Description of Historic Place

The William P. Rourke Property is a two-storey, wood, Craftsman style building. It is located on Orange Street within the Orange Street Heritage Preservation Area of Saint John.

Heritage Value

The William P. Rourke Property is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture, for its location and for its association with its former occupants.

The William P. Rourke Property is located in the Orange Street Heritage Preservation area which was recognized by the city of Saint John for the generally distinguished architecture of the streetscape where the original architectural merits remain intact. Built in 1903, this building is a good example of early Craftsman residential architecture from the turn of the 20th century in Saint John.

The William P. Rourke Property is also recognized for its association with the Rourke family. After purchasing the property from his son-in-law, William Rourke constructed this residence. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Rourke came to Saint John as a young man. For several years he owned and operated a small, independent business working as a carpenter and joiner. By 1889, his son, William P. Rourke, Jr., joined him. As a member of the Orange Order and a prominent anti-tobacconist, he became well known throughout the city. He authored several pamphlets aimed against the use of tobacco. In addition, he organized and led many bands of youth in a persistent attempt to lobby against the use of tobacco. Meanwhile, he continued his business and became involved in real estate. Although he never lived in this residence, he retained ownership of it until his death in 1907. The property was passed onto Rourke’s wife, Julia Rourke, who continued to retain ownership of the residence until 1914.

Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the William P. Rourke Property include:
- rectangular two-storey massing;
- wooden shingle siding;
- cornice ornamented by paired scrolled brackets with broad wooden brackets on each end;
- single and triple rectangular vertical sliding wooden windows with entablatures supported by scrolled brackets;
- two-storey bay window;
- entrance with projecting entablature supported by broad wooden brackets;
- wooden door with glass upper panel and transom window.