses located on this densely packed street, and indeed throughout the city of Toronto.
The unusually shaped Victorian row house is the result of a development battle that took place in the 1970s. The Valkos family, the owners of the home at the time, simply could not be persuaded to sell their property. Despite being harassed relentlessly by developers, the Valkoses stood their ground.
Love for the row house seems to be a popular sentiment. Its current owner, Albert Zikovitz, has no plans to have the property demolished. Zikovitz, who is the president of Cottage Life Magazine, intends to have the exterior restored and convert the interior into an office space. This suggests that he believes that the uniqueness of the house is both something to be respected and is worth preserving.
The unusually shaped Victorian row house is the result of a development battle that took place in the 1970s. The Valkos family, the owners of the home at the time, simply could not be persuaded to sell their property. Despite being harassed relentlessly by developers, the Valkoses stood their ground.
Love for the row house seems to be a popular sentiment. Its current owner, Albert Zikovitz, has no plans to have the property demolished. Zikovitz, who is the president of Cottage Life Magazine, intends to have the exterior restored and convert the interior into an office space. This suggests that he believes that the uniqueness of the house is both something to be respected and is worth preserving.
Trend Themes
1. Unconventional Architecture - The visual asymmetry of this Victorian row home presents opportunities for new and unique architectural designs.
2. Preservation of Uniqueness - The preservation of this half-house showcases the value of maintaining and celebrating individuality in architecture and design.
3. Adaptive Reuse - Converting the interior of this asymmetrical house into an office space highlights the potential for adaptive reuse projects in the real estate industry.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - The unconventional structure of this Victorian row home presents opportunities for architects and designers to push boundaries and create innovative spaces.
2. Real Estate - The preservation and adaptive reuse of unique properties like this asymmetrical house can create niche markets and attract potential investors.
3. Tourism and Hospitality - Unusual and distinctive properties like this Victorian row home can become tourist attractions and offer alternative accommodation options for travelers seeking unique experiences.
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