Old Sydney Mines Post Office

Reason for registration

the property's unique architectural design and quality and its value to the Province as a landmark.

Character-defining elements

General character-defining elements of the location and context of the Old Sydney Mines Post Office include:

- imposing air of authority and power via its fortress-like appearance;
- architectural domination of the surrounding streetscape.

Character-defining elements of the Old Sydney Mines Post Office relating to its French Romanesque Revival Style include:

- a main plan complicated by a number of wings, including a tower and the main entrance;
- cavernous entrance porches;
- asymmetrical facade;
- alternating use of brick, smooth stone and rough, rusticated stone;
- string course;
- four-sided Mansard roof;
- finialed crow-stepped gables;
- crow-stepped and plain gabled dormers;
- crow-stepped gabled extension on west wall;
- flat topped, octagonal tower and battlement;
- crenellated turret;
- windows first floor, southside, recessed with semi-circular heads and two over two pane arrangement, vousoirs, keystones and moulded lug sills;
- windows second floor less elaborate, one over one pane arrangement, plain lug sills, and plain lintels;
- roman arched windows and entrances;
- plinth course.