Wilson Chambers Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wilson Chambers Building |
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Immeuble Wilson Chambers
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Exterior view of Wilson Chambers Building
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| General information | |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 45°30′3.25″N 73°33′35.06″W / 45.5009028°N 73.5597389°W |
| Construction started | 1868 |
| Completed | 1869 |
| Renovated | 1990 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 5 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Richard C. Windeyer |
| Designations | |
| Official name: Wilson Chambers National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1990 |
The Wilson Chambers Building (also called Immeuble Wilson Chambers in French) is a very old and important building in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. You can find it in the historic area known as Old Montreal. It stands right at the corner of McGill Street and Notre Dame Street West.
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The Wilson Chambers Building
This five-story building is a special part of Canadian history. It was built a long time ago, between 1868 and 1869. Today, it is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it is protected because of its unique design and history.
Who Built This Amazing Place?
The Wilson Chambers Building was designed by an architect named Richard C. Windeyer. Architects are like artists who plan how buildings will look and function. The building was then constructed by Charles Wilson. Charles Wilson was a well-known person in Canada at that time.
In 1990, the building got a refresh! It was renovated by Amis Nazar, making sure it stays in good shape for many more years.
Why is it Special?
The Wilson Chambers Building was named a National Historic Site in 1990. This honor was given because of its special style of architecture. It mainly shows a style called Gothic Revival. This style is not very common for business buildings in Canada, which makes the Wilson Chambers Building quite unique.
The building also has parts that look like other cool styles. These include Italianate and Second Empire features. Imagine a building that mixes different art styles together!
What is Gothic Revival Architecture?
Gothic Revival architecture is a style that became popular in the 1800s. It looks back to the medieval times, especially the grand cathedrals of Europe. Buildings in this style often have pointed arches, tall windows, and decorative stone carvings. They can look very dramatic and impressive. For a commercial building like Wilson Chambers, this style was quite unusual and bold.
What are Italianate and Second Empire Styles?
The Italianate style was inspired by the country homes of Italy. Buildings with this style often have wide, overhanging roofs with decorative brackets. They might also feature tall, narrow windows and a balanced, symmetrical look.
The Second Empire style came from France. It is known for its tall, mansard roofs, which have slopes on all four sides. These buildings often look very grand and fancy, with lots of details and decorative elements. The mix of these styles makes the Wilson Chambers Building a fascinating example of old architecture.
