Western Building

Former Names:
  • Western Building
  • A. Schmidt Foundry
  • Avenue 4 Group
Address:90 Albert Street
Constructed:1901
Architects:
Guides:Part of the QR Code Tour

Photographs

Design Characteristics

Neighbourhood:

The Exchange District

  • 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.

Links & Related Places