Description of Historic Place

Situated at the Observatory Campus on the Central Experimental Farm (CEF) Seismology Survey Building, also known as Building No. 7, is a rectangular three-storey brick, steel and concrete structure with a flat roof. It is distinguished by a symmetrical façade composed of a stone base, brick wall, metal cornice, shaped parapet and classical details characteristic of the stripped down Edwardian Classical style. Stone lintels, sills, stringcourses and entrance surrounds, enliven the composition. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

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

Historical Value
The Seismology Survey Building is associated with the establishment of the Geodetic Survey of Canada and with the history of seismological research and development. Its construction reflected the expansion of the federal role in pure and applied research to enhance the country’s scientific and economic development. The construction of this building, and of adjacent government office buildings, also encouraged local city growth.

Architectural Value
The Seismology Survey Building is valued for its aesthetic design. It is a good example of the stripped Edwardian Classical style used for mid-sized governmental lab and office buildings of this era. The symmetrical façade and selective use of classical detail are characteristic of this style. The building’s layout comprised of a central corridor plan, exhibits good functional design. Good craftsmanship and materials are demonstrated in the smooth brick masonry walls with corner quoins, sandstone lintels, sills, stringcourses and entrance surrounds.

Environmental Value
The Seismology Survey Building reinforces the present character of its landscaped setting established around the Dominion Observatory at the Central Experimental Farm. The building is familiar within the immediate area.

Sources: Jacqueline Hucker, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ontario, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, 92-040; Seismology Survey Building, Building 7, Central Experimental Farm. Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 92-040.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Seismology Survey Building should be respected.

Its good aesthetic and functional design, good materials and craftsmanship, for
example: the three-storey massing, which consists of a flat-roofed rectangular structure with a two storey extension; the roof line with its distinctive metal cornice and shaped parapet; the elongated vertical proportions, symmetrically organized façades and varied, repetitive window rhythms; the use of materials to create a classical tripartite division of base, body and cornice, with rough limestone at the base, smooth brick masonry for the body, and copper defining the cornice; the brick walls with corner quoins, accentuated by red sandstone lintels, sills, stringcourses and entrance surrounds; the interior central corridor plan; the interior materials such as terrazzo flooring, marble stairs and woodwork.

The manner in which the Seismology Survey Building reinforces the present character of its landscaped setting at the CEF and is familiar, as evidenced by: its scale, massing, roof profile and materials, which are compatible with the present informal layout of adjacent buildings set in their mature treed landscape; its visibility, from Carling Avenue, due to its scale, location, and the prominent, large satellite dish on its roof; its role as a component of the historic complex of early government buildings established around the Dominion Observatory at the CEF, which makes it familiar within the immediate area.

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.

HERITAGE CHARACTER STATEMENT

The Seismology Survey Building was constructed in 1913-14 to house the Geodetic Survey of Canada. It was designed by the Chief Architect's Branch of the Department of Public Works. The custodian is Natural Resources Canada. See FHBRO Building Report 92-40.

Reasons for Designation

The Seismology Survey building was designated Recognized because of its environmental and local importance and historical associations, and also for its architectural significance.

The Seismology Survey building is a component of the historic complex of early government buildings established around the Dominion Observatory at the Central Experimental Farm. The building is compatible with the present informal layout of adjacent buildings set in a mature treed landscape.

The building is associated with the establishment of the Geodetic Survey of Canada and with the history of seismological research and development. Its construction reflected the expansion of the federal role in pure and applied research to enhance the country's scientific and economic development. The construction of this building and of adjacent government office buildings also encouraged local city growth in the environs.

The Seismology Survey building is a good example of the Edwardian Classical style used for mid-sized governmental lab and office buildings of this era. The symmetrical facade and selective use of classical detail are characteristic of the style.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Seismology Survey Building resides in the building's form, Edwardian Classical proportions and architectural details, construction materials, surviving interior layout, and relationship to its site and setting.

The building is a flat-roofed three storey rectangular structure with a two storey extension. The elongated vertical proportions, symmetrically organized facades and varied, repetitive window rhythms should not be altered. The height of roof top installations should be limited if possible to reduce their impact on the roof line with its distinctive metal cornice and shaped parapet.

The building composition reflects the classical tripartite division of base, body, and capital. Rough limestone accentuates the base, while smooth brick masonry is used for the body and copper defines the cornice. The brick walls with corner quoins are simply accented by red sandstone lintels, sills, string courses and entrance surrounds. These elements are in keeping with the Edwardian Classical style and should be maintained.

Based on early photographs, the original window design featured elongated double-hung units with transoms, with the top floor having semi-circular transoms and all windows having awnings. The current windows are of modern materials and have inappropriate muntin divisions. The semi-circular transoms are blocked, and there are air conditioning units located in some windows. When the windows are at the end of their service life, they should be replaced with units that are compatible with the initial design intent. Reinstatement of the awnings would cut cooling costs and enhance the heritage character of the building.

The layout, essentially a central corridor plan, has largely survived. The third floor has had minor modifications to some room layouts. The original layouts and patterns of use should be maintained. Original interior materials such as terrazzo flooring, marble stairs and woodwork should be preserved and incorporated into any rehabilitation of the interior.

The simply manicured landscape of walkways and grass is appropriate and should be maintained.