Description
36 Circular Road is a large, three-storey wooden duplex located on historic Circular Road, St. John’s, NL. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Statement of Significance
Formal Recognition Type
City of St. John's Heritage Building, Structure, Land or Area
Heritage Value
36 Circular Road has been designated a municipal heritage building by the City of St. John’s for its aesthetic and historical values.
36 Circular Road is a late 19th-century example of the Second Empire style of architecture presented as a mirror image duplex. Typical features of this style are evident here with the Mansard roof, the peaked dormers and bow windows. The windows are slightly arched and have a curved detail above them. The bow windows are repeated as two story bows on the sides of the house – an unusual feature to have off the main facade. The eaves brackets, dentils, fascia boards, panels and other carved work are evidence of quality construction. There is a large covered porch which holds both entrances to the house and it features prominently in the centre of the main facade. This house speaks to the time and place when such large elaborate houses were quite normal for the area.
36 Circular Road has historical value because of its association with Alfred Bishop Morine (1857-1944), a journalist and politician who resided there. Morine had one of the longest and most controversial careers in Newfoundland politics. He was a central figure in several political rows revolving around his ambition, his scheming and his desire to lead Newfoundland to Confederation with Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Source: City of St. John’s Archives property file – 36 Circular Road.
Character Defining Elements
All those elements of the Second Empire style duplex, including:
-Mansard roof;
-peaked dormers;
-arched windows;
-bow windows;
-window styles, sizes and fenestration;
-dentils, eaves brackets, fascia boards, all other carvings;
-covered porch with dual entrances; and
-location, orientation, dimensions.
Location and History
Community
St. John's
Municipality
City of St. John's
Civic Address
036 Circular Road
Construction (circa)
1800 - 1800
Style
Rectangular Long Façade
Location
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