A number of the greystone and redstone houses on Bishop and Mackay have become closely identified with departments or units that have been there for many years. Although the houses present problems because they are not handicapped-accessible, these gracious former residences provide a small and distinct environment within Concordia as the University gets progressively larger. Three of the colleges established in the late 1970s are housed in these buildings: the Liberal Arts College, the School of Community and Public Affairs, and the Simone de Beauvoir Institute. At one time a green space was planned behind the houses north of the Hall Building, on the east side of Mackay. A bold experiment in 1978 to paint the exteriors of the Mackay Street houses in garish bright colours was greeted with horror by many people in the community, although some liked it. Over the years the houses reverted to sedate colours more in keeping with their style. In 1998-99, repairs were done to the Mackay house exteriors, and the copper detailing was replaced, restoring the original look to the houses. In 1999 the houses were painted Concordia maroon. Concordia plans to keep them and will continue to use them.
