Description of Historic Place

The Fort Frontenac National Historic Site, Bradstreet Block is located within the walled Tête de Pont barracks in Fort Frontenac which lies at the eastern edge of the City of Kingston. It is a rectangular, three-storey structure with smooth stucco walls, a low-hipped roof with gables, and regular window openings. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Fort Frontenac National Historic Site, Bradstreet Block is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:
The Fort Frontenac National Historic Site, Bradstreet Block is associated with the training and dispatch of Canadian troops during the Second World War. In 1947, the complex became the site of both the newly created Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College Library, and is the centre of National Securities Studies.

Architectural Value:
The Fort Frontenac National Historic Site, Bradstreet Block is a good aesthetic example of a utilitarian military design with Neo-Classical influences, which has been adapted to changing requirements. The simple massing and symmetrical layout speaks to its good functional design. It exhibits good quality craftsmanship in the Neo-classical detailing and is constructed of good quality materials.

Environmental Value:
The Fort Frontenac National Historic Site, Bradstreet Block is compatible with the present formal character of Fort Frontenac and is a familiar landmark to residents and visitors.

Sources:
Jacqueline Adell, Fort Frontenac (8 buildings), Kingston, Ontario, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 89-040; The Bradstreet Block, Fort Frontenac, Kingston, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 89-040.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the the Fort Frontenac National Historic Site, Bradstreet Block should be respected.

Its Neo-classical influences, functional, utilitarian design and good quality materials and craftsmanship as evidenced in:
-the simple form and rectangular, three-storey massing with a gabled, low-hipped roof;
-the tripartite façade, with two slightly projecting bays featuring limestone entry porticoes and cornice details;
-the smooth stucco walls accented by continuous windowsills, blind arcading, and tall semi-circular recesses above the entrance porticos;
-the semi-circular arched windows.

The manner in which the Fort Frontenac National Historic Site, Bradstreet Block is compatible with the present formal character of the military setting and is a familiar landmark within the base, as evidenced by:
-the design and materials that maintain a visual and physical relationship between
the block and the adjacent buildings within the barracks;
-its familiarity to staff and visitors within the barracks.