Formal Recognition Type

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

Heritage Value

193 Water Street has been designated a Municipal Heritage Building by the City of St. John’s for its aesthetic values. 193 Water Street is 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. The additional storeys were used as office space, usually for the business below or was rented out to others. The use of the building as a commercial building is evident through the traditional store front that features large plate glass windows with fascia board. Furthermore, the brick construction of 193 Water Street is typical for downtown St. John’s buildings built after the fire of 1892. This building, like all the other in this block, also features some elements of classical revival such as pilasters and arched windows.

Source: City of St. John’s Archives, unnumbered property file, St. John’s – 193 Water Street

Character Defining Elements

All elements that define the building’s commercial vernacular design, including:

-large plate glass windows with fascia board;

-size, shape, decoration and placement of windows;

-the second storey original brick and stone facade;

-pilasters from second to third storeys;

-fascia board and mouldings decorating the first storey;

-size, dimensions and location of building; and

-corner pilasters extending just above the eaves line.

Community

St. John's

Municipality

City of St. John's

Civic Address

193 Water Street

Construction (circa)

1892 - 1893

Builder

Unknown

Style

Rectangular Short Façade