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Bridge Office and Shop

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1993/09/02

View of the main façade of Bridge Office and Shop, showing the symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors, 1993.; Department of Public Works / Ministère des Travaux publics, 1993.
Façade
Side view of the Bridge Office and Shop, showing the slightly recessed windows and stone window sills, 1993.; Department of Public Works / Ministère des Travaux publics, 1993.
Side view
Corner view of the Bridge Office and Shop, 1993.; Department of Public Works / Ministère des Travaux publics, 1993.
Corner view

Other Name(s)

Bridge Office and Shop
Bridge House
Maison du pont

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

1947/01/01 to 1948/01/01

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2008/09/05

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

The Bridge Office and Shop, also known as the Bridge House, is located adjacent to a lift bridge on the Lasalle Causeway at a junction of the St. Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal. This stucco-clad, concrete building is a small, rectangular structure with a medium-pitch, hipped roof and a central chimney. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Bridge Office and Shop is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Bridge Office and Shop is associated with the federal government’s role in the development and improvement of Canada’s water and land transportation system. It is sited at the junction of two historical transportation routes on the Lasalle Causeway: on the land route between Montreal and Toronto along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario; and on the Rideau Canal, which links Ottawa with Lake Ontario. Known locally as the Bridge House, the building was built to cope with the increased harbour traffic as a result of the raising of the bridge.

Architectural Value
The Bridge Office and Shop is a good example of a Classical Revival style building that is in keeping with bridge houses and lock houses found along Ontario and Quebec canals. Constructed close to the water to contain the offices and workshop for the operation and maintenance of the adjacent bascule bridge, the building’s sturdy, concrete block construction and interior plan are evidence of good functional design. Characterized by simple lines and smooth finishes the building also demonstrates good craftsmanship.

Environmental Value
The Bridge Office and Shop reinforces the character of its wharf setting at the Lasalle Causeway and is a familiar landmark in the harbour.

Sources: Jacqueline Hucker, Bridge Office/ Shop, Lasalle Causeway, Kingston, Ontario, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 92-078; Bridge Office/ Shop, Lasalle Causeway, Kingston, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 92-078.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Bridge Office and Shop should be respected.

Its Classical Revival style, functional design and craftsmanship, for
example:
-the domestic scale, simple massing, rectangular footprint and horizontal proportions;
-the medium-pitched, hipped roof and central chimney;
-the symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors on the principal façade;
-the concrete block construction and stucco cladding;
-the slightly recessed windows and stone window sills;
-the surviving interior finishes on the upper floor.

The manner in which the Bridge Office and Shop reinforces the character of its wharf setting on the Lasalle Causeway and is a familiar landmark, as evidenced by:
-its Classical Revival style which contributes to its inner harbour setting and reinforces the Kingston’s historic past as a garrison town;
-its high visibility from the water, the bascule bridge, the wharf and the recreational waterfront which makes it a familiar building in the area.

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Federal

Recognition Authority

Government of Canada

Recognition Statute

Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy

Recognition Type

Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Recognition Date

1993/09/02

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Function - Category and Type

Current

Historic

Transport-Water
Canal or Canal Works

Architect / Designer

Department of Public Works

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

National Historic Sites Directorate, Documentation Centre, 5th Floor, Room 89, 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

5314

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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