Description of Historic Place

The William Duke Complex is an elongated two-storey, wooden, Italianate double residence. It is located on Harding Street in the Trinity Royal Preservation Area of Saint John.

Heritage Value

The William Duke Complex is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture.

The William Duke Complex is recognized as one of a collection of residential and commercial Italianate and Second Empire buildings that were built between 1877 and 1881 after two thirds of the City of Saint John were destroyed by the fire in 1877. Built circa 1878, this residence is an example of Italianate residential architecture form the rebuilding period following the fire. It serves as a reminder of the strong will of the residents of Saint John to rebuild their city. This home was mainly occupied by general labourers and stevedores and was rented by three families.

Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the William Duke Complex include:
- sharing similar set-back with neighbouring buildings;
- long rectangular two-storey massing;
- rectangular 2/2 wood windows with simple entablatures;
- clapboard siding;
- large bracketed cornice.

The character-defining elements of the predominant entranceway include:
- long ornate brackets that support the entablature;
- transom window;
- multi-paned sidelights;
- wooden paneled doubled doors with segmented arch glass panels.