Sir John A. Macdonald Building, Federal heritage building at Wellington Street, Ottawa, Canada
The Sir John A. Macdonald Building is a Beaux-Arts structure of limestone and granite in Ottawa with three street frontages and its main entrance facing Parliament's West Block. The building houses conference rooms and meeting spaces used for House of Commons business and ceremonial activities.
The building opened in 1930 from a design by architect E.I. Barott, commissioned by the Bank of Montreal in the Beaux-Arts style. Its design reflects Canada's growing confidence and economic ambition during the post-World War I period.
The exterior limestone carvings show Canadian industries and trade rather than classical figures, reflecting what the nation valued economically. These decorative details make the building's facade a visual record of the country's priorities at that time.
The building sits in a prominent location on Wellington Street directly adjacent to Parliament, making it easy to find and reach. Keep in mind this is an active government building, so access may be limited or require security procedures.
Despite its classical Beaux-Arts look, the building has become a model of green architecture with five Green Globe certifications in recent years. The upgrades included LED lighting, water conservation systems, and a plant-covered roof that manages rainwater and improves thermal insulation.
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