Description of Historic Place

The George F. Baird Residence is a two-storey wood, vernacular Italianate building. It is located on Germain Street within the Trinity Royal Preservation Area of the City of Saint John.

Heritage Value

The George F. Baird Residence is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its association with George F. Baird and his family.

Many of the buildings in the residential district of Germain Street were constructed in the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century as all the older buildings were destroyed in the Great Saint John Fire of 1877. Built in 1879, the George F. Baird Residence is an example of a vernacular interpretation of Italianate residential architecture from the rebuilding phase in Saint John after the fire. Although the residence exhibits traditional Italianate details such as a wide cornice supported by brackets, the lack of other significant ornamentation is a vernacular influence.

The George F. Baird Residence is also recognized through its association with George F. Baird and his family. George F. Baird took up residence here shortly after its construction. He engaged in carpentry and sailing for several years and captained many of his own boats. For a time, Baird turned his attention to law and studied under the firm of C. N. Skinner. Baird was largely responsible for the organization of the steamship service between Saint John and the West Indies, and he operated it himself for many years. In order to improve shipping along the Saint John River, Baird bought out the former Union Line. After rebuilding, renovating and increasing the fleet, Baird initiated his own Star Line that operated successfully for several years. After his involvement in a high profile political controversy, however, Baird left Saint John and took up residence in Indiantown. He sold this house to his brother, Alex W. Baird who owned the neighbouring residence. Baird retained ownership of the house until 1925.

Source: Planning and Development Department - City of Saint John

Character-Defining Elements

The character defining elements that describe the vernacular Italianate architecture of the George F. Baird Residence include:
- rectangular two-storey massing;
- shingle siding;
- cornice supported by a series of small wooden scrolled brackets;
- regular fenestration of rectangular vertical sliding, two over two wood windows with simple sills and surrounds;
- off-centre front entrance with an entablature supported by ornate, scroll shaped, wooden brackets;
- square, four paned transom window above paired wooden doors with glass panels in the upper half;
- raised basement following the incline of the street;
- brick foundation.