Description of Historic Place

The Creaghan Block is a two-storey modern Neoclassical commercial building in brick located on Newcastle Boulevard in the former Town of Newcastle, now the City of Miramichi.

Heritage Value

The Creaghan Block is designated a Local Historic Place for its association with the Creaghan family and for its architecture.

The Creaghan Block is recognized for its long association with the business of J. D. Creaghan. Creaghan became well-established in Miramichi's merchant trade in 1873. The Creaghan firm operated at this location until 1986.

The Creaghan Block is also recognized for its architecture. The current brick commercial block was built in 1924 to replace two businesses that had burnt earlier that year, that of Creaghan’s and that of adjoining merchant, A. A. Davidson. Both businesses were rebuilt using the same architect and builder. Notable New Brunswick architect René-Arthur Frechette designed this modern Neoclassical block and the work was executed by Tozer Bros. Davidson’s business was later bought out by Creaghan. This block is a good example of modern Neoclassicism, with extensive storefront windows, brick pilasters and stepped parapets.

Source: City of Miramichi Heritage Office - Beaverbrook House – Historic Places File #06-68

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the modern Neoclassical architecture of the Creaghan Block include:
- two-storey rectangular massing;
- brick exterior walls;
- moulded cornice below the parapets;
- moulded storefront cornice below a wide fascia board;
- recessed store entrances;
- street level storefront composed almost entirely of windows;
- large rectangular windows on the second floor;
- decorative stepped parapets with geometric sandstone details.