Description of Historic Place

The Courcelles Block is located within the Tête de Pont barracks in Fort Frontenac which lies at the eastern edge of the city of Kingston. It is a three-storey, rectangular structure with smooth stucco walls, a low-hipped roof and regular window openings. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

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

Historical Value:
The Courcelles Block is associated with the training and dispatch of Canadian troops during the Second World War. In 1947, the complex became the site of both the newly created Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College, and the National Defence College.

Architectural Value:
The Courcelles Block is valued for its good aesthetic qualities in a utilitarian military design with Neo-Classical details. Its simple massing and symmetrical layout speak to its good functional design which has been adapted to changing requirements. It exhibits good quality craftsmanship in the Neo-classical detailing and is constructed of good quality materials.

Environmental Value:
The Courcelles Block is compatible with the present formal character of Fort Frontenac and is a familiar landmark to residents and visitors.

Sources:
Jacqueline Adell, Fort Frontenac (8 buildings), Kingston, Ontario.
Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 89-040.

The Courcelles Block, Fort Frontenac, Kingston, Ontario. Heritage Character Statement 89-040.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Courcelles Block should be respected, for example:

Its utilitarian design with Neo-Classical influences and good quality materials and craftsmanship as evidenced in:
The simple form of the rectangular, three-storey massing with a low-hipped roof. The façade, the entrance bays and the semi-circular windows. The smooth stucco walls accented by windowsills, blind arcading, and tall semi-circular recesses above the entrance porticos. The projecting limestone porticos with pilaster and cornice details.

The manner in which the Courcelles Block is compatible with the present formal character of the military setting and is a familiar landmark within the base, as evidenced by:

The design and materials that maintain a visual and physical relationship between the block and adjacent buildings within the barracks. Its familiarity to staff and visitors within the barracks.

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 Courcelles Block was constructed in 1941. It was designed by the Department of Public Works as military training quarters. A small two-storey structure serves as a link to the adjacent 1936 Ross block. The Department of National Defense is the custodian. See FHBRO Building Report 89-40.

Reasons for Designation

The Courcelles Block was designated Recognized because of its environmental and local prominence, its architectural significance, and its historical associations.

The building was constructed on the site of an older wooden barracks and therefore reflects the original configuration of the fort. It is familiar as one of several buildings comprising Fort Frontenac and because of its current use by the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College and the National Defence College.

The Courcelles Block is a good example of a functional and utilitarian military design which has been adapted to changing requirements. The simple massing and symmetrical layout is integral to the design.

The Courcelles Block is located within the original Tête de Pont barracks, a walled complex of seven buildings, four of which were built as barracks by the Royal Engineers. The construction of the Courcelles Block as a Second World War training and dispatch depot illustrates the continued importance of Fort Frontenac to the military.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Courcelles Block resides in the building's form, its overall proportions, construction materials and architectural details, surviving features of the interior layout, and its relationship to the site and setting.

The Courcelles Block is a simple rectangular three-storey structure with a low hipped roof. The smooth stucco walls emphasize the mass of the building. The rectangular footprint of the building with its simple roof form should be maintained. When the opportunity presents itself, the two-storey flat-roofed link between this building and the Ross building should be modified to be more sympathetic in character.

The principal facade is divided into three parts by the entrance bays with semi-circular windows. The stucco walls are accented by window sills, by blind arcading at the base (possible evidence of earlier garage bays) and by tall semi-circular recesses above the entrance porticos. The projecting limestone porticos have pilaster and cornice details reflecting neo-classical influences. These details, including evidence of former garage bays, should be maintained. The building materials merit appropriate conservation expertise and regular maintenance.

The arrangement of the windows contributes to the symmetrical balance and order of the building and should not be compromised. Windows which are blocked interrupt the intended rhythm of the facades and should be re-instated. The multi-pane semi-circular transoms and six-over-six wood double-hung windows are consistent with the character of the design and should be maintained. Steel sash at the rear elevation recall the earlier industrial use of the ground floor and should be retained. Doors are not original to the building. When replacement is considered, the design should be based on precedent for this building or others on the site. The roof is a prominent feature of the building; when re-roofing is required, consideration should be given to returning to the original finish material and colour based on documentary evidence.

The original interior layout was adapted to the building's current function with minor modification of room configurations, and the pattern of entry and circulation is unchanged. This should be maintained.

The approach to landscaping should maintain the formal character of the site. Site lighting should not be surface mounted on the building.