Description of Historic Place

172 Sydney Street is a Second Empire style, three storey wood framed home. One of the most elaborate homes on the street, it is located next to a similarly styled home adding to the streetscape. The designation encompasses the building’s exterior and parcel; it does not include the building’s interior.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of 172 Sydney Street lies in its association with Dominick D. Ryan; its Second Empire influenced architecture; and its importance to the streetscape.

It is unclear when 172 Sydney Street was constructed, but it appears in its present location in the 1878 Panoramic View of Charlottetown map. John A. Griffith, a local painter, purchased the land in 1875, meaning the home was built at some point between 1875 and 1878. Griffith didn’t remain in the home for long, as he offered the house for sale in 1882.

Dominick D. Ryan purchased 172 Sydney Street and would remain at the residence for a much longer period of time than Griffith. Ryan is still listed at this address in the 1928 Prince Edward Island Telephone Book. A seafaring man, Ryan worked as the purser aboard the SS Empress and the SS Northumberland. The home has had various owners throughout the years but still remains a residence.

A very attractive and well-kept home, 172 Sydney Street has undergone several renovations, but has been restored beautifully. It is located next door to a similarly styled Second Empire home making an impact on the streetscape. 172 Sydney Street is very important in supporting the Sydney Street streetscape.

Sources: Heritage Office, City of Charlottetown Planning Department, PO Box 98, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2
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Character-Defining Elements

The following Second Empire influenced, character-defining elements illustrate the heritage value of 172 Sydney Street:

- The overall massing of the home, including the large extension on the south side
- The placement and style of the windows particularly round headed, hooded windows of the façade
- The style and placement of the doors, particularly the impressive front panel door with its fanlight and sidelights.
- The Mansard roof with its interesting angled front section, decorative brackets and hooded dormers
- The style and placement of the chimney
- The contrasting trim around the doors and windows as well as the corner boards
- The wooden siding

Other character-defining elements of 172 Sydney Street include:

- The location of the home on 172 Sydney Street