Exterior Description and Setting of French Connection

Overview

The French Connection building is a three-storey commercial structure, complete with an attic, located at the junction of Cornmarket and Ann Street in Belfast. Constructed circa 1882, it showcases the Italianate Neoclassical architectural style.

Architectural Features

The building features a mansard hipped roof made of natural slate, with lead ridges concealed behind a parapet, which is topped by metal rails. A corner dormer, clad in lead on its sides, adds to the distinctive profile. The front façade is rendered in stucco and includes a moulded pediment supported by brackets that are flush with the face of the building. A pedimented dormer on the east side sits behind the parapet.

Materials and Decorative Elements

The walls are painted stucco, complemented by a deep moulded cornice with a dentilled frieze. The façade is divided into bays by giant order pilasters that rest on faceted plinths. Above the capitals of these pilasters, guilloche moulding serves as decoration, further enhancing the visual appeal. Additional features include a decorative apron panel at the second-floor level and moulded strings.

Windows and Fenestration

The second-floor windows are arched and adorned with moulded archivolts, fluted bracket keystones, and fretted floral aprons. In contrast, the first-floor windows are square-headed and feature fluted bracket keystones. The attic window consists of two panes, while the other windows are original three-paned timber casements with overlights; notably, the corner windows are made of curved glass. The ground floor showcases a modern fascia with plate glass windows situated between rendered piers.

Elevation Details

The main south elevation contains three windows, including a curved corner window to the west. The parapet features an upstanding pier adjacent to the second pilaster. The secondary west elevation comprises two windows, while the north elevation is abutted by an adjacent building. The east elevation is similarly constrained by a tall adjoining structure.

Setting

The French Connection building occupies a prominent position on the east side of the pedestrianised Cornmarket, transitioning into Ann Street, north of Arthur Square. Notable nearby structures include a Masonic Hall (HB26/50/039B) across Ann Street and Mayfair (HB26/50/096) situated across Arthur Square.

Construction Schedule

Roof: Natural slate
Walls: Render
Windows: Timber
Rainwater Goods: Concealed

101 Osborne Park

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