Formal Recognition Type

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

Heritage Value

195 Water Street has been designated a municipal heritage building by the City of St. John’s for its aesthetic values.It 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 195 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 feature some elements of classical revival such as pediments, pilasters, and arched forms.

Character Defining Elements

All elements of the commercial vernacular style, including:

-large plate glass windows with fascia board;

-size, shape, decoration and placement of windows;

-original entrance with freize and mouldings on the top and sides of the doorway;

-mouldings found on the first floor corners;

-pilasters on the sides of the third storey windows;

-arched keystone motif over the middle window of the third storey.

Community

St. John's

Municipality

City of St. John's

Civic Address

195 Water Street

Construction (circa)

1892 - 1893

Builder

Unknown