Description of Historic Place

Building D80, a two-storey, elongated block with a gable roof, is one of a group of larger Dockyard buildings clustered on low ground near the water’s edge. It is constructed in brick and richly detailed with stone dressings, corbels, friezes, vaults and archways. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Building D80 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
Building D80 is associated with the principal function of the dockyard and is indirectly associated with the principle theme of Naval Defence. It was built under the Royal Navy’s 1895-1904 rebuilding program.

Architectural Value
Building D80 is a good example of functional warehouse design. It is distinguished by its clean lines and formal, symmetrical composition which is both classical and industrial in character. It exhibits competent, quality craftsmanship.

The Environmental Value
Building D80 is part of a grouping of stylistically similar buildings and reinforces a visually distinctive cohesive streetscape at its site on Hospital Road. This grouping of buildings frames the vista toward Duntze Head and the harbour.

Sources:
Building D80 (former Cordage and Furniture Stores), Esquilmalt Dockyard, British Columbia, Federal Heritage Building Report, 89-202.

Building D75-76, D80, D113, Esquimalt Dockyard, Esquilmalt, British Columbia, Heritage Character Statement, 89-202.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of Building D80 should be respected, for example:

Its functional warehouse design and good quality craftsmanship and materials, for example:

-Its imposing and simple massing consisting of a two-storey elongated block with a gable
roof.
-Its east and west facades divided into nine bays with brick pilasters and four windowed
bays on each side of the central entrance.
-Its clean lines and formal, symmetrical composition reinforced by its large divided light
windows.

The manner in which Building D80 reinforces the industrial character of the streetscape as evidenced by:

-Its utilitarian form and design compatible with its associated buildings and landscape.