Description of Historic Place

James Pullen's Paint Shop is a two-and-a-half storey brick Second Empire commercial building with living quarters above. Built in circa 1880, it is located on Horsfield Street in the Trinity Royal Preservation Area of the City of Saint John.

Heritage Value

James Pullen's Paint Shop is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its association with James H. Pullen and his business.

James Pullen’s Paint Shop is one of a collection of commercial Second Empire buildings that were built between 1877 and 1881 after two thirds of the City of Saint John was destroyed by the fire in 1877. The brick architecture sent a message that the city would be more fire resistant in the future. Built circa 1880, this building is a good example of a two-and-a-half storey brick Second Empire commercial building from the city’s rebuilding period following the fire.

James Pullen’s Paint Shop is also recognized through its association with James H. Pullen and James H. Pullen Ltd. The company operated from this location for over 100 years from the late 1870's until the early 1980's. James Pullen was for many years the leading painter and decorator of Saint John. Aside from painting, he was considered the best shot for woodcock in the City of Saint John. James H. Pullen Jr. took over the company upon his father's death. Later James Pullen Jr.’s widow along with the Corbett family took over the business which stayed in the Corbett family under the original name of James H. Pullen until the 1980's.

Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements that describe James Pullen’s Paint Shop include:
- height and width proportions;
- window placement and proportions;
- brick exterior walls;
- storefront cornice with fascia band;
- entrances with large transom windows;
- sandstone window sills;
- projecting brickwork from end to end forming the upper floor window headers;
- central multi-paned window with wooden bulkhead;
- Mansard roof with curved dormers;
- sloped brickwork at roof forming the eave cornice;
- entrances at each end;
- four brick pilasters.