Chinese National League Building

Description of the Historic Place

The Chinese National League Building (also known as the Past and Present Building) is a small two-storey stucco building located at 327 21st Street West in the Riversdale neighbourhood. Constructed in 1933, the building is situated on a corner lot.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the Chinese National League Building lies in its association with Saskatoon’s Chinese community. The Chinese Nationalist League was founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen in China who hoped to establish a democratic nation in China. In 1919, the Chinese Nationalist League opened the Keng Wah aviation training school on the northern outskirts of Saskatoon and started training young Chinese students from Canada, the United States, and China. Under the tutelage of Saskatoon instructors, the young Chinese would learn to fly and fight for China and Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The League eventually moved into the building at 327 21st Street West. Despite changes to the building’s exterior over the years, the Chinese National League Building symbolizes the efforts to establish democracy.

An exterior painted wall sign on the building's front facade pays tribute to one of its more recent tenants - Past & Present Antiques. 

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 that represent its historical significance such as its form, scale and massing, roof fenestration, recessed entryway, and its exterior painted wall sign.