Description of Historic Place

The James W. Barnes Residence is a wooden two-storey Craftsman residential building located on Orange Street, within the Orange Street Preservation Area of Saint John.

Heritage Value

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

Built in 1931, the James W. Barnes Residence is a good example of Craftsman residential architecture within the Orange Street Heritage Preservation Area of Saint John from the early 20th century.

The James W. Barnes Residence is also recognized for its association with James W. Barnes. Barnes and his family took up residence at this address in 1935. A native of Saint John, he was the son of James L. Barnes. His father founded the prominent Saint John printing business known as “Barnes & Co.” He entered his father’s business at a young age along with his brother Eustace. Upon his father’s retirement, he took over as president of the firm, while his brother filled the position of secretary-treasurer. He remained the president until his retirement in 1945, when Eustace replaced him in this position. An active member of the community, he acted as the commodore of the Royal Kennebecasis Yacht Club for several terms, as well as a member of the Saint John Power Boat Club. He was a former president of the Thistle Curling Club and an active member of the Rotary Club. In addition, he was one of the founders of Douglas Avenue Christian Church and remained the chairman of the board for several years. Barnes remained at this Orange Street residence until his death in 1949.

Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the James W. Barnes Residence include:
- two-storey square massing;
- short parapet above a gently sloping roof;
- shingle siding;
- cornice ornamented by a series of small, regularly placed brackets;
- triple and single rectangular 12/1 vertical sliding wooden windows with entablatures;
- two single-storey oriel windows with pediments along the first storey on either side of the front façade;
- projecting entrance with pediment over a wood and glass paneled double doors door;
- fan motif in pediment tympanums.