La Fabrique

La Fabrique is a four-story red brick industrial building featuring medieval-style towers and Victorian architectural details across its facade. The structure displays decorative white elements and design features that mark it as an important production facility from its era.

The building was constructed in 1871 and operated as Dominion Corset starting in 1897, becoming one of Canada's leading manufacturers of women's undergarments. Production ended in 1988, after which extensive renovation transformed it for new purposes.

The building reflects the role of women in Canadian manufacturing, particularly in textile production where they worked for many decades. The spatial layout still shows how daily factory operations functioned.

The building now houses government offices and an art school, with interior access available during special occasions or organized tours. Visiting during school operating hours or scheduled events offers the best opportunity to see inside the restored spaces.

The building displays Second Empire architectural elements including a clock tower, semi-circular arched windows, and fleur-de-lis adorned pilasters. These details were unusual for factories of that era, reflecting the builder's emphasis on architectural elegance.