Lawrence-Singer House


Alfred E. Lawrence built this house in 1890. Lawrence constructed his home in the latest architectural style, which featured an abundance of ornamentation and a variety of woodworking techniques. In 1914, the house was sold to Mary L. Singer and remained in the Singer family until 1978.

Referred to as the "gingerbread house", this site exemplifies the eclectic late-Victorian style. Elements of Ontario Cottage Gothic can be seen in the irregular L-shaped layout, steeply pitched gables, and small front porch.

Bay windows on the south, east, and west façades, an Italianate tower set within the porch, and the abundance of gingerbread trim on the porch and gables add to the exterior’s irregular variety under the picturesque Victorian aesthetic. The tower is topped with a Mansard roof.

The stained glass in the front bay window and the front door with its carved relief patterns and diaper work, stained glass, and quarter wheel glazing show the influence of Queen Anne Revival, another late-Victorian style. The front door’s wheel motif is repeated in the gingerbread trim of the gable peaks, while a scalloped fascia of dripping loops and curving lines flows along the eaves.

image of the Lawrence-Singer house now
image of the Lawrence-Singer house then