O. K. Economy Store

Description of the Historic Place

The O.K. Economy store is a small one storey stucco building. Built in 1913, the building is located at 702 14th Street East between Lansdowne Avenue and Temperance Street in the neighbourhood of Nutana.  This unique building, which sits on a three corner lot, is a neighbourhood landmark based on its history as a local corner store.

Heritage Value

The O.K. Economy Store is valued for its unique architectural design. The building, with its stucco façade, tiled roof, and parapets was influenced by the Spanish style.  The role of the architects, Webster and Gilbert, is significant.  Not all Spanish style architecture can be attributed to them, but they were the preeminent architects of this genre in Saskatoon.

The O.K. Economy Store is also valued for its association with the long-time retailer by the same name, as well as Walker’s Drugs. In 1925, the Schellenberg family (originally from the Ukraine) started five "serve yourself" grocery stores in Saskatchewan, called O. K. Economy, with the slogan "home owned."  By 1928 they had added three more stores and in 1929, they added an additional eighteen stores to the chain.

Around 1934 when the O. K. Economy store occupied the premises at 702 14th Street East, an additional store was built to house Walker's Drug Store. 

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 Spanish influences, evident in its stucco façade, tiled roof, and roof parapets; and
• Those features that represent its historical significance including its scale, form and massing and its original location on the three corner lot.