Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Building 2

Hamilton, Ontario

Also known as Bâtiment 2, Former Drill Hall and Administration Building, Building 2, Ancien manège militaire et bloc de l'administration, bâtiment 2

CFRB Hamilton (HMCS Star), view from the north east; built 1943, DND NSDWB designer.

CFRB Hamilton (HMCS Star), view from the north east; built 1943, DND NSDWB designer.

Photo: (Ann Gillespie, 1992).

Built
1943
Recognized
1992
By
Government of Canada

The register’s text, word for word

Description

Building No. 2 is located in Eastwood Park overlooking Hamilton harbour. It is a low massed building composed of two distinct elements, a massive drill hall with modified gambrel roof and a single-storey administrative block. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage value

Building No. 2 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value:

Building No. 2, the former Drill Hall, is associated with the Canadian Naval Reserve and also with recruitment and training during the Second World War. The structure was the first permanent barracks constructed solely for the naval reserve.

Architectural Value:

Building No. 2 demonstrates good aesthetic qualities in a utilitarian, functional design. The juxtaposition of constituent elements, both symmetrical and asymmetrical, contributes to its good aesthetics. Intended as a prototype for Naval Reserve structures, the building demonstrates good craftsmanship and handling of materials.

Environmental Value:

Building No. 2 is compatible with the present character of the harbour front setting. It is a familiar landmark to local residents, military personnel and visitors.

Sources:

Fern Graham, Buildings 2, 4, and 5, Canadian Forces Reserve Barracks Hamilton, Catherine Street, Hamilton, Ontario, Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 90-156.

Building No. 2, Canadian Forces Reserve Barracks, Catherine Street, Hamilton, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 90-156.

Character‑defining elements

The following character-defining elements of Building No. 2 should be respected:

Its functional design, good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:

  • Its large scale, and linear, ship-like configuration.
  • The two distinct elements, the main block containing the drill deck with its modified gambrel roof, and the lower, flat-roofed administrative portion of the building, consisting of rooms representing the parts and functions of a ship, such as commander’s quarters, quarterdeck, and also its asymmetrical stepped-back wings.
  • The large troop doors facing the parade ground.
  • The steel truss roof structure, and the large, symmetrically arranged multi-pane windows.

The manner in which Building No. 2 is compatible with the harbour setting and is a familiar landmark in the neighbourhood, as evidenced by:

  • Its distinctive design and large scale that are in keeping with Hamilton Harbour.
  • Its significance to the larger community of naval veterans and the civic community that makes it a well-known landmark.

End of the register’s text

Location

Catherine Street North, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

43.27441° N, 79.85476° W

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Nearby

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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.