Mxing It Up In Nelson

The domestic architecture of Nelson is as diverse, whacky, wonderful and intriguing as the people it houses. We are fortunate that we lack the space—and the collective inclination—to develop sprawling homogeneous enclaves of cookie-cutter homes like so many other North American communities. Of course, we have our fair share of new townhouse developments and small subdivisions, but they are sufficiently tucked away so as not to disrupt the aesthetic landscape of our established residential neighbourhoods. 

Classic Victorian architecture sharing the street with contemporary houses creates a neighbourhood with a visible personality; it encourages self-expression and invites diversity. Newness co-existing with antiquity allows the old to be respected and preserved by keeping the neighbourhood alive, vibrant and guaranteeing its place in the future.

It is similar to the process of succession in a forest. The new saplings grow up amid the old growth until it is time for the old growth to die off and the younger vegetation to take over.  Just like the forest, a neighbourhood developed naturally over time is far healthier and more dynamic than a ‘clear cut’ where older homes are razed and the ‘new growth’ that replaces them is often selected on the basis of uniformity and expedience.

Take a stroll through Nelson’s main residential areas—Fairview, Uphill and Rosemont—and you will quickly recognize that each one has its own distinct character and, within each neighbourhood, there are tidy homes, funky unconventional structures, classic ginger breaded houses and the clean-lined stark silhouettes of ultra-modern development. You’ll find ever-so-‘umble abodes dwarfed by majestic ‘mansionettes’, once simple bungalows now proudly holding up a second storey, or a single family home that’s been artfully converted into a multi-family dwelling. Many Nelsonites are refreshingly creative and not coy about letting their personalities show on the outside of their homes with bold colour combinations or sculptural attachments.

You don’t have to love them all, but the visual interest and the varied demographics occupying our neighbourhoods definitely contribute to the Nelson we love.