Administration Building, Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site

The red sandstone bedrock was transformed into essential structures. The structures all have a tangible connection to the land they are on.

The Administration Building was completed by 1896, and is oriented toward the canal rather than the road in order to provide a sense of the importance of the site to vessels passing through the lock. It was built in the Second Empire Style and has a mansard roof and central pavilion. The flat top and decorative railing around the roof created a “widow’s walk” type of observation platform. The structure is built of red sandstone from the canal’s excavation with decorative limestone elements around the windows and door. The Superintendent’s office was located on the second floor, overlooking the lock, where a continuous view of the operations was possible. From 1909 until 1992, the Administration Building even housed a post office, providing mail services for ships’ crews as they passed through. In this recent photo, the south face of the Administration Building is shown flanked by large bushes and flower beds.