Description of Historic Place

The dignified Dominion Public Building occupies a prominent wedge-shaped site in downtown Moncton. The symmetrical, four-storey, stone facade feature horizontal massing and classical details which are often on an exaggerated scale to achieve a monumental effect. Two-storey high round windows create a greater than actual impression of height. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Dominion Public Building is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
The Dominion Public Building is associated with the expansion and consolidation of federal services throughout Canada through the construction of purpose-built office structures. The federal government reinforced its presence in the community by erecting a large formal stone building that also stimulated the local economy at the onset of the Depression.

Architectural Value:
The Dominion Public Building is a very good example of the Beaux-Arts style, the preferred style for many large public buildings of the early 20th century. In this structure, Beaux Arts techniques and Classical motifs successfully combine to produce an imposing formal building that clearly announces its government affiliation. The building is one of the more distinguished late Beaux Arts designs produced by Public Works in the 1930s.

Environmental Value:
The importance of the Dominion Public Building reinforces the commercial centre of downtown Moncton and serves as a bridge between the 19th century commercial blocks of Main Street and the newer strip development to the other side. The building is a conspicuous landmark reinforcing the densest area of urban Moncton.

Sources:
Dominion Public Building, 1081 main Street, Moncton, New Brunswick. Heritage Character Statement 84-035

Federal Building (Dominion Public Building; G.O.C.B.), 1075-81 Main Street, Moncton, New Brunswick. Heritage Character Statement 84-035

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Dominion Public Building should be respected, for example:

Its Beaux Arts style and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:

-The monumental, symmetrical, four-storey facade featuring horizontal massing, a flat roof and double-door main entrance approached by a fan-like flight of steps.
-The classical features such as the pedimented main entrance with the national coat of arms carved in the tympanum.
-A large round-headed window flanked by substantial Doric pilasters and decorative balcony with a inset clock above.
-The long rusticated walls of the lower storey lined with uniform round-headed windows with radiating voussoirs, and the two-storey high windows in the upper level.
-The office entrances situated at the farther ends of the walls facing the street.
-The impressively appointed public lobby through the main entrance with its high ceilings, and bronze, glass and marble fittings.

The manner in which the Dominion Public Building reinforces the commercial centre of downtown Moncton and is a prominent local landmark as evidenced by:

-Its impressive architectural contribution to the streetscape serving as a bridge between the 19th century commercial blocks of Main Street and the newer strip development to the other side.
-Its size, formality and profile in the provision of government services.