Download FHBRO HERITAGE CHARACTER STATEMENT BUILDING S

FHBRO HERITAGE CHARACTER STATEMENT
BUILDING S-27, CFB HALIFAX, STADACONA, N.S.
FHBRO number:
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Not listed
Building S-27
2785 Gottingen Street, CFB Halifax, Stadacona
“Recognized” Federal Heritage Building
1953
Fetherstonhaugh, Durnford, Bolton and Chadwick
Officers Quarters and Mess Facilities
same
None
Department of National Defence
Reasons for Designation
Building S-27 is designated a Recognized federal heritage building due to its historical associations, and its
architectural and environmental values.
Historical value:
Building S-27 is a good illustration of the post Second World War modernization of Canadian military
facilities, in particular the consolidation and replacement of temporary wartime structures on the former
HMCS Stadacona. In order to attract high caliber recruits to its larger permanent force, the military
commissioned new buildings such as Building S-27 to provide higher quality permanent living quarters and
mess facilities. The building also reflects the period of redevelopment of HMCS Stadacona after the Second
World War, which saw the construction of larger scale military residences to replace earlier temporary
housing that occupied the former residential neighbourhood.
Architectural value:
Building S-27 is a good example of a modern institutional building whose form and detailing reflect the public
and residential functions of its distinct portions. Stylized classical features are used on the more formal twostorey front portion of the building as seen in the strong symmetrical composition, projecting central entry,
round end elevations and formal interior spaces which distinguish it from the more utilitarian H-shaped
residential wing at the rear. The high level of craftsmanship and quality materials employed for the
construction can be seen on the exterior brickwork with concrete detailing as well as in the interior oval foyer,
sweeping stairway and public rooms of the front wing. The design successfully blended the formal public
functions and support spaces for the mess in the front portion of the building with a large residential wing
capable of housing 150 officers to the rear.
Environmental value:
The open character of the building’s site, with grassed areas, individual trees and parking, has been retained
through several modifications. Through its formal architectural style the building reflects the character of the
base while its horizontal massing and materials relate to the smaller nearby residential buildings, making
Building S-27 compatible with the mixed character of its setting at the southeast perimeter of CFB Halifax,
Stadacona. Due to the formal character and social role of the building’s mess, it is known to the residents of
the base.
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FHBRO HERITAGE CHARACTER STATEMENT
BUILDING S-27, CFB HALIFAX, STADACONA, N.S.
Character-Defining Elements
The following character-defining elements of the Building S-27 should be respected.
The blend of modern and classically-derived features, successful functional plan, high level of craftsmanship
and quality materials, are manifested in:
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the overall horizontality of the building massing, emphasized by the flat roof and cornice;
the classically inspired composition of the front portion of the building consisting of a rectangular plan
with rounded end elevations and circular projecting entry, well-defined base and cornice lines, and
symmetrical window openings;
the greater emphasis on the first floor or “piano nobile” as evidenced by the larger windows;
the greater ornamental detail provided to the two-storey public front portion of the building as
compared to the three-storey residential rear wing;
the functional plan which successfully accommodates the formal functions in the large more ornate
public rooms, and the more utilitarian spaces in the residential wing;
the high quality materials and skilful craftsmanship exhibited by the exterior brickwork and the
concrete detailing seen on the window surrounds and the projecting rounded entry’s columns and
mouldings; and,
the interior finishes found in the oval foyer, sweeping stairway and other public rooms of the front
wing, such as the terrazzo and hardwood flooring, wood panelling and marble fireplace surrounds.
The building is compatible with the mixed character of its neighbourhood, as evidenced in:
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its scale and horizontal massing which is in keeping with the surrounding residential buildings.
For guidance on interventions, please refer to the FHBRO Code of Practice. For further information contact
FHBRO.
November 2002
FEDERAL HERITAGE BUILDINGS REVIEW OFFICE
National Historic Sites Directorate, Parks Canada
25 Eddy Street, 5th Floor, Hull, QC K1A 0M5
Telephone: 819-997-6740/ Fax: 819-953-6146/ Web Site: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/federalhb
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