Description of Historic Place

Isaacs Residence is a wooden, two-storey Craftsman home with a flat roof and projecting eave. Built circa 1925, it is situated on Orange Street within the Orange Street Preservation Area of the City of Saint John.

Heritage Value

Isaacs Residence is designated a Local Historic Place for its location, for its architecture and for its association with the Isaacs family.

Isaacs Residence is located in the Orange Street Preservation Area created through the City of Saint John Preservation Areas Bylaw. Orange Street was recognized as a heritage district because of its beautiful Victorian-era homes, many of which represent Saint John's rebuilding phase after the Great Saint John Fire of 1877. Orange Street was a key residential area for uptown businessmen of the period. This building was built circa 1925 for Lisle Isaacs, somewhat later than many of the other buildings on this street. Isaacs’ Residence is an example of a Craftsman style residence with Neoclassical details from the later stages of the city’s rebuilding period.

Isaacs Residence is also recognized for its association with the Isaacs family, long time proprietors of the American Clothing House on Charlotte Street in Saint John. Lisle Isaacs' father started the American Clothing House on King Street in the late 1800's and Lisle succeeded his father and just prior to WWI Lisle moved the store to 9 Charlotte Street. Lisle was active in various music activities in Saint John and he was a member of Harrison’s Orchestra. Lisle passed away in 1929 and Lisle's widow Millie continued the business along with her children, Ralph and Lawrence. Millie Isaacs was recording secretary of the Daughters of Israel from 1904 to 1930 when she assumed the presidency. She also served as secretary of the Local Council of Women from 1925 to 1935. Members of the Isaacs family were still in this home as late as the 1980's.

Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements that describe Isaacs Residence include:
- rectangular height and width proportions;
- window and entrance placement and proportions;
- projecting eaves with exposed rafters;
- Craftsman-style windows on upper floor;
- decorated rectangular leaded glass windows;
- single rectangular window centrally located on the second storey of the front façade.

The character defining elements of the Neoclassical entranceway include:
- large pediment with modillions;
- fanlight with keystone;
- sidelights;
- double wooden door with decorated glass panels.