In Cabbagetown, the most prevalent architectural style is the Bay and Gable, a variation of the Victorian home. These homes were initially designed for narrow downtown lots and can be identified by the following features:
- A three-sided bay with tall windows that extend the first two stories
- A roof with a pointed gable
- Gingerbread trimming
- Two-toned brick work
The Half and Double Bay and Gable
A common alteration of the Bay and Gable has a bay window that spans only the first floor. The benefit of this design is that the balcony porch can be used across the entire second floor. A second alteration common in Cabbagetown is the double-bay. The large, open concepts of these homes were designed for extended families and were often found in the country on Victorian farms.
After the second World War and the rise of Modernism, the Bay and Gable was replaced. In saying this, the style managed to survive the century and is commonly found in Toronto today. To accommodate the changes of the 21st century, many of these homes now include extensions such as parking garages and additional rooms.