Other Name(s)
Prince William Streetscape
Rue Prince William
Prince William Streetscape National Historic Site of Canada
Links and documents
n/a
Construction Date(s)
1877/01/01 to 1915/01/01
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2007/07/04
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
This streetscape comprises twelve public and commercial buildings in downtown Saint John, New Brunswick. These distinguished late 19th-century, masonry buildings are concentrated in a two-block stretch of Prince William Street in the vicinity of Princess and Duke streets.
Heritage Value
Prince William Streetscape was designated a national historic site in 1981 because:
- this historic streetscape is distinguished by its rare concentration of homogeneous, primarily late 19th- century architecture; and
- the buildings represent solid, dignified and sometimes flamboyant interpretations of contemporary styles and building technology.
The heritage value of the Prince William Streetscape resides in the concentration of architecturally notable public and commercial buildings within a two-block area. Most were erected after the Great Fire of 1877, and their use of late 19th-century architectural styles, fire-retardant materials and fine craftsmanship illustrates the determination of the city of Saint John to rebuild its fortunes in the wake of the disastrous fire.
Source: Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada, Minutes, June 1981.
Character-Defining Elements
Key features contributing to the heritage value of this site include:
- urban plan with buildings abutting each other and built up to the sidewalk;
- consistent scale of three to four storeys;
- masonry construction materials, primarily brick and stone;
- use of high-style, late 19th-century architectural vocabulary, particularly Italianate and Beaux-Arts;
- elaborate detailing and craftsmanship.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Federal
Recognition Authority
Government of Canada
Recognition Statute
Historic Sites and Monuments Act
Recognition Type
National Historic Site of Canada
Recognition Date
1981/06/15
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
- Developing Economies
- Trade and Commerce
- Expressing Intellectual and Cultural Life
- Architecture and Design
Function - Category and Type
Current
- Commerce / Commercial Services
- Office or Office Building
Historic
- Government
- Office or office building
Architect / Designer
n/a
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
203
Status
Published
Related Places
Old Post Office
Old Post Office is a large three-and-a-half storey stone Second Empire building with high Roman arch windows and a mansard roof. It faces Prince William Street and extends to…