Description of Historic Place

The Carpenter’s Shop, also known as Building 98, is a one-and-a-half storey, wood frame building located west of the Main Dairy Barn at the Central Experimental Farm (CEF) in Ottawa. The utilitarian building features board and batten siding, shingled side walls on the upper storey, prominent gables, and a broad, hipped, shingled roof. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Carpenter’s Shop is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Carpenter’s Shop is associated with the Department of Agriculture’s role in promoting agricultural reform in the 19th century. Relocated from its original site near the Main Barn, the building demonstrates the conscious decision by the Department of Agriculture to create a distinctive architectural theme among the early farm buildings. Its conversion from an implement and harness shed to a carpentry shop also illustrates the changing role of the CEF from a model farm to a research institution. As such, the building is associated with the development of the Canadian Experimental Farm’s distinctive cultural landscape.

Architectural Value
The Carpenter’s Shop is valued for its good aesthetic qualities. The utilitarian structure was designed to conform to the Shingle style used in the design of residences, barns and outbuildings at the CEF in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A large number of windows on the ground floor are in keeping with the building’s function as a workshop. The standard heavy timber construction methods, such as mortice and tenon joinery, the board and batten and shingled walls are evidence of the very good craftsmanship and the appropriate use of materials for this type of building.

Environmental Value
The Carpenter’s Shop reinforces the agricultural character of its experimental farm setting and is a familiar building within the immediate area.

Sources:
Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, Building Report, SCR 97-035; Heritage Character Statement, 97-035.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Carpenter’s Shop should be respected.

Its good Shingle style design, good functional design and very good materials and
craftsmanship, for example:
-the one-and-a-half storey massing incorporating prominent gabled dormers and a broad hipped, shingled roof;
-the standard heavy timber construction using mortice and tenon joinery;
-the board and batten siding and shingled walls on the second storey;
-the large number of multi-lite casement windows;
-the high ceilings, loading door and large open interior space.

The manner in which the Carpenter’s Shop reinforces the agricultural character of its experimental farm setting and is a neighbourhood landmark, as evidenced by:
-its distinct Shingle style design and materials, which are consistent with CEF buildings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries;
-its role as part of a group of research and farm support buildings located west of the farm’s Main Dairy Barn, which makes it a familiar building to visitors and employees.