17 West Street / Westbourne

The heritage value of 17 West Street lies in its association with various prominent Charlottetown residents; its remaining Second Empire architectural elements; and its role in supporting the West Street streetscape.

17 West Street or Westbourne, as it was called, was designed by prominent architect, William Critchlow Harris and built in 1877 by Messrs. Benjamin and Thomas Seller for local merchant, Jedediah S. Carvell. The home contained 15 rooms besides a kitchen, scullery, pantries and bathrooms. Hot and cold running water was available in the bedrooms and it was heated with hot air heating. Carvell and his brother began the business, Carvell Brothers, which lasted well into the 20th Century. Not only active in business, Jedediah was also involved in public life serving in a variety of important offices throughout his career including: Mayor of Charlottetown from 1877 until 1878, Senator from 1879 until 1889 and Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island from 1889 until 1894.

As a result of a worldwide economic recession in the late 1870s, Carvell was forced to sell his new home shortly after it was constructed in 1879. A number of people owned it from 1879 until 1915, including William Markett Rayden, prominent merchant and banker, Benjamin Heartz and Lieutenant Governor Frank Richard Heartz. In 1915, Frank R. Heartz renovated Westbourne extensively by removing the large southern wing and verandah and reorienting the home so that the entrance faced the street instead of the water. Later, additions to the first floor were carried out. At some point, the original Mansard roof was replaced by the current hipped roof. However, other Second Empire style elements remain including the elaborate stacked bay windows, the heavy bracketting of the front facade, and the paired doors of the entrance.

The home enjoyed a number of occupants throughout the 20th Century including the Bank of Nova Scotia, James A. Robertson, Gavin Harding and Heber R. Large. Although extensively renovated and reduced in size throughout the years, the home is still a large and attractive home. In an area with a number of large elaborate homes, it helps support the West Street streetscape.

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

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