Western Building

Design Characteristics

• Key elements that define the heritage character of the Western Building site include:
• - the building's full occupancy of its lot spanning between Albert and Arthur streets
• - its presence among similarly aged warehouses and commercial buildings, including several other municipally designated structures: the Albert Block to the south (separated by a narrow lane), Trend Interiors and Bate Building to the east and the Stovel, Anne and Gault buildings to the west
• Key elements that define the building's exterior heritage character and modest classical styling include:
• - the three-storey rectangular massing with solid buff-coloured brick facades, a raised basement, flat roof and distinctly angled front elevation corresponding with the alignment of Albert Street
• - the symmetrical east (Albert) and west (Arthur) facades of three bays each divided by pilasters
• - the large rectangular windows on three sides, aligned vertically and featuring soldier-coursed brick lintels and limestone lug sills
• - the first-floor loading dock with double doors and transoms on the west facade
• - the details, including the understated entablature with a dentilled brick cornice and parapet, the east facade's limestone belt course that forms a continuous first-floor sill, the ornamental brickwork, pilasters on side walls, flagpole atop the east elevation, etc.
• Key elements that define the building's purposeful interior details and finishes include:
• - the informal open plan organized by columns
• - the details, including exposed brick walls, pressed tin ceilings, etc.