Other Name(s)
Former British Military Ordnance Store
Ancien magasin de ravitaillement militaire britannique
Ordnance Store, Building 36
HMCS Brunswicker
Magasin de ravitaillement, bâtiment 36
Links and documents
Construction Date(s)
1841/01/01 to 1842/01/01
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2010/03/02
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
HMCS Brunswicker, also known as the Former British Military Ordnance Store or Building 36, is located on the Barrack Green Armoury site situated in an industrial area on the southern side of Saint John’s, New Brunswick. It is a long, two-storey, rectangular, stone building featuring a mansard roof with gabled pedimented dormers, symmetrically placed windows and ten regularly spaced bays. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage Value
HMCS Brunwicker is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.
Historical Value:
HMCS Brunswicker is a useful example of a building associated with the period of British military occupation in Saint John during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is the only structure situated on the military property known as the Lower Cove or the Barrack Green, which makes it a very good witness of the site’s function throughout that period. The building is one of the oldest military buildings in the country still in active use and currently houses the Saint John Naval Reserve Unit of the Canadian Forces.
Architectural Value:
HMCS Brunswicker is valued for its good aesthetic and functional design. This utilitarian military structure has a solid and symmetrical form with little decorative embellishments, reflecting a subdued classical design. The building’s value also resides in its very good quality materials and craftsmanship as evidenced by its sturdy workmanlike masonry and attractive stonework detailing.
Environmental Value:
HMCS Brunswicker is compatible with the present character of its military setting, and is a familiar landmark to those visiting the Barrack Green Armoury.
Sources: Kate MacFarlane, HMCS Brunswicker (Building No.36), Sydney Street, Saint John, N.B. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 87-105; HMCS Brunswicker (Building No.36), Sydney Street, Saint John, New Brunswick, Heritage Character Statement 87-105.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements of the HMCS Brunswicker should be respected.
Its good aesthetic and functional design and very good quality materials and craftsmanship as evidenced in:
- the simple, low, rectangular massing with a two-storey mansard-roofed form;
- the copper sheet and batten roof, the pedimented gables and dormer windows;
- the regularity and symmetry of the façades arranged into ten bays;
- the exterior walls of irregularly coursed limestone with their corner quoins, prominent windowsills, lintels and segmental arched door openings.
The manner in which HMCS Brunswicker is compatible with the present character of its military setting and is a familiar landmark to those visiting the site as evidenced by:
- its location within the Barrack Green site, on the southern side of Saint John, New Brunswick;
- its utilitarian military design and sturdy workmanlike appearance;
- its scale and presence, which contributes to the urban landscape of Sydney Street;
- its role in housing a Naval Reserve unit, which makes it familiar within the community.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Federal
Recognition Authority
Government of Canada
Recognition Statute
Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy
Recognition Type
Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Recognition Date
1988/06/09
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
Function - Category and Type
Current
Historic
- Defence
- Military Support
Architect / Designer
Royal Engineers
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
National Historic Sites Directorate, Documentation Centre, 5th Floor, Room 89, 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
3111
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a