Doran-Marshall Residence, Niagara Falls

The Doran-Marshall Residence in Niagara Falls, Ontario, built in 1886 by prominent businessman W.L. Doran, is a stunning two-story residence with a coach house located at the rear of the property. The house is situated on the corner of River and Ellis Street, providing a breathtaking view of the Niagara River. Its location, alongside other heritage properties, reflects the prestige and status of its former owners.

W.L. Doran was a well-known businessman and an early investor in the first electricity plant in Niagara Falls. The Dominion Suspender Company, owned by W.L. and his brother Charles, was one of the earliest manufacturing industries in the downtown area. The Doran-Marshall Residence served as an unofficial social club and was a popular spot for parties and gatherings. The adjacent coach house, with its coachman's quarters, provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the owners during that era.

The Doran-Marshall Residence is a stunning example of Queen Anne Revival-style architecture. Its cream-colored brick and sweeping curved verandah with Doric columns and a molded frieze make it a standout property. The unique rounded corner tower and multi-gabled roof with built-in cornice gutter decorated with scalloped wood shingles, dentil molding, and acorn drops under the eaves add to the distinctive features of the house. The stained glass transoms, diamond cross patterns, and multiple square panes of the windows are also noteworthy.

The coach house at the rear of the property is similarly styled, with cream-colored brick and decorative wood shingles. The Doran-Marshall Residence is an important heritage property in Niagara Falls, reflecting the social and economic history of the region.