Horticulture Building

Lansdowne Park has a few interesting buildings found within its confines, one of which, the Horticulture Building, was designed by famed architect Francis Sullivan (1882-1929). A student of Frank Lloyd Wright, Sullivan's building (erected in 1914) is typical of the Prairie style characterized by a flat roof with cantilevered eaves amongst other distinguishing features.

For many years, the building was used by the Glebe Curling Club, which had added 5 sheets of ice. In 1969, Glebe curlers were forced to find a new home. Since 1990 the building has hardly been used, if at all. Its primary purpose is to serve as storage for Canada's Central Exhibition.

Today the Horticulture building does not generate enough revenue to cover its costs and a new use for this building must be found or the City will consider demolishing it.

A good read on Sullivan, the Prairie style and additional information concerning the Horticulture Building could be found here: http://web.mac.com/glebe.report/Issues/2008/November.pdf

I was lucky enough to have a look inside the building in January '09. Here are some of the pictures

Not sure why trees are planted so close to the facade of the building

First glimpse inside

The view from the second floor overlooking the main hall

A view of Frank Clair Stadium through the second floor window

The original lead-based paint and light fixtures

The old concessions room (bar for curlers) boasts lots of natural light

Mens bathroom

Typical Frank L. Wright windows

The building's west side. Looks as though the windows have been boarded up

A rare phone booth in a strange place

Thoughts

Buildings with unique architectural qualities such as the Horticulture Building must be preserved in order for future generations to enjoy. Once the future of Lansdowne is decided, we'll have a better idea of what the city plans to do with it.

Clearly, an infusion of capital is needed to restore the Horticulture Building. Perhaps the building could be moved to a more visible location and used once again as a curling rink for Glebe residents. Or maybe it could be renovated to accommodate other community uses. Either way, only time will tell what becomes of this hidden architectural jem.