Description of Historic Place:
Commissioner’s Residence is a two-and-a-half-storey building situated on landscaped grounds that face the Yukon River, in Dawson. Set on a platform frame, the classically-inspired building is clad in wood siding and is ornamented with simple wood trim. It features a ‘Temple-fronted’ façade supported on giant columns and wrap-around verandahs on the first and second levels. The elegant central entrance is approached by a wide flight of steps. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage Value:
The Commissioner's Residence is a Classified Federal Heritage building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.
Historical value:
The building is closely associated with the exercise of Canadian sovereignty in the Yukon and the establishment of a long-term federal presence there. Once called Government House, the Commissioner's Residence was built and used as the official residence of the chief executive of the Yukon Territory. As such, it is closely associated with the early political affairs of the Yukon and the individuals who played a major role in them, most notably, George and Martha Black.
Architectural Value:
The original building has evolved from a predominantly Classical but eclectic design, through a dramatic and unique period as a Jacobean/gingerbread confection to the simplified, cohesive, well-proportioned composition that exists today. The interior is also eclectic, a restrained expression of classically inspired features and the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. Built in 1901 to designs by Thomas Fuller, the building's foundation was designed in such a way that the permafrost conditions in the area would not be disturbed and instability would not occur.
The Environmental Value:
Although little remains of the details of the building's original landscape, it does retain several important contextual relationships including its entire site and other significant heritage buildings in the Government Reserve area.
Sources: Joan Mattie, Commissioner’s Residence, Dawson City Historical Complex, Dawson City, Yukon, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 87-066; Commissioner’s Residence, Dawson City Historical Complex, Dawson City, Yukon, Heritage Character Statement, 87-066.
Character-Defining-Elements:
The character-defining elements of the Commissioner’s Residence should be respected.
Its good aesthetics, functional design and quality craftsmanship, for example:
- its generally neo-classical character;
- its cohesive and well-proportioned composition – a rigidly symmetrical west facade with a projecting portico which is supported on four plain columns;
- inside, the two-storey central hall, with ground and second floor rooms set symmetrically around it, and the prominent and beautifully crafted staircase;
- the eclectic design of the interior, including some classical features (friezes and millwork details along with the symmetrical plan) and Arts and Crafts detailing (ceiling beams, paneled wainscot, dark stained wood);
- light fixtures, radiators and other fittings reflecting Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts influences;
- the functional separation between the original semi-public and service areas, which remains evident;
- the foundations of the building – posts on sill – which were designed to minimize the effects of permafrost;
- the plan, details and coverings of the ground floor, which reflect the 1908 renovation.
The manner in which the Commissioner’s Residence reinforces the historic character of Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site of Canada as evidenced by:
- its prominent location in the heart of Dawson, south of the main business district in the Government reserve area;
- its spatial and historical relationships with buildings within the complex including the former Administration building, Post Office and the court house."
Reference: (
visit link)
The following is from an information panel on site:
Commissioner's Residence
Just as the image of a flamboyant dance hall girl came to
symbolize the raucous gold rush, the Commissioner's
Residence came to symbolize the government's
stabilizing presence. It also served as the model for a
dignified, if not genteel, society. Built in 1901, it was
home to the vice-regal head of the Yukon Administration
and the setting for exclusive social events. The building
was last occupied by a Commissioner in 1916.
Personal Observations:
In close proximity to the Klondike Highway and the Yukon River, the Commissioner's Residence is an impressive and sumptuous residence. Initially built in a much more fancy and elaborate manner, probably to impress the populace and visiting dignitaries, the building has been renovated and rehabilitated through the years. While it may have been stunning when initially built, the transformation through the years have left us with a residence with enormous eye appeal.