Description of Historic Place

The James Knox Residence is a two-storey brick Italianate residence with an off-centre entrance and overhanging cornice. It is located on Sydney Street in the Trinity Royal Heritage Preservation Area of Saint John.

Heritage Value

The James Knox Residence is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its association with its former occupants.

The James Knox Residence is recognized as one of a collection of residential and commercial Italianate and Second Empire buildings that were built between 1877 and 1881 after two thirds of the City of Saint John were destroyed by fire in 1877. Built circa 1878, this residence is an example of brick Italianate residential architecture from the rebuilding period in Saint John following the fire. The use of brick and the design of this building represent the will of the city to rebuild, as well or better, after the fire and sent a message that the city would be more resistant to fire in the future.

The James Knox Residence is also recognized through its association with its original occupants. This residence was built for ship chandler James Knox. His ship chandlery establishment on Walker's wharf was known for nearly half a century to everybody doing business on the harbour front. For two years, he was alderman of Duke's Ward and was a pilot commissioner for many years. Knox passed away here in 1914. About 1919, Charles W. Smith took occupancy of this home and remained in it until the mid 1930's. He was a well known Saint John Fish Merchant and was General Manager of Atlantic Fish Stores Ltd. He later became proprietor of his own enterprise, Smith Fish Market.

Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements that describe the James Knox Residence include:
- rectangular two-storey massing;
- brick exterior walls;
- similar set-back with neighbouring buildings;
- rectangular vertical sliding wood windows;
- overhanging cornice with paired brackets;
- sandstone lintels and sills;
- off-centre entrance;
- paired wooden door with glass panels;
- ornate peaked entablature with brackets;
- transom window;
- stained glass window on Queen Street façade.