140 Pownal Street / Cameron House

The Cameron House at 140 Pownal Street is a wood framed, Queen Anne Revival influenced former home. Located in an area containing a mix of heritage buildings and modern buildings, the home helps maintain the heritage character of the area. The designation encompasses the building's exterior and parcel; it does not include the building's interior.

The heritage value of the Cameron House at 140 Pownal Street lies in its Queen Anne Revival influenced architecture, its association with Captain Alexander Cameron, and its role in supporting the Pownal Street streetscape.

140 Pownal Street was built in the Queen Anne Revival style in approximately 1890. The style was somewhat subdued in Charlottetown compared to other provinces and was popular in the city from approximately 1880 until 1910. Richard N. Shaw (1831-1912), a British architect, created the style that incorporated some of the classical motifs popular during Queen Anne's reign (1702-1714). Features of the style include large asymmetrical designs, a variety of rooflines and windows as well as an assortment of shingle cladding patterns and decorative elements, all of which have been incorporated into the design of 140 Pownal Street. The angularity of the home's decorative features is the dominant characteristic of the home. There are few like it in Charlottetown, however it was quite common in the United States.

Captain Alexander Cameron, Master of the "Princess of Wales" built the home. Later in Cameron's career, he became the examiner for masters and mates on Prince Edward Island. Unfortunately, his wife died young leaving the Captain and three young boys.

The home has been well maintained throughout the years and continues to play a role helping to support the streetscape. According to local directories, owners of the building have included Holsey Hooper and the Roman Catholic Church. The home is currently used as an apartment building.

Sources: Heritage Office, City of Charlottetown Planning Department, PO Box 98, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2

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The following Queen Anne Revival influenced character-defining elements contribute to the heritage value of 140 Pownal Street:

- The overall massing of the building

- The wood exterior with its decorative contrasting shingle styles and mouldings

- The corner boards, stringcourse, brackets and bargeboard all painted in a contrasting colour

- The symmetrical placement and size of the windows particularly the dominant stacked bay windows

- The main door located on the south side of the building with its sidelight

- The size and placement of the porch with its decorative bargeboard

- The size, shape and placement of the chimney

Other character-defining elements include:

- The location of the home on Pownal Street