One of the biggest builders in Ottawa during the 1950s and 1960s was Campeau Construction, a name still known today, even though the builder is no longer active. Many of the houses in Alta Vista were custom built, but Campeau was one of the first builders to construct tract homes in the area. Approximate locations of areas where Campeau built Beginning in the 1950s Campeau began building houses southwest of Kilborn Avenue and Alta Vista Drive, north of Randall Avenue. At the time, bungalows and one-and-a-half storey houses were most popular. Many of the “Victory Houses” built by Wartime Housing Ltd. for returning veterans after WWII were one-and-a-half stories, and the style soon became very popular for all builders. Below are some of Campeau's one-and-a-half storey plans built in the area: With time, the one-and-a-half storey house became less popular, and bungalows and split-level houses became the norm. An easy way to determine the age...
Hi Saul, would you happen to have any additional info on garage construction/layout for the 1950s/60s Campeau homes in Queensway Terrance and Bel-Air Heights? I've noticed in these types of houses that there is a large metal plate, approx. 1.5'x1.5', in the center of the garage floor. I'm guessing this is a drain. Wondering what the thought process was in a design like this? It doesn't seem to be present in homes from subsequent periods. Thanks
ReplyDeleteHello David,
DeleteGood question! I have noticed the plate in a few homes, and like you I think it may be a drain. I am not exactly sure why these were installed in some homes, but are no longer in use. Maybe there were issues with the drains getting clogged. I believe that new homes are designed so that the floor slopes towards the front garage door for drainage, thus no longer needing a drain in the centre. Maybe a blog reader can give us more insight? I would love to hear any thoughts!
~Saul
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