John Ostell | |
|---|---|
 John Ostell | |
| Born | (1813-08-07)7 August 1813 London, England |
| Died | 6 April 1892(1892-04-06) (aged 78) Montreal, Quebec, Dominion of Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | apprenticed to André Trudeau |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Practice | John Ostell & Henri-Maurice Perrault |
John Ostell (7 August 1813 – 6 April 1892) was a British-Canadian architect,[1] surveyor and manufacturer, was born in London, England and emigrated toCanada in 1834, where he apprenticed himself to aMontreal surveyor André Trudeau to learn French methods of surveying. In 1837 he married Eleonore Gauvin, a member of a prominent French Catholic family in the city. His marriage ensured entry to French Canadian society, he was appointed diocesan architect for Montreal. In 1849 he formed a partnership with his nephew Henri-Maurice Perrault (1828–1903), this was the formation of one of the first architectural dynasties in Canada.
He mostly worked in theGreek Revival style of architecture. His first work in Montreal was the city'soriginal Custom House, completed in 1836.[2] This was followed by theMcGill University Arts Building, 1839–1843, the oldest building on the McGill campus, extended 1860-1862 (formerly known as the McGill College Building, today renamed the McCall MacBain Arts Building); Asile des Soeurs de la Providence (akaAsile de la Providence), 1842 (demolished);High School of Montreal, 1845 (demolished); Protestant Orphan Asylum, 1848 (demolished); Palais episcopal (Episcopal Palace) 1849, burnt 1852; Eglise de Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Graces, 1851; Church of St Anne, 1853 (demolished);Grand séminaire de Montréal, 1854; and the Old Montreal Court House, now known as theÉdifice Lucien-Saulnier.1856-1859. Ostell submitted designs for the newSt. James Cathedral inToronto in 1849, placing second in the competition toFrederick William Cumberland.[3] The only residential home left standing built by Ostell is the former home ofLouis-Hippolyte LaFontaine indowntown Montreal at 1395Overdale Ave. The house, which was abandoned for the past 30 years and falling apart, was restored recently (2019) to its original appearance by the real estate developer of the condominium complex now surrounding it.
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In 1859 he largely abandoned architecture having established a successful lumber business in 1852. The factory made doors and windows for export to Upper Canada (Ontario), Australia, the US and Britain. By 1856 the factory covered 5 acres (20,000 m2) and employed 75 workers and had a turn over of goods worth £18,750 per annum.
There are two adjacent streets in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges burough named after him: Ostell Street and Ostell Crescent.[citation needed]
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