This residence at 348 Westmorland Street in Fredericton was constructed by William Joseph Scarr and is recognized as a Local Historic Place for its architectural significance and its connection to its builder.

Not only is this house a typical Scarr cottage, but it also holds the distinction of being the final home Scarr built in Fredericton in 1901, just before his sudden departure from the city. As a prolific building contractor and housing developer, Scarr worked diligently and effectively, leaving an enduring impact on the city’s architecture through his signature style, as evident in the ten Scarr cottages.

Scarr had been active in the construction industry for twenty years when he embarked on his ambitious housing development plan. Fredericton underwent significant expansion in the late 1880s and early 1890s, with habitation beginning to spread beyond the established town limits.

Originally, Westmorland Street ended at Charlotte Street, but it was first extended to Saunders Street in 1890 and then further stretched to the newly formed Aberdeen Street in 1895. Scarr focused his efforts on this last stretch of the road.

From 1895 to 1901, William J. Scarr constructed five cottages on Westmorland Street, near Aberdeen Street, not for specific customers, but on speculation. He took advantage of the prevailing atmosphere of growth and development by providing modern, stylish homes for a growing populace.

Despite achieving considerable success in his enterprise, Scarr also faced financial difficulties and ultimately vanished from Fredericton, leaving his creditors just before completing his most significant project – the 1901 Provincial Exhibition Building. Scarr left just a few months after the completion and sale of his final cottage. Nearly a century later, the grave of his youngest son was found in Flanders Field.

This home, located at 188 Odell Avenue, is believed to be one of the thirteen “Scarr Cottages”.