Description of Historic Place

CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Former Ordnance Stores, Building D77 is prominently sited on the edge of Hospital Road. The building is a two-storey, rectangular, gabled-roofed, brick structure. It has symmetrical massing and features large, regularly spaced, arched windows. A small overhanging roof protects the main entrance. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Former Ordnance Stores, Building D77 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Former Ordnance Stores, Building D77 is a very good example of a building constructed for the storage and provision of naval weaponry and is central to the themes of imperial and Canadian naval defence. In 1913, it became a drill hall for the first naval reserve units created in Canada. From 1918-1922 it served as a dormitory for the Royal Naval College of Canada and subsequently as a temporary barracks for HMCS Naden.

Architectural Value:
CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Former Ordnance Stores, Building D77 is a good example of a structure associated with the 1895-1904 Dockyard rebuilding program. CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Ordnance Stores, Building D77 displays symmetry and pleasing proportions, and good craftsmanship as evident in the high quality brickwork.

Environmental Value:
CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Former Ordnance Stores, Building D77 contributes to a grouping of historic structures of similar design and materials. The building stands without a setback at the edge of Hospital Road where it is a dominant element and reinforces the present character of the dockyard. The building helps to unite the cluster of warehouses and former storage buildings in the immediate vicinity.

Sources
Ian Doull, Dockyard, CFB Esquimalt (82 Buildings), Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, British Columbia. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 89-202; CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Ordnance Stories, Building D77 (former Ordnance Stores), Esquimalt Dockyard, Esquimalt, British Columbia. Heritage Character Statement 89-202.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Former Ordnance Stores, Building D77 should be respected.

Its functional design and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example: the symmetrical massing of this two-storey, rectangular, gable-roofed building; the brickwork including the segmentally arched openings; the entrance, protected by a small overhanging roof; the large, regularly spaced, arched windows.

The manner in which CFB Esquimalt, Dockyard, Ordnance Stories, Building D77 reinforces the present character of Esquimalt Dockyard as evidenced by: its size and its highly visible location along Hospital Road which emphasizes its prominence among a group of turn-of-the-century buildings.

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.

Building D77 was constructed by the Royal Navy in 1901 for storage of naval weapons and supplies as part of the 1895-1904 Dockyard rebuilding program. It has been used as a drill hall, dormitory, and barracks. It now contains offices. The Department of National Defence is custodian of the building. See FHBRO Building Report 89-202 (volume 1).

Reasons for Designation
Building D77 was designated Recognized because of its association with the principal function of the Dockyard, for its architectural design and for its importance in the urban environment of the Dockyard.

Constructed for the storage of naval weapons, Building D77 was directly associated with with the central function of the Dockyard, ship repair operations. It was constructed toward the end of Royal Navy's 1895-1904 rebuilding program.

The Dockyard derives much of its character, visual interest and sense of place from the form and materials of and relationships among its many brick buildings. Constructed in brick and detailed with corbels, friezes and arches, Building D77 is a good example of a stores building constructed as part of this group.

With its elongated massing and prominent siting at the edge of Hospital Road, Building D77 is a strong element in the streetscape.

Character Defining Elements
The heritage value of Building D77 resides in its historical associations, its architectural value and its place in the urban environment of the Dockyard.

Building D77 is a large two-storey gable-roofed brick structure of austere design. Its principal characteristics are its brick construction, general symmetry, large regularly spaced arched windows, corbelled friezes in the gables, rubbed brick and stone sills. The integrity of the exterior of the building is very high. Its features should be carefully maintained, and appropriate expertise consulted for any masonry work including repointing or cleaning.

The interior of the building has been much altered due to ongoing changes in functional requirements. Although this area could be managed with some flexibility, historic surfaces and structural elements should be investigated and any evidence of historic finishes and details documented prior to further work on the interior of the building. Surviving early materials and features should be incorporated into new work.

Prominently sited on Hospital Road, Building D77 is a significant feature in the streetscape and the urban environment of the western end of the Dockyard. Existing site relationships should be respected.