Bedford Park-Nortown was conceived as a middle class housing development on the northern boundary of the city, with mid-sized detached and semi-detached homes. The original homes in the area were constructed between 1890 and 1940. Many of the original homes still stand, with a number having undergone extensive renovations. A portion of the original homes in the neighbourhood have been torn down and replaced with larger, more modern homes. Avenue Road is home to many retail stores and businesses.