Description of Historic Place

The Federal Building is set back from the curb, and bordered by wide promenades at the corner of Perrault Street and Portage Avenue. The classically-inspired building consists of a two-storey, rectangular, flat-roofed structure with formal stone entrance porticos on its two main elevations and a one-storey, side addition. The influence of the Modern style is expressed in minimal ornamentation limited to soldier courses in the red brick walls. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Federal Building is a recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Federal Building, as a former post-office, is associated with the construction of a number of small federal post offices built in towns across Canada. This was part of a job creation program conceived by the federal government to combat the economic crisis of the 1930s. The building was also part of a federal-provincial plan to settle the Abitibi region using unemployed workers from the St. Lawrence valley. The building is now used as an Armoury.

Architectural Value
The Federal Building is valued for its good aesthetic design and is representative of the popular design used for a number of post-office buildings built across Canada. The building displays Classical forms and detailing interpreted in a stripped-down manner, illustrative of the growing transition to Modern design in federal buildings. The materials used for its construction result in a structure that is truly Canadian, with stone from Westmount, hardware from Toronto, steel from the mills of Sarnia, Ontario, and British Columbia lumber.

Environmental Value
The Federal Building is compatible with the present character of its central streetscape setting in downtown Rouyn and is a well-known building in the community.

Sources:
Marc de Caraffe, Edifice fédéral, Rouyn, Québec, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Building Report, 83-006; Federal Building (former Post Office), Rouyn, Québec, Heritage Character Statement, 83-006.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Federal Building should be respected.

Its stripped-down classical style, good functional design and fine quality materials and
craftsmanship, for example: the two-storey rectangular flat-roofed form; the classically-inspired elements including the symmetry of the principal façade, the
regular rhythm of window and door openings on both elevations and the simple stone
entablature supported by columns; the Modern influence expressed in minimal ornamentation, limited to soldier courses in
the red brick walls; the good quality masonry construction; the interior materials such as terrazzo floors for the public spaces and the maple
hardwood for offices.

The manner in which the Federal Building is compatible with the character of its central streetscape setting and is a familiar building, as evidenced by: its stripped-down classical style and materials, which reinforce a federal presence in
the community and which harmonize with the adjacent buildings on the streetscape; its familiar, public profile within the community, given its federal use as the former post
office and as an armoury; its visibility given its large scale and central location on a corner site.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

The Federal Building at Rouyn, Quebec was built as the town Post Office in 1935-1936 under the supervision of Chief Architect T. W. Fuller of the Department of Public Works. The building is now used as an Armoury. The Department of National Defence is the custodian. See FHBRO Building Report 83-06.

Reason for Designation

The Rouyn Federal Building was designated "Recognized" for its historic associations, its architecture and its landmark qualities.

The building is an example of a popular design used for a number of small federal post offices built in towns across Canada as part of a job creation program conceived by the Federal Government to combat the economic crisis of the 1930s, and was part of a Federal - Provincial plan to settle the Abitibi region using unemployed workers from the Saint Lawrence valley. The materials used for the construction of the Rouyn building - stone from Westmount, hardware from Toronto, steel from the mills of Sarnia, and B.C. lumber - result in a structure that is truly Canadian in its materials and workmanship.

Architecturally, the building displays Classical forms and detailing interpreted in a stripped-down manner, illustrative of the nascent transition to Moderne design.

The Rouyn Federal Building has provided a federal presence within the community since its construction, and is highly visible on its corner site.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Rouyn Federal Building resides in its architectural design, its overall form and detailing, and its landmark qualities.

A two-storey rectangular flat-roofed form, the building responds to its corner site with formal stone entrance porticos on its Portage Avenue and Perrault Street elevations. The symmetry of the principal facade, the regular rhythm of window and door openings on both elevations and the simple stone entablature reflect the building's Classical inspiration and merit preservation. The Moderne influence is expressed in minimal ornamentation, which in this case is limited to soldier courses in the red brick walls. The rough textured "Tapestry" brick contrasts with the elegant classical stone porticos. Masonry repairs should be done in consultation with a masonry conservation professional.

While the Perrault and Portage elevations are generally intact, a one-storey addition to the building is visible from both elevations and actually steps forward from the original building at one side. Future modifications should not undermine the prominence of the original structure, and should respect original fenestration and patterns of access to the building. Doors and windows on the original building have been replaced with contemporary metal units. When these elements require replacement, a return to appropriate materials based on historic photographs is recommended.

The interior plan of the Federal Building was designed with differentiation between public and private spaces, such as terrazzo floor for public spaces and maple hardwood for offices. Remaining features and finishes of the interior which reflect this original design intent should be respected.

The site, at the corner of Perrault Street and Portage Avenue, is set back from the curb and bordered by wide promenades. Future interventions, such as the addition of street furniture or signage or the replacement of surface materials, should employ simple, traditional materials and respect the prominence of the principal facades. A use that continues the building's public presence is encouraged.

1994.08.08