Hollywood Studios Building

Description of the Historic Place

The Hollywood Studios Building (once referred to as the Hanson Building) is a small two-storey commercial building that was constructed in 1907. Originally used as a branch for the Bank of Nova Scotia, the Hollywood Studios Building is located at 238 2nd Avenue South in Saskatoon's downtown. 

Heritage Value

The Hollywood Studios Building features many unique architectural features. The building's two-bay facade is composed of painted brick with a flat parapet roofline. The north side-wall extends to form a narrow pilaster on the left side of the facade and there is a wide brick pilaster on the right side of the facade.  The upper facade shows an elaborate entablature set between the pilasters, comprised of a cornice with dentil molding, modillions, flat rectangular panels, and rope-twist molding.  The windows on the second level are large with arched voussoirs of textured, cast-concrete blocks with key stones. The facade was attractively remodelled by a former occupant who was sympathetic to the building’s design and tradition.  

The heritage value of the Hollywood Studios Building also lies in its association with the Bank of Nova Scotia. The building originally housed the Bank of Nova Scotia when its first branch opened in Saskatoon in 1906. Albert Hanson, an early realtor, was the original owner of the building. He was also the manager of the Saskatchewan Valley Land Co. and was president of the Saskatoon Real Estate Board. Hanson's firm occupied the 2nd floor almost until his death in 1946. 

The Hollywood Studios Building housed a variety of businesses over the years including chartered accountants and doctors.  One of the longer running tenants of the building was a photographer's gallery named Hollywood Studios. It opened in 1932 and continued operating until 1967.  Other occupants of the building have included Holliday-Scott Interiors, Piccadilly Ltd. Women's Wear, Hickory Farms of Canada and The Sony Store. The building continues to be of architectural interest in the City’s downtown.

Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database

Character Defining Elements

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

• Its unique architectural features, including: its painted brick façade and flat parapet roofline; pilasters; entablature with a cornice and dentil moldings; modillions; flat rectangular panels; and rope-twist moldings; and its second level windows with arched voussoirs and keystones.