Description of Historic Place

The Federal Building is located on a hill and faces an adjacent square within the central business area of Sherbrooke. The classically based design of the monumental three-storey structure combines symmetrical massing and a tripartite articulation of the façades with a modern expression of simple volumes and smooth surfaces executed in light granite. Minor carved detailing such as the ribbed pilasters and low relief carving are inspired by the Art Deco style. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

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

Historical Value
The Federal Building in Sherbrooke is associated with the increasing growth in population and prosperity following the Second World War and with the expansion of facilities for the provision of new federal services. The construction of the building also reflects the growth of Sherbrooke and its shifting economy as it developed into a regional service and administration centre in the 1950s.

Architectural Value
The Federal Building in Sherbrooke is valued for its aesthetic qualities. Its striking appearance is a result of its classically based, monumental design, symmetrical massing and detailing of classical and Art Deco inspiration. A good functionally-designed building, the interior is comprised of well-defined public and private spaces. Well-crafted, high quality finishes, using materials such as marble, terrazzo and decorative plasterwork, define the public spaces, while non-public spaces are defined by more functional finishes. Very good craftsmanship is also demonstrated in the smooth granite cladding and decorative detailing of the façades.

Environmental Value
The Federal Building reinforces the mixed nature of its central business area setting in Sherbrooke. The building is also a community landmark.

Sources: Government of Canada Building (GOCB), Sherbrooke, Québec, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, 95-012; Government of Canada Building (GOCB), Sherbrooke, Québec, Heritage Character Statement, 95-012.

Character-Defining Elements

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

Its good aesthetic, good functional design, and very good craftsmanship and
materials, for example: the simple rectangular massing of the three-storey, flat-roofed structure; the stepped massing of volumes, the use of smooth surfaces, minimal window trims, low relief carving, and rounded returns at the entrances, which enhance its streamlined ‘modern’ expression; the monumentally-scaled, long façade which features a classically inspired tripartite division of base, body and cornice with a central entrance portico, end pavilions, and giant pilasters articulating the bays; the façades executed in matte finished light granite with minor carved detailing at the entrances and polished dark granite at the base as well as the accent features inspired by Art Deco design such as the copings, curved entrance returns and ribbed canopy projections; the good quality masonry work including the brickwork of the rear of the building; the entrances and interior finishes such as the high quality finishes of the public spaces, including marble dados, patterned terrazzo flooring, decorative ceiling plasterwork, and aluminium framing for doors and windows as well as the functional finishes of the non-public spaces.

The manner in which the Federal Building reinforces the mixed nature of its central business area setting, and is a community landmark in Sherbrooke, as evidenced by: its scale and modern appearance which emphasizes a federal presence and also
harmonizes with the surrounding buildings along King Street; its visibility and familiarity within the city given its prominent location on a hill
facing an adjacent square, and its role as a former post office.

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 Sherbrooke GOCB was constructed between 1950 and 1954. It was designed by the Chief Architect's Branch, Department of Public Works. The windows have been replaced with reflective glass, a roof-top mechanical penthouse was added at the front (1972-73), and an access ramp was added in 1991. It was originally designed for offices and a post office and continues to house government offices. Public Works and Government Services Canada is the custodian. See FHBRO Building Report 95-012.

Reasons For Designation

The Sherbrooke GOCB was designated Recognized because of its environmental significance and architectural importance, and also for its historical associations.

The Sherbrooke GOCB is part of the central business area reinforcing the mixed fabric along King Street while also facing an adjacent square. It is prominently sited on a hill and the high standards of the design and construction reinforce the importance of the building within the community. The presence of federal services and the building's former use as a post office have contributed to its community landmark status.

The striking presence of the building is a result of its classically based design and monumental, symmetrical massing with spare detailing of classical and Art Deco inspiration. The modern expression of simple volumes and smooth surfaces contrasts with the fluted pilasters and tripartite articulation of the facades, which reflect both its modern and traditional antecedents and contribute to its visual interest.

The building is associated with the increasing growth in population and prosperity following World War II and the expansion of facilities for the provision of new federal services. The construction of the building reflects the growth of Sherbrooke and the shifting economy as it developed into a regional service and administration centre in the 1950s.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Sherbrooke GOCB resides in its overall massing, monumental proportions, construction materials, architectural details, and site relationships.

Characteristic of the transitional design, the building reflects a combination of streamlined modern detailing with a simplified interpretation of classical architecture. The three-storey flat-roofed structure has a simple rectangular massing and footprint. The corner site is subtly expressed by a slightly more prominent end pavilion. The monumentally scaled long facade features a classically inspired tripartite division of base, body and cornice with a central entrance portico, end pavilions, and giant pilasters dividing the bays. The stepped massing of volumes, the use of smooth surfaces, minimal window trims, low-relief carving, and rounded returns at the entrances enhance the streamlined 'modern' expression. The massing, footprint, roof profile and facade relationships should be respected.

The facades are executed in matte finished light granite with minor carved detailing ( ribbed pilasters, the shield, and low relief work) at the entrances. Polished dark granite is used for the base, and to accent features like some of the copings, curved entrance returns, and ribbed canopy projections. These details and the subtle colour and textural contrast reflect Art Deco design inspiration and should be respected. The masonry, including the brickwork of the rear of the building, would benefit from conservation expertise for repairs and ongoing maintenance.

The windows and doors are modern replacements: the large scale of the glazing simplifies the visual richness of a traditional frame and sash profile, and the use of mirrored glass is inappropriate. At the end of their life, historical research should be used to determine appropriate window and door replacements.

The entrances and interior finishes display a hierarchial planning which reflects the underlying classicism of the design: the public spaces have higher quality finishes like marble dados, patterned terrazzo flooring, decorative ceiling plasterwork, and aluminum framing for doors and windows. The more functional finishes of the non-public spaces should also be preserved and maintained.

The street frontages are hard-surfaced, which contributes to the characteristic crisp, clean relationship between the building and the ground plane typical of institutional buildings and should be maintained. Planters and plant material which have been introduced are appropriate because of they do not obscure the building facades.

97.06.30 (DRAFT)