Heinze Institute

Description of the Historic Place

Heinze Institute (also known as the Northern Fruit Co.) is a raised two-storey commercial/office building located at 247 1st Avenue North in Saskatoon’s downtown. Built in 1908, the building contains elements of the Beaux Arts style of architecture.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the Heinze Institute lies in its Beaux Arts influenced architectural style, a style characterized by symmetrical plans and the eclectic use of architectural features. The façade is built of orange-buff brick with three bays demarcated by a cornice and self-pilasters with a two-tiered flat parapet roofline. The entablature is comprised of a large cornice, modillions and frieze. The windows have Tyndall stone lintels and sills, and the building’s foundation is of cut fieldstone. 

The Heinze Institute was initially used as a warehouse by the Northern Fruit Company up until the mid-1930s. At the time of its construction the building was considered very modern. Over the years, the Heinze Institute has been home to various tenants including the Saskatoon Separate School Board of Education in 1962 and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada in 1985.

Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database

Character Defining Elements

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

• Its architecture with Beaux Arts influences, including: its orange-buff brick three bay façade, its cornice and self-pilasters, the two-tiered flat parapet roofline, the entablature with large cornice, modillions and frieze, the original grade windows with flared-corner voussoirs, and the Tyndall stone lintels and sills; and
• Those features that relate to its historical importance within the Warehouse District including its form, massing, scale, original location and fieldstone foundation.