Description of Historic Place

The Former Mess Hall No. 1 is part of a residential complex on Saint-Louis Street in the historic area of Québec City known as Old Québec. The building is a two-storey, stone structure set on a stone foundation and topped by a hipped roof with two wide stone chimneys. Rectangular double-hung sash windows are regularly arranged on the elevations. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Former Mess Hall No. 1 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Former Mess Hall No. 1 is indirectly associated with the defence of Québec. The building is part of the Saint-Louis complex that was developed by the Canadian government for military purposes, more specifically to house officers.

Architectural Value
The Former Mess Hall No.1 is valued for its good aesthetic design with simple lines and proportions characteristic of traditional Québec domestic construction. A good functional design, the structure is set on a stone foundation based on an irregular plan. Good quality craftsmanship is evidenced in the stone masonry work.

Environmental Value
The Former Mess Hall No. 1, along with the other buildings of the 57-63 St. Louis Street National Historic Site of Canada, reinforces the historic urban character of the residential setting in this part of Old Québec and is a neighbourhood landmark.

Sources: Julie Harris, St. Louis PMQs, Québec, Québec, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, 88-163. Former Mess Hall No.1, Québec, Québec, Heritage Character Statement, 88-163.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Former Mess Hall No.1 should be respected:

Its good aesthetic design, functional design, quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:
-The two-storey massing, simple lines and proportions;
-The hipped roof with two wide stone chimneys;
-The rough-coursed stone walls and the stone foundation on an irregular, rectangular plan;
-The regularly arranged, double hung-sash windows;
-The interior architectural elements such as window panels and casement sashes.

The manner in which the Former Mess Hall No.1 reinforces the historic, urban character of its residential setting and is a neighbourhood landmark, as evidenced by:
-Its simple lines and proportions, and construction materials that harmonize with its adjacent buildings and contributes to the historic character of its streetscape in old Québec;
-Its overall scale and massing, which forms part of a complex around a courtyard in the residential neighbourhood;
-Its familiarity as part of a historic complex in Old Québec, which makes it a neighbourhood landmark.