Description of Historic Place

This building is a two-and-a-half storey single dwelling row house located at 008 Barnes Road, St. John’s. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

008 Barnes Road has been designated for its aesthetic and historic value.

008 Barnes Road is a Second Empire style row house with a mansard roof, bow windows and dormers and bracketing. It survives as a good example of a St. John's row house constructed in the period following the Great Fire of 1892. The building features elements typical of the design popular after the Great Fire, with wooden clapboard, wooden front door, mouldings, and bay windows at the first and second levels.

Historically, the building is associated with the Thomas family, who were building contractors. Between 1915 and 1928, the building was occupied by Henry J Thomas, contractor with Barnes Brothers. By the 1960s, the house was occupied by Eugene H Thomas, who was president of Henry J Thomas and Sons, Limited.

Source: Municipal designation file, City of St. John's Archives.

Character-Defining Elements

All elements of the building that are reflective of its age, construction, and design in the Second Empire style, including:
-mansard roof, bow windows, dormer windows and bracketing;
-use of narrow wooden clapboard;
-size, shape, decoration and placement of windows;
-original entrances with ornate decoration;
-transom above entrances;
-double dormers with pediment; and
-two storey bow window with decoration.