One well-known residence in Montreal is the Buchanan House on Pine Avenue, Montreal, QC.
Designed by John Ostell (1813 – 1892), an English architect who immigrated to Montreal in 1834, Ostell infused an English flavour into Montreal’s architecture that changed the style and character of the City.
He favoured the Greek Revival Style of architecture, as reflected in the entrance of Buchanan House.
Courtesy of © Images Montreal
Designed and built for Alexander Buchanan (1798 – 1851) – a lawyer, judge and planner of justice for peace – Buchanan helped prepare 1854 Act abolishing the seigneurial system.
Alexander Buchanan was a deep believer in law, justice and democracy, which appealed to architect Ostell who favoured both the Greek order of architecture and the fundamentals of British democracy.
It’s an ideal example of Greek Revival Style, which flourished during this time period in Montreal.
Courtesy Of © Montreal History
Buchanan House celebrates symmetry, proportion and classic details, including a pediment gable, heavy cornice, and wide frieze.
It’s simply adorned with moldings, columns, and decorative pilasters.
The interior of the house was even more elevated in its finishes.
Courtesy of © McCord Museum – Bedroom in Buchanan house.
Buchanan House mirrors democracy in architecture.
Want to learn more? Here’s a post in Montreal History on John Ostell that’s a terrific read!
Researched and Written by Taghreed Al-Zubaidi, Masters Student of Inclusive Design at OCAD University- Toronto.
