Description of Historic Place

The Postal Station H is located in the business district area of St. Catherine Street. It is an imposing, rectangular, stone block arranged according to the classical tripartite division, including base storey, three storeys and a final attic level. The major elevations are symmetrically disposed, with a rusticated ground floor supporting four giant, partially engaged Ionic columns between which are evenly spaced windows. The entire building is capped by a denticulated cornice and stepped parapet. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Postal Station H is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Postal Station H is associated with the period of active national growth during the first decade of the 20th century, and the response on the part of the federal government to serve the expanding population by the construction of a large number of public buildings, many of which contained postal facilities. Postal Station H, also reflected the government’s confidence in the potential of local development and over the years, the neighbourhood developed from one of mixed commercial-residential use to a more strictly business-oriented area, with Postal Station H continuing to house federal government services.

Architectural Value
The Postal Station H is valued for its very good aesthetic design. It is a good example of the massing and decorative schemes used for many early 20th-century public buildings constructed in the Beaux Arts manner. Although no longer used as a post office, the building demonstrates very good functional design with the retention of its original layout, which effectively housed post office facilities. The materials used are of high quality, finely detailed and executed with excellent craftsmanship.

Environmental Value
The Postal Station H maintains an unchanged relationship to its site. The building is compatible with the commercial character of its business district streetscape setting and is a familiar landmark in the area.

Sources: Shannon Ricketts, former Postal Station H, Montreal, Québec, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, 89-127; Postal Station H, Montreal, Québec, Heritage Character Statement, 89-127.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of Postal Station H should be respected.

Its very good Beaux Arts style, very good functional design, and excellent craftsmanship and materials, for example:
- the massing which consists of an imposing rectangular block with building elevations arranged according to a classical tripartite division and capped with a denticulated cornice and stepped parapet;
- the symmetrical elevations, with a rusticated ground floor supporting four giant partially engaged Ionic columns;
- the central arched entry, entablature incised with ‘Post Office Station H’, and the coat of arms in cast copper on the parapet wall;
- the evenly spaced windows with carved spandrel panels and the full height windows on the Ste. Catharine and Bishop street façades;
- the exterior materials including the dressed Stanstead granite and the buff sandstone;
- the interior layout, including the open character of the main lobby and the 3.05-metre-high (10 feet) grey Mississiquoi marble dado, the square pillars capped by elaborate Ionic capitals, the coffered ceiling, the marble writing desks and the surviving significant finishes and fitting throughout the building.

The manner in which Postal Station H maintains an unchanged relationship to its site, is compatible with the commercial character of its business district streetscape setting and is a familiar landmark in the area, as evidenced by:
- its ongoing relationship to its site and its position flush to the sidewalk on its two exposed elevations, and closely bounded by other structures on its rear and side;
- its overall monumental design and materials that complement the built fabric of the area and the streetscape;
- its imposing design and prominent location on the streetscape, as well as its role as a federal government building, all of which makes it familiar within the area.