Description of Historic Place

The Federal Building is located in the commercial district of Thunder Bay. The handsome, medium-sized, Beaux-Arts style building is richly decorated with classically inspired detailing. The flat roofed building features a strong horizontal emphasis and is constructed of light-coloured stone. The building is also enhanced by a projecting central frontispiece that features two-storey columns with Canada’s coat of arms above. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Federal Building a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
The Federal Building is closely associated with the 1934 Public Works Construction Act (PWCA), which was designed to stimulate the economy during the Depression and to relieve unemployment. The building represents a turning point in the development of Thunder Bay. Its construction is part of a national effort to consolidate government accommodation and upgrade public services, while stimulating the economy of the early 1930s.

Architectural Value
The Federal Building is valued for its very good aesthetics. It is an example of the Beaux-Arts style that employs classical decorative elements to achieve a monumental effect. The building shows attention to symmetry, proportion and detail throughout. Excellent craftsmanship and materials are seen in the rich detailing of the exterior stonework and also in the opulence of the interior finishes.

Environmental Value
The Federal Building is compatible with the present character of its commercial district setting and is a familiar landmark in the region.

Sources: Joanna H. Doherty, Federal Building, 130 South Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 88-050; Federal Building, 130 South Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 88-050.

Character-Defining Elements

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

Its very good aesthetic, good functional design and excellent quality materials and craftsmanship, for example: the classical formality of the three-storey, flat roofed, rectangular massing; the façade and part of the side finished in light-coloured stone with brick used for the remaining side and rear elevations; the projecting columned central pavilion; the regularly spaced windows and other external decorative features, including the classical detailing including the rustication of the ground floor, the tall columns, the egg and dart detailing, the cartouches, the clock above the front door and the Dominion Coat of Arms set in the parapet; the granite exterior stairway; the interior configuration and detailing, including the terrazzo and marble trimmed ground level floors; marble archways, entrances, wainscoting and stairs; bronze elevator doors, grilles, stair rails, door and transom frames; and mahogany stained woodwork on the upper floors.

The manner in which the Federal Building is compatible with the present character of its commercial district setting and is a familiar landmark in the region, as evidenced by: its scale, design and materials that harmonize with its downtown surroundings; its visibility and familiarity, given its prominent location and ongoing use as a post office and federal offices.

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 Thunder Bay Federal Building was designed according to plans prepared by the Chief Architect's Branch of the Department of Public Works in 1932, and built in 1934-36 under the supervision of local architect R.E. Mason. The building's custodian is Public Works Canada. See FHBRO Building Report 88-50.

Reason for Designation

The Thunder Bay Federal Building has been designated Recognized because of its historical associations, its architectural significance and its environmental value.

The building portrays an important theme in Canadian history, and represents a turning point in the development of Thunder Bay. Its construction is part of a national effort to consolidate government accommodation and upgrade public services, while stimulating the economy of the early 1930s. Its Fort William location is a significant demonstration of the determination of that community to attract federal support.

The building's architectural significance relates primarily to the aesthetic quality of its Beaux-Arts design, especially expressed in a main façade richly articulated with classical components, and in the opulence of its materials.

The building's environmental values lie in the relatively unchanged nature of its relationship to its site, and its role as a familiar landmark for the citizens of modern-day Thunder Bay.

Character Defining Elements

The character of this property is defined by the careful articulation of its Beaux-Arts composition and the quality of craftsmanship employed on its four principal façades. The elements of the original design including window and door treatments, the classical decorative elements, the use of granite approaches, and the opulent detailing of stonework should be properly maintained to preserve the coherence of the designer's intent. The columned central pavilion containing the front entrance provides a strong vertical counterpoint to the façade's general horizontality.

Though alterations in 1965 (following departure of the post office as tenant) resulted in substantial alterations to the use and appearance of the ground floor, consideration could be given in future alterations to restoration of the original entrance hall,
associated galleries and front entrance bronze doors. The best uses for the building would be those similar to its original post office function.

Surviving interior detailing - terrazzo and marble trimmed ground level floors; marble archways, entrances, wainscoting and stairs; bronze elevator doors, grilles, stair rails, door and transom frames; and mahogany stained wood
work on the upper floors - bear witness to the lavishness of the original design conception, and should be carefully maintained in future planning.

Future changes to the site should respect the building's architectural qualities and the monumental effect based on the Beaux-Arts formula.