Description of Historic Place

St. Stephen's University is a wooden four-story building of distinctive Italianate residential architecture. It is located on Main Street in St. Stephen.

Heritage Value

St. Stephen's University is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for the various roles it has played in the community.

St. Stephen’s University is recognized for its architecture. Built in 1866, it is a fine example of residential Italianate architecture from the mid-19th century in St. Stephen. This style is exhibited in such details as the mansard roof with front-facing mansard gable, the pedimented front entrance and the detailed brackets and window treatments.

St. Stephen's University is also recognized for its various roles in the community. It is the former home of Hugh Cullinen, a prominent dry goods merchant in St. Stephen. The house remained a private residence until circa 1900 when it was purchased by the Ganong Bros. Ltd. It was used as a boarding house for female workers who came from Newfoundland, England, Scotland and Wales to work in their world-renown candy factory. The residence was purchased to be used as a hotel in 1930. The Park Hotel operated until 1970. In 1976, it became Park Hall, part of St. Stephen's University, a Christian university.

Source: St Stephen Town Hall - Historical Places file, "St. Stephen's University"

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe St. Stephen's University include:
- irregular four-storey massing;
- mansard roof with front-facing mansard gable;
- dormers;
- wide eaves;
- pediments and entablatures on rectangular windows;
- central entrance featuring double doors, pilasters and pediment;
- central Roman arch window keystone;
- clapboard siding;
- two-story pilasters and corner boards;
- detailed double brackets under the eaves.