Buena Vista School

Description of the Historic Place

Buena Vista School is a large imposing solid brick building with a central tower and castle like turrets. Constructed in 1912, Buena Vista School is located in the neighbourhood of Buena Vista.

This historic place, located at 1306 Lorne Avenue, is listed under Bylaw No. 6770 (Holding Bylaw). This Bylaw provides short-term protection of the building from demolition by providing for a 60 day holding period in the event a demolition permit is received. Within that 60 day period heritage designation is considered by City Council.

Heritage Value

Designed by architect David Webster, Buena Vista School reflects the Collegiate Gothic style of architecture. Webster designed the school in the true British tradition: solid brick with a classic turret-top. Construction of Buena Vista School began in October 1912, but the school was not completed until the spring of 1914, when it opened to relieve congestion at Victoria School. Many students at Buena Vista School entered their new school during World War I and readily took part in aiding the war effort.  W.H. Holliston, principal at Buena Vista for many years, organized a Cadet Corps of 52 boys in 1916, an endeavor which continued throughout the war. Senator Sid Buckwold is one well-known individual who attended Buena Vista School in his childhood.

For many years the school provided accommodation for visitors during Fair Week because of its close proximity to the Exhibition Grounds.  From housing boys attending camp at the Exhibition to St. John's Ambulance lectures, Buena Vista School has long served, and continues to serve, its neighborhood and community. Through the City’s Heritage Awards Program, Buena Vista School received an award for interior/exterior renovation in 2006.

Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database

Character Defining Elements

Key elements which contribute to the heritage value of this historic resource include:

• Those features and functions that relate to the building’s historical and cultural value such as its imposing and elaborate appearance representative in its form, massing and scale, and its continued use as an educational facility; and
• Its Collegiate Gothic (castle school) style of architecture, evident in: its brick façade, central tower, and castle like turrets.