The Grand Durand – Hamilton’s Mansions
Although not as highly valued in monetary terms as similar neighbourhoods such as Toronto’s Rosedale or Montreal’s Mount Royal over time South Durand has retained its’ architectural value better than these places. Infused with a culture of conservation and an understanding of the uniqueness of their homes by the activism of the Durand neighbourhood Association in the 1970s and 80s the home owners in the neighbourhood have embraced and protected the architecture of their homes. There have been very few unsympathetic additions, renovations or new developments over the last fifty years. Let us hope that this culture of conservation continues and that this irreplaceable collection of magnificent residential architecture is maintained as its architectural value is sure to increase far into the future.