Description of Historic Place

Located in the commercial centre of downtown St. Andrews in front of the government wharf stands the Federal Building. It is a two-storey, flat-roofed, rectangular, brick structure with a symmetrically arranged, three-bay façade. 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 Federal Building is associated with the federal presence in the community. It is also linked to the development of postal and customs service in Canada as a result of the increased volume in customs and postal business across the country during the inter war years.

Architectural Value:
The Federal Building is a very good example of a standard plan federal building of the period which has been modified to harmonize with the local architectural tradition. Its neo-classical detailing and decorative elements make reference to the local architectural heritage. The building was designed to accommodate both the post office, the customs offices and examining warehouse, each with its own entrance.

Environmental Value:
The Federal Building is compatible with the present character of the business centre of downtown Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. Its construction played an important role in reestablishing the focal point of St. Andrews on the old market square. It is a familiar landmark within both the community and the region.

Sources:
Federal Building, St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 88-066; Federal Building, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Heritage Character Statement 88-066.

Character-Defining Elements

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

Its neo-classical style and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:
-the simple massing and rectangular two-storey form with its flat roof and formal symmetry;
-the brick construction, stone window trim, and fine dentilled metal cornice that encircles the structure below the parapet;
-the symmetrically arranged three-bay façade with its main entry door flanked by a window on either side and the three corresponding windows lighting the second-storey level with their proportionally reduced height;
-the multi-pane single hung character of the windows;
-the blind arcading around the ground floor windows and the brickwork quoins at each corner of the building;
-the entrance framed by rounded Tuscan pilasters and a pediment of cut stone.

The manner in which the Federal Building is compatible with the business centre of downtown St Andrews and is a prominent local landmark as evidenced by:
-the building’s scale, materials and neo-classical design that complement the buildings in the business centre;
-the building’s large scale and prominent location.