Masonic Temple

Prominently sited at a major intersection (Ouellette Avenue and Erie Street) in the city core, the building's imposing proportions; generous setback and longevity of operations have given it local landmark status.

The Masonic Temple represents a long history of the Masonic Order in the Windsor-Detroit area dating back to 1794, and it exemplifies the continuing role of fraternal societies in the cultural and social life of Windsor. Numerous members of the lodge have held influential positions in the Windsor area.

The Masonic Temple was designed by James Carlisle Pennington, a highly regarded local architect. Constructed in 1921-22, it was the first permanent facility for the Masonic Fraternity of the Border Cities. It still functions as a meeting place for Freemasons, as well as hosting banquets, weddings and concerts.

Designed by Pennington and built by Muxlow and Gale Construction Company, this fine Neo-Classical Revival style building displays characteristic rhythmical symmetry and classical elements intended to suggest antiquity and permanence. The main façade features eight fluted stone pilasters with simple capitals. Topped with decorative stone roundels, the columns rise two storeys above the ground floor. Ashlar stone veneer covers most of the first floor on the front façade. The three wooden front doors are adorned with triangular stone pediments, and stone belt courses divide the building into three distinct horizontal compartments. The fenestration is restrained, with emphasis on the second floor round-headed windows, which feature keystones and radiating brick voussoirs around ornamental semi-circular panels.