Description of Historic Place
The Former Laboratory (No.92), situated within Fort Charlotte on Georges Island located in Halifax Harbour, is a small, rectangular, parged brick building with a low-pitched roof. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage Value
The Former Laboratory, (No. 92) is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.
Historical Value:
The Former Laboratory, (No. 92) is a very good example of a structure associated with the defence of the Imperial naval station during the period of heightened tension following the Trent Affair of 1861. It also illustrates the change in armament technology represented by the introduction of the rifled muzzle-loading (RML) guns.
Architectural Value:
The Former Laboratory, (No. 92) is a good example of a specialized coastal defence support structure. The Laboratory building was used for making up cartridges and filling shells for the RML guns. The Fort Charlotte building is a rare surviving example of this type of structure. A simple, functional, building it exhibits good craftsmanship and materials.
Environmental Value
The Former Laboratory, (No. 92) reinforces the present military character of the Georges Island National Historic Site setting and is familiar to staff and visitors to the island.
Sources:
Rhona Goodspeed, Georges Island, Halifax Defence Complex, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Volume Two, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 95-001.
The Former Laboratory, (No. 92), Fort Charlotte, Georges Island, Halifax Defence Complex, Halifax, Nova Scotia Heritage Character Statement 95-001.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements of the Former Laboratory, (No. 92), should be respected, for example:
Its functional design and good quality craftsmanship and materials, for example:
-The simple massing, rectangular plan, low-pitched roof, and the parged brick walls.
-The large segmental arched opening in the south elevation
-The three bay design of the long elevations.
-The Flemish bond solid brick walls with camber jack arched openings and cast concrete lug sills.
-The interior brick partition between the shifting lobby and the laboratory with its single door and lamp recess.
The manner in which the Former Laboratory, (No. 92), reinforces the present military character of the setting within Georges Island National Historic Site and its familiarity as a landmark as evidenced by:
-Its specialized military design which reinforces the character of Fort Charlotte.
-Its visibility and familiarity within the fort.
