In 1926, the town of Noranda drafted its first urban plan: the commercial district would occupy the center of the town. The commercial buildings on avenue Carter, mostly in the Boomtown style, form a cohesive ensemble, with some structures still retaining its original features such as faux-cornices and transoms above the storefront windows.
The Boomtown-style building has a square, box-like shape, usually two stories high. The roof is flat, and the faux-cornice is the main decorative element. A store is often located on the ground floor, and recessed storefront windows allow customers to see the merchandise. The style is very prominent in Old Noranda on the commercial streets that were open when the town began developing in 1926.
Photo credit: Nancy Larivière, 2015