Smith Block

Description of the Historic Place

The Smith Block is a two-storey stucco building that was built during Saskatoon’s boomtime period in 1912. The commercial building is located at 723 Broadway Avenue in the neighbourhood of Nutana.

Heritage Value

The Smith Block does not adhere to any particular architectural style, but the building does exhibit a number of architectural features that contribute to its heritage value. Designed by Bugenhagen & Turnbull, the three bay building has a castellated parapet roofline with angled (pointed) arches over each bay and galvanized metal coping.  The building’s central door features brick pilasters and keystones. Alternations over the years have obscured some of the Smith Block’s original elements, including the exterior stucco finish over the original brick.

In addition to its architecture, the heritage value of the Smith Block lies in its association with the Broadway Commercial District, and its use as a Public Library Branch. Following completion of construction, the main floor of the building was used for the office of Charles S. Smith, while the second floor was designed for two apartments or suites. A branch of the Public Library occupied the building between 1947 and 1962. James Stuart Wood, the Chief Librarian, lived in the north upstairs suite until his death in 1961. Immigrating to Saskatchewan in 1925, Mr. Wood taught school in the communities of Tisdale and Prince Albert before assuming the position of Chief Librarian for the Saskatoon Public Library - a position he would hold for 23 years. The J.S. Wood Branch Library, built in 1961 on Lansdowne Avenue, was the first post-depression, post-World War II public library building to be constructed in Saskatchewan.

The Smith Block remains an important fixture on Broadway Avenue today and continues to be used for commercial and residential purposes.

 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 architecture and historical importance, evident in: its castellated parapet roofline with angled (pointed) arches, its galvanized metal coping, triptych windows, and its brick pilasters and keystone above the central doorway.