The Hope CNR railway station closely relates to the appearance and structure of stations in Manitoba. Railway stations in Manitoba and those along the CNR western lines are classified as 3rd class stations (J. Edward Martin. Railway Stations of Western Canada. p. 58). A 3rd class station was often reserved for small rural towns and was identified by its living quarters for the agent, and sometimes his family (Manitoba Historic Resources Branch.Railway Stations of Manitoba. p. 9). On almost all occassions, the living area was located on the second floor.

Although this CNR station resembles the characteristics of a 3rd class station, it is part of the "special" station class. The building gains this classification as it was designed by John Schofield, around 1915, the draftsman for the Canadian Northern in Winnipeg (J. Edward Martin. Railway Stations of Western Canada. p. 61). Although he primarily worked in Winnipeg, he designed three stations in British Columbia. These "special" stations were at Estevan, Hope, and Chilliwack.