Description of Historic Place

The Morrison Building is a two-storey wood-frame structure located in the heart of Fredericton's historic downtown. This commercial building, which dates from the mid-19th century, is situated between a modern building and a narrow alley on the south side of Queen Street.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the Morrison Building as a Locial Historic Place resides in its location in Fredericton's traditional business and commercial centre. This simple two-storey structure is a reflection of Fredericton's successful business history. Its location is one reason for the longevity of a significant and successful local family business. The "Frank I. Morrison Insurance Company" later known as "Frank I. Morrison & Son Insurance" was housed in the Morrison Building for several decades. The NB Power Museum was located for a short time in this building.

Built circa 1869, the Morrison Building reflects traditional Classical-inspired commercial architecture from the period. This is evident in such elements as the building’s rectangular massing, its recessed entrance and the design of its ground-level storefront with cornice.

Source: City of Fredericton, Historic Places Files, "514-516 Queen Street"

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Morrision Building associated with Fredericton’s traditional business and commercial centre include:
- its location in the traditional centre for local commerce and business;
- its expression as a typical 19th-century commercial building;
- rectangular two-storey massing;
- clapboard siding;
- regularly spaced rectangular second floor windows.
- flat roof with wide eaves;
- street-level storefront with recessed entrance, moulded cornice and large display windows.