Future Art Center in Victoria School
Design or Physical Value:
The scale and craftsmanship of the building speaks to the era of prosperity Brantford was experiencing at the time of construction. Architect Beaumont Jarvis designed Victoria School in the Neoclassical style. The school is the only known example of his work in the city.
The building is a square floor plan with a unique recessed entrance and balcony above. All walls are constructed of red brick resting on top of a raised basement foundation of broken range limestone‐ providing the already imposing structure with additional height. A distinctive feature of both the east and west facades are shed roof basement entrances also made of limestone and adorned with pilasters.
The craftsmanship is most outstanding at the top of the building where a complex hip roof with pediments and intricate ornamentation along the eaves and cornice make the building instantly recognizable.
Contextual Value:
Bound by three public streets, a park, and fronted by a large lawn, the ornamented two‐story school is a landmark in a neighborhood comprised of modest two and one story homes. The school is the largest building in the neighborhood with fine craftsmanship and detail evident on all street‐facing facades.