If you've ever tried to distinguish between the myriad of Victorian architectural styles then you know it isn't always easy. ‘Victorian architecture' has numerous forms and influences requiring a bit of patience and a little extra research on the part of the observer. When it comes to the Second Empire style however, the task isn't as difficult. Just look at the roof. The most distinguishable feature for this style is the prominent mansard roof. The roof may be straight, convex, concave or a combination of the three. It may be covered with polychromatic slate shingles ...

Editor's Note: This post is the second of an ongoing column exploring various architectural styles in and around Toronto. Spacing writer and heritage architecture consultant Thomas Wicks will look into the history of that style, the people behind it and where in Toronto examples can be found. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - During the 1940s an army of unassuming houses laid siege to Toronto's outer regions. Now located in the ...

Editor's Note: This post is the first of what will be an ongoing column exploring various architectural styles in and around Toronto. Spacing writer and heritage architecture consultant Thomas Wicks will look into the history of that style, the people behind it and where in Toronto examples can be found. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Concrete is just too damn easy to hate. With the recent ...