Chubb Block

Description of the Historic Place

The Chubb Block is a three-storey red brick and stone building located in the City’s downtown at 227 21st Street East. Brothers Hartley and Benjamin Chubb opened the office block in 1908.

Heritage Value

Designed by Walter LaChance, the Chubb Block’s heritage value lies in its vernacular style of architecture with buff brick and light-grey terracotta accents. The flat parapet roof exhibits an entablature comprised of a large cornice with modillions and frieze. While the original rooftop decoration has been removed, the remaining upper façade of the building looks similar to the original. Of particular note are the three tin cherubs that appear to be holding up the top cornice of the building.

In addition to its architecture, the Chubb Block is valued for its connection to brothers Hartley and Benjamin Chubb. Benjamin was a collector of customs with the Inland Revenue Department and Hartley managed the Saskatoon Milling and Elevator Company. Benjamin served on Saskatoon’s Town Council in 1905; he and his brother Hartley, along with Archie McNab, James Leslie, and James Wilson, established the Saskatoon Milling Company, which would become the Quaker Oats Company plant.

The Chubb Block was the only building venture for Hartley and Benjamin Chubb. The building is an attractive structure that lends itself nicely to the streetscape of 21st Street East. It has been associated with Marvel Beauty Salon and School since 1935.

Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database

Character Defining Elements

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

• Its vernacular style of architecture with buff brick and light-grey terracotta accents; flat parapet roof; entablature comprised of a large cornice with modillions and frieze, supported by three cherubs on corniced platform brackets; brick pilasters; arched voussoirs with keystones; angled corner blocks terracotta sills; and sign fascia panels with decorative brick work and square terracotta corner blocks.