Description of Historic Place

The Valade Residence stands in Lower Town Ottawa opposite Notre-Dame Basilica. The residence is a two-and-a-half storey stone building with a gabled roof, and end chimneys. Prominent features include the cantilevered second-storey balcony, the twin dormers and the casement windows to either side of the classically-inspired main entrance. Part of an early residential group, the Valade Residence is set amongst domestic, religious and commercial buildings. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Valade Residence is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
The Valade Residence was built as an office and residence for Dr. François-Xavier Valade, a prominent Lower Town doctor who treated Louis Riel in 1885. The house was constructed in 1866, when residences of similar scale and quality were appearing in Lower Town Ottawa. The National Capital Commission purchased the residence in 1967.

Architectural Value:
The Valade Residence is valued for its very good aesthetics and good functional design, which merges British and French Canadian architectural traditions. The classically inspired front entrance, formal centre-hall plan, and high dormers speak to its British traditions. In contrast, its casement windows, variegated stonework, asymmetrical massing and distinctive cantilevered balcony bear witness to its French Canadian inspiration. Overall, the building demonstrates very good craftsmanship.

Environmental Value:
The Valade Residence reinforces the residential / commercial character of the streetscape setting and is a familiar neighbourhood landmark known to local inhabitants, pedestrians and passing motorists.

Sources:
Martha Phemister, Valade Residence, 142-44 St. Patrick Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Buildings Review Office, Report 88-071; Valade Residence, 142-44 St. Patrick Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 88-071.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Valade Residence should be respected, for example:

Its very good aesthetic design, good functional design, and very good craftsmanship, for example:
-the two-and-a-half storey massing with gable roof and gable-end chimneys;
-the variegated stonework of the exterior walls, the asymmetrical façade and the placement of exterior openings including the twin dormers, the casement windows and the classical treatment and detailing of the front entrance;
-the cantilevered balcony;
-the interior configuration as a double facility building.

The manner in which the Valade Residence reinforces the residential / commercial character of its streetscape setting and is a familiar landmark as evidenced by:
-its small scale, design and materials which maintain a visual and physical relationship with the street boundary, the neighbouring Rochon House, the former Archbishop's Palace and Grey Nun's residence and Notre Dame Basilica;
-its location near the major intersection of Sussex Drive and St. Patrick Street, and its attractive appearance that make it a well-known, local landmark.