[2] In the aftermath of the city's Great Fire of 1846, Rennie's Mill Road was developed as a residential area where the prosperous residents sought tranquil and safe accommodations away from the crowded downtown core.

It contains a remarkably harmonious and homogeneous grouping of large, wooden homes that are closely associated with individuals prominent in the political, financial and social life of Newfoundland.

Given its proximity to government buildings, many prime ministers of the colony have resided along Rennie’s Mill Road (i.e., Alderdice, Goodridge, Lloyd, Morris, Squires, Whiteway).

Because the area was developed by many of St. John’s influential and wealthy merchants to house their families, it was also home to those working as their coachmen, gardeners and 'domestics'.

Built in the latter part of the 19th century, a substantial number of these houses were designed in the Second Empire style, which, with its steep mansard roofs, is one of the most characteristic residential forms in St. John's.