Documents

There are no additional online documents for this record.

Summary

Description

Alexander Marshall Mackenzie (for Matthew and Mackenzie Architects), 1885-6. Substantial 3-storey and attic L-plan block of commercial and residential buildings in the Renaissance style. Comprises 2 distinct designs sympathetically treated to create a well-integrated run. Grey granite ashlar with red Correnie granite dressings.

Nos 46-50: 7-bay corner building with shops to ground; splayed at SE with fluted pilasters to 1st floor, plinthed urns above cornice flank prominent angled pilastered dormer with entabulature, finials, fish-scale slated roof and cast-iron crown. 5 segmental-arch dormers separated by low coped parapet to Schoolhill elevation. 6-bay with 4 dormers to Harriet Street elevation.

Nos 54-70: 8-bay (S elevation) corner building; channelled rustication to ground floor; splayed SW corner with stone mullioned tripartite openings to 1st and 2nd floors; giant pilasters with Ionic style capitals terminate 2nd and 3rd storey bays at S and W elevations. Triangular pedimented gable end at W elelvation with keystoned occulus. Raised blocks above cornice forming castellated effect. 8 setback pedimented tripartite dormers within mansarded roof. 8-bay to W elevation with similar treatment.

Plate-glass timber sash and case windows throughout; grey slate, red granite ashlar ridge and end stacks; clay cans. Cast-iron rainwater goods.

Statement of Special Interest

Situated on high ground at the top of Schoolhill this block follows the gentle curve of the street. It is a good example of the work of local architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. The unusual use of contrasting red granite dressings have been introduced to ease the transition from the more traditional grey granite buildings on the right, to the more formal Renaissance style and heavier red granite dressings of the Art Gallery and associated buildings on the left, also by A M Mackenzie (see Art Gallery List Description). The careful handling of Renaissance motifs has resulted in a strong composition which contributes positively to the streetscape. This part of Schoolhill was straightened in the 1880s when the Denburn Viaduct was constructed to line up with the immense Rosemount Viaduct to the W. The area was the educational heart of the city during the later half of the 19th Century.

References

Bibliography

About Listed Buildings

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Listing is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for buildings of special architectural or historic interest as set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

We list buildings which are found to be of special architectural or historic interest using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Listed building records provide an indication of the special architectural or historic interest of the listed building which has been identified by its statutory address. The description and additional information provided are supplementary and have no legal weight.

These records are not definitive historical accounts or a complete description of the building(s). If part of a building is not described it does not mean it is not listed. The format of the listed building record has changed over time. Earlier records may be brief and some information will not have been recorded.

The legal part of the listing is the address/name of site which is known as the statutory address. Other than the name or address of a listed building, further details are provided for information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered as a consequence of inaccuracies in the information provided. Addresses and building names may have changed since the date of listing. Even if a number or name is missing from a listing address it will still be listed. Listing covers both the exterior and the interior and any object or structure fixed to the building. Listing also applies to buildings or structures not physically attached but which are part of the curtilage (or land) of the listed building as long as they were erected before 1 July 1948.

While Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating listed buildings, the planning authority is responsible for determining what is covered by the listing, including what is listed through curtilage. However, for listed buildings designated or for listings amended from 1 October 2015, legal exclusions to the listing may apply.

If part of a building is not listed, it will say that it is excluded in the statutory address and in the statement of special interest in the listed building record. The statement will use the word 'excluding' and quote the relevant section of the 1997 Act. Some earlier listed building records may use the word 'excluding', but if the Act is not quoted, the record has not been revised to reflect subsequent legislation.

Listed building consent is required for changes to a listed building which affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. The relevant planning authority is the point of contact for applications for listed building consent.

Find out more about listing and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.