Description of Historic Place

R. N. Wyse Building consists of an early 20th century two-story red brick Italianate commercial building located on the northwest corner of Main Street and Robinson Street in Moncton.

Heritage Value

R. N. Wyse Building is designated a Local Historic Place for its Italianate architecture and for its association with Robert N. Wyse.

R. N. Wyse Building is a good example of commercial Italianate architecture, which is reflected in the stone details on the door and window openings, Roman and segmented arch trim, corbel brick patterns under the cornice and overall rectangular massing. It was designed by Moncton architect W. C. Barnes and was completed in 1909 by local contractors, Builders’ Woodworking Co. Ltd.

The building was erected for the dry goods business of prominent Moncton businessman, Robert N. Wyse.

Source: Moncton Museum, Moncton, New Brunswick - second floor files – “837-839 Main”

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the architecture of R. N. Wyse include:
- rectangular massing;
- common bond brick (6th course Flemish header bond);
- flat roof;
- stone foundation;
- symmetrical fenestration;
- 1 over 1 rectangular windows;
- Jack arch window and door headers;
- segmented arch voussoir and keystone window headers;
- shaped blind transoms;
- rough cut window lug sills;
- corbelled brick bands in architrave;
- plain cornice with modillions;
- brick corbelled pilasters between Roman arch window triplets;
- corner brick pilasters;
- continuous rough cut lug sills under window pairs and triplets;
- rough cut stone voussoir Roman arch window header.

The character-defining elements that describe the interior of R. N. Wyse include:
- brick pillars in basement;
- original lath and plaster.