About the House
Nestled in the historic section of the city just a few minutes from the University, Maggie Jean Chestnut is one of UNB's oldest and most cherished landmarks. Built by the Chestnut family almost 120 years ago, their Chestnut Canoe Company was famous worldwide. The house was sold to the Bank of Montreal and sold again to Lord Beaverbrook who donated the Victorian mansion to the university's Associated Alumnae for the use as women's residence for students. Maggie Jean graduated from UNB in 1927, and although she never lived in the house, she was honoured for her contribution to UNB by the naming of the residence after her. The house opened in 1949 as the first women's residence at UNB Fredericton.
Although Maggie Jean Chestnut started its UNB life as a women's residence, it is now coed and has been ever since 1979, when one wing was opened to male students. This early arrangement proved to be impracticable and in 1980, MJC became completely coed. Also in 1980, food service was withdrawn and now the house has a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook your own meals.
For a short time between 1998 and 2000, the house was closed, renovated, and reopened as the new home of UNB's Renaissance College in addition to its role as a residence within the UNB Residence Community.
With its fireplaces, high-ceilinged rooms, gathering places like living rooms and kitchens, Maggie retains the feeling of a home rather an institution!
