Constructed in the 19th century, this 3-storey brick building fronts on the east side of York Street between Queen and King Streets.
Heritage Value
Known as the Edgecombe Building, this structure has had both manufacturing and commercial associations. The north end of this building, 78-80 York Street, is the site of the former Edgecombe & Sons Carriage Factory. The Carriage Factory had been established on York Street as early as the 1860s. When the bicycle craze first arrived in Fredericton in the late 1860s, Velocipedes, as bicycles were then known, were exhibited on site in the Carriage Factory. The Edgecombes diversified their portfolio to include the sale of Velocipedes.
In 1898-1899, this block of York Street experienced a revitalization with the construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings. The Edgecombe building was renovated and modernized at that time to keep pace with the growth and development of this localized commercial district. The south end of this structure has historically housed a wide variety of commercial interests on the lower floors, with apartment units above. This building has maintained its identity as a mixed commercial-residential building for more than half a century. In 1937-1938, the YMCA moved into the Edgecombe building, leaving its temporary quarters in the Chestnut Building on Queen Street. The YMCA had owned the neighbouring building, 72-76 York Street, which had been partially destroyed by fire in 1922. The YMCA sold that building and rented space in various buildings, including this one at 88 York Street.
Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements identified for this structure located at 78-80 York Street include:
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3-storey brick structure, with driveway opening at centre
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Flat roof
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Large, rectangular windows with hoods on upper levels
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Large display windows on ground floor
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Recessed entrance