Description of Historic Place

Constructed in 1952, Postal Station “A” Annex is located in the central business district of Saint John, and consists of a modern, five-storey rectangular, red brick and concrete building with a flat roof. The historic place is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Postal Station “A” Annex is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical value
Postal Station “A” Annex is associated with the post-war expansion of the federal government. Built to house several federal government tenants, Postal Station “A” Annex illustrates the federal government’s efforts to revive the city’s economic activity by consolidating its office accommodations in Saint John’s central business district. As such, Postal Station “A” Annex is the earliest example of the 1950s urban renewal phase and modernization of the downtown core of the city.

Architectural value
Postal Station “A” Annex is a good example of a modern style building whose overall form and massing is influenced by the heavy, industrial aesthetic of the Bauhaus. Constructed of good quality, durable materials, the building’s modern sensibilities are expressed through its horizontal emphasis, and the use of modern materials such as glass, steel and concrete.

Environmental value
Postal Station “A” Annex is compatible with the character of the area, which consists of a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood, owing to its scale, materials and setback from the street. Located in the central business district of Saint John and flanked by 19th century brick commercial buildings, Postal Station “A” Annex is well known to residents in the immediate area.

Sources: Kate MacFarlane, Postal Station “A” Annex, Saint John, New Brunswick. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Building Report 02-047; Postal Station “A” Annex, Saint John, New Brunswick, Heritage Character Statement 02-047.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Postal Station “A” Annex should be respected:

Its role as an illustration of the post-war expansion of the federal government is reflected in:
— the building’s modern design and its location in the central business district of the city.

Its modern design, and good quality materials and craftsmanship as manifested in:
— the building’s cubic form and massing which are influenced by the heavy, industrial aesthetic of the Bauhaus;
— modernist elements such as the building’s crisp lines, the horizontality of the ribbon windows, the concrete banding at the windows, and the treatment of the building’s corners;
— the use of modern, exterior materials such as glass, steel and concrete.

The building’s compatibility with the mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood as evidenced in:
— its scale, materials and setback from the street.