Date of Award

1997

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Geography

Keywords

Urban and Regional Planning.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

The increased popularity of the renovation industry in recent decades has caused a proliferation of rehabilitation studies. However, few researchers have examined the motivation of those who created the revitalization process--the renovators themselves. This current study attempted to discover the underlying forces behind individual homeowner renovation behaviour through the examination of two inner city neighbourhoods in Windsor, Ontario. Brooks, Jones, and Phipps (1994) and Fennell (1995a) identified social and economic reasons as the primary factors behind homeowner renovation behaviour. Based on this premise, this study hypothesized that most renovation activity in Windsor would be linked to either social or economic factors, and not governmental, technological or demographic factors. Homeowners in both the University and Glengarry neighbourhoods were surveyed using an indepth, taped interview using content analysis. It was found that most alterations were small scale in nature, and could be classified as 'repairs and maintenance'. The University respondents were found to have altered for social reasons (appearance, because they wanted to) and Glengarry residents altered for both social (appearance) and economic (resale value) factors. Throughout the analysis of these results two distinct groups appeared-blue collar and white collar households, who helped to indicate that a transition was taking place in the two study areas. This study demonstrated that the use of content analysis and a computer generated search engine (BDEXX), both provided insight into what could be accomplished in this growing body of inquiry.Dept. of Geography. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1995 .M37. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 37-01, page: 0149. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1997.

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