Union Station

Character-defining elements of Union Station at Thunder Bay include:

-its Beaux-Arts monumentality, symmetry and classically-inspired detailing

-its basically symmetrical massing, consisting of a dominant, three-storey, central block, flanked by one-storey wings of differing lengths

-Beaux-Arts design principles, evident in: the projecting pavilions articulated by decorative stepped parapets; the tripartite elevational composition of the central block; and the hierarchy of window design

-its monumentality, most evident in the large, two-storey recessed and rusticated arch, flanked by strongly emphasized stonework to create a dominant, central bay

-the fine detailing of its front facade, including: decorative metal fenestration; an ornamental clock above the main entrance doors; finely carved stone medallions; small window columns; and stone detailing outlining the central bay

-its use of materials in contrasting colours to create emphasis, consisting of: red brick cladding with generous accents of light-coloured stone

-the exterior steel-bracketed canopies and pressed metal cornice

-the severely regular arrangement of window and door openings, in single, double and triple groupings

-surviving original mullioned, double-hung, wood windows

-surviving features of the original interior layout and circulation pattern, including: the ground-floor waiting room; the upper two floors of offices; and the flanking baggage/express wings

-surviving original interior finishes, including: the decorative plaster cornice and dado of the ground-floor waiting room