View of the main entrance of Building B-37, showing the articulated corner accents, the emphasized and elaborated principal entrance with projecting portico, and the recessed entrance of classical derivation, 1993.
Photo: Parks Canada Agency / Agence Parcs Canada, 1993.
- Built
- 1952
- Recognized
- 1996
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
Building B-37 is situated on a flat, open site facing the parade square at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) in Kingston. It is a two-storey concrete structure clad in white-painted stucco. Topped by a hipped roof, primary elevation features a projecting central portico supported by rectangular columns. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
Building B-37 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.
Historical Value
Building B-37 is associated with the massive construction and modernization program undertaken by the Department of National Defence after the Second World War. This program was part of a move toward a permanent peacetime army, toward meeting military commitments in Korea, and western Europe. In the 1950s Building B-37, as part of the McNaughton Barracks, was used as a staging and training location for Canadian peacekeeping operations.
Architectural Value
Building B-37 demonstrates good aesthetic qualities as seen in the modernistic style combining Prairie style and neoclassicism. The original flat-roofed configuration remains evident beneath an added hipped roof. The Department of National Defence staff developed the new, improved standard design for a 250-man barrack design. The highly functional building exhibits good craftsmanship and materials.
Environmental Value
Building B-37 reinforces the present formally planned character of McNaughton Barracks within CFB Kingston and is a familiar landmark to local residents.
Sources: McNaughton Barracks – 4 Buildings, CFB Kingston, Barriefield, Ontario
Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 93-116 (Notes); McNaughton Barracks, No. B-37 (Sherman Hall), CFB Kingston, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 93-116
Character‑defining elements
The following character-defining elements of the Building B-37 should be respected.
Its role as an illustration of the expansion, modernization and diversification of the Canadian military in peacetime as reflected in:
- its exemplary role for new standards of military accommodation of its period.
Its standard design completed in a modernistic style combining Prairie-style with neoclassicism using good quality materials and craftsmanship as evidenced by:
- the building’s symmetrical and horizontally emphasized massing;
- the articulated corner accents, the emphasized and elaborated principal entrance with projecting portico, and the recessed entrance of classical derivation;
- the wrap-around continuity of the belt courses;
- the concrete construction with white painted stucco cladding;
- the regular window openings.
The manner in which Building B-37 reinforces the formally planned character of McNaughton Barracks setting within CFB Kingston and is a familiar local landmark, as evidenced by:
- its large scale, concrete and stucco materials, and formal symmetry which harmonizes with the other buildings facing the parade square;
- the formal symmetry of its location and orientation addressing the principal open space of the McNaughton Barrracks;
- its visibility and familiarity given its prominent freestanding location and ongoing use as a barracks that make it a well-known building in the area.
End of the register’s text
Location
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
44.24349° N, 76.45601° W
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Building B-39250 m · 1952
Barriefield Heritage Conservation District550 m · City of
Vimy Barracks (C-1)1.2 km · Canadian Forces Base Kingston / Base des Forces canadiennes Kingston · 1935
Vimy Barracks (B-6)1.2 km · 1952
Reverse Fire Gallery West1.4 km · 1832
Royal Military College of Canada Building 361.4 km · 1930
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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.