Description of Historic Place

The Todd Mansion is an elaborate, 2 1/2-storey Second Empire residence located on Union Street in St. Stephen.

Heritage Value

The Todd Mansion is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its association with the Todd family.

The Todd Mansion is a good example of Second Empire residential architecture from the late 19th century in St. Stephen. Built in 1890-1895, the residence exhibits many of the traditional features of this style, including full-height bays and a telltale mansard roof. Finer details, such as roof-line ironwork and window treatments have also been maintained.

The Todd Mansion is also recognized for its association with its original owners, the family of William F. Todd. William Todd was engaged in the lumber trade, manufacturing and shipping. He was an agriculturist and raised thoroughbred horses. He represented Charlotte County in the House of Assembly 1899-1903, the House of Commons 1908-1911 and was Lieutenant Governor of N.B. 1923-1928.

Source: St. Stephen Town Hall - Historical Places file, “Todd Mansion”

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the Second Empire architecture of the Todd Mansion include:
- rectangular 2 ½-storey massing;
- mansard roof;
- wrought iron cresting;
- fish scale shingles;
- clapboard siding;
- rectangular windows with rounded pediments;
- full-height bays with Roman arch windows;
- central tower located on the symmetrical front façade;
- moulded cornices of both rooflines and separating first and second floors;
- scrolled brackets;
- full-width front veranda with numerous paired pillars.