King George School

Description of the Historic Place

King George School is a large imposing brick building with a central tower. Designed in the Collegiate Gothic architectural style, and constructed between 1912 and 1913, King George School is located in the neighbourhood of King George.

This historic place, located at 721 Avenue K South, 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

King George School represents the importance of education and the British tradition. Between 1910 and 1914, money was abundant, enterprises thrived and construction of all kinds flourished.  During this time the Saskatoon Public School Board planned the construction of ten major schools, including King George School. In November 1909, property on Avenue K south was purchased by the Saskatoon Public School District No. 13 for the future construction of a school.  In 1911 a two-room frame school, formerly known as the Prince of Wales School, was moved to the site where it was renamed the King George School in recognition of the coronation of the monarch.  By 1912 the Board decided to construct a new 14-room school.

Designed by David Webster, official Public School Board architect from 1911 to 1914, King George School exhibits a solid brick structure with a classic turret-top. The Masonic symbols on the façade of the school is common in Webster’s designs. 

Former professional hockey player, Gordie Howe, is one of the best-known graduates of King George School. The school continues to be an important landmark in the community. 

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 relate to its historical and cultural value including its imposing and elaborate appearance representative in its form and its continued use as an educational facility;
• Its Collegiate Gothic (castle school) style of architecture, evident in: its brick façade, central tower, and castle like turrets; and
• The masonic symbols located on its façade.