Mixed-use buildings are classified as buildings that combine residential and commercial functions. In Ottawa's urban development history, they have been an integral part of the previously mentioned development since the late 19th century. In working-class neighbourhoods like Hintonburg, mixed-use architecture responded to the daily needs of a growing population of tradespeople, merchants, and immigrant families. These buildings were practical as store owners often lived above or behind their shops. Mixed-use buildings also helped in creating tightly knit walkable communities long before the creation of zoning laws that would later separate work from home.
Since Hintonburg was strategically located near railways and industries, it saw rapid development during Ottawa's Industrial boom. The Jones Block is a classic example of this architectural response. It features retail shops at street level with residences above and behind. By cross-referencing two Fire Insurance Plans from before and after the fire in 1902, both show that the building's original intention was in fact a mixed-use building. As Ottawa grew, mixed-use buildings became less common due to suburban expansion and changing zoning bylaws. However, they've since started regaining relevance in urban planning as there's been a trend in prioritizing walkability and sustainability. Today, Jones Block serves not only as an architectural time capsule but also as a reminder of how neighbourhoods like Hintonburg were shaped by necessity, entrepreneurship, and community.
