Description of Historic Place

The monumental Federal Building is situated in downtown Brandon facing Princess Street. The symmetrical, two-storey stone facade features horizontal massing and a flat roof. It is distinguished by classical detailing with two side-projecting entryways accentuated by a central pediment and Doric columns. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

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

Historical Value:
The construction of the Federal Building is associated with the expansion and consolidation of federal services in Canadian towns through the construction of purpose- built offices. By erecting a large stone building, the federal government reinforced its presence in the community while benefiting the economy at the onset of the Depression.

Architectural Value:
The Federal Building is a good example of the Beaux-Arts Classical style used for major public institutions at this time. The materials used on the exterior and the standards of workmanship are of superior quality. In contrast to standard procedures of the time, the Federal Building was not a project of the Chief Architect’s Office of the Department of Public Works. A local architect, Walter Henderson Shillinglaw, designed the building. It is one of the finest examples of his work.

Environmental Value:
Located on a corner in the geographical and business centre of the city, the Federal Building reinforces the present historic character of the surrounding area. It is a prominent regional landmark because of its high use and its impressive architectural contribution to the streetscape.

Sources:
Federal Building, 1039 Princess Street, Brandon, Manitoba. Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 89-107; Federal Building, 1039 Princess Street, Brandon, Manitoba. Heritage Character Statement 89-107.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Federal Building should be respected.

Its Beaux Arts style and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:
-the monumental, symmetrical, two-storey facade featuring horizontal massing, a flat roof and two side-projecting entryways;
-the classical features such as the eight bays with a pediment over the two centrally-placed windows, and the paired Doric columns supporting the cornice over the entryways;
-the long Tyndall stone walls punctuated by two storeys of regularly-placed windows, those of the ground-level framed externally by mouldings with a keystone, those above crowned with pediments;
-the sculptural ornament in restrained shallow relief consisting of the national coat of arms in the tympanum of the central pediment, and the three, two-storey pilasters below.

The manner in which the Federal Building reinforces the business centre of downtown Brandon and is a prominent local landmark as evidenced by:
-its prominent location in the business centre;
-its impressive architectural contribution to the streetscape.