Formal Recognition Type

City of St. John's Heritage Building, Structure, Land or Area

Heritage Value

177-179 Water Street has been designated a municipal heritage building by the City of St. John’s for its aesthetic and historical values.

177-179 Water Street is aesthetically valuable as an example of a turn of the 20th century mercantile/office building in downtown St. John’s. The first storey of this building was traditionally used for mercantile premises with offices on its second and third floors. The use of the building as a commercial building is evident through the traditional store front that features large glass windows and a recessed doorway. Furthermore, the brick construction of this building is typical for downtown St. John’s buildings built after the fire of 1892. This building features some elements of classical revival such as dentils and pilasters which is also typical of commercial buildings constructed in this era.

177-179 Water Street has historical value for its association with two important Water Street businesses that operated from this location: James Baird and The London, New York and Paris. James Baird was a fishery supply and general import business which operated from this building from 1894 until it closed in the mid 20th century. It was then used by Harris and Joseph Goldstone for one of the premier Newfoundland based department stores on Water Street, The London, New York and Paris. “The London” was one of several large locally owned department stores located in the downtown area. This business operated out this building until 1982.

Source: City of St. John’s Archives municipal designation file.

Character Defining Elements

All elements of the classically inspired post-1892 commercial vernacular style including:

– large glass windows and recessed doorways;

– size, shape, decoration and placement of windows;

– brick pilasters which decorate the second and third storeys, four of which extend to the first storey and are constructed of stone;

– heavy cornice and dentils which decorate the eaves;

– building height, number of storeys, massing, dimensions; and

– traditional storefronts along Water Street.

Community

St. John's

Municipality

City of St. John's

Civic Address

177-179 Water Street

Construction (circa)

1892 - 1893

Builder

Unknown