Stewart's Drug Store

Description of the Historic Place

Stewart’s Drug Store is a two-storey commercial/office building that exhibits characteristics of a classic boomtown storefront. Constructed in 1910, Stewart’s Drug Store in located in the historic Broadway area in the neighbourhood of Nutana.

This historic place, located at 810 Broadway Avenue, 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

The heritage value of Stewart’s Drug Store lies in its historical association with Nutana and Saskatoon’s past. The building is one of the oldest surviving buildings on Broadway Avenue. The long and narrow building was constructed in 1910 by carpenter William E. Dorr and originally featured a sandstone and brick exterior.  It exhibits a classic boomtown look which has been renovated closely to its initial form. The original look of the building contributes to its architectural uniqueness.

Stewart’s Drug Store, operated by pioneer pharmacist Charles Henry Stewart, originally opened in Saskatoon in 1905. Over the course of seven decades, Stewart’s Drug Store remained as a drug store but the building underwent several alterations with the more significant changes including the redesign of the storefront (recessed front and moving of entrance to the side) in the early 1960s and a one-storey addition to the back of the original structure in 1979.

In 1989, Stewart’s Drug Store became home to The Hobo Clothing Co., and the new owners of the building proceeded with reconstruction of the exterior. Paying careful attention to the original design, the owners were able to return this heritage building to a more original form. Renovations included moving the entrance back to its original location and a restoration of the facade (which included custom blocks and brick repointing, and cleaning and repainting of cornices). The interior of the building was subject to two renovations: an extensive amount of structural change to strengthen and upgrade it; and a rehabilitation project that included the salvaging of a decorative tin ceiling of 1910 vintage hidden under other existing ceilings and the refinishing of the original maple floor. In recognition of this work the owners received an award for the renovation of a commercial building in 1991 through the City’s Heritage Awards Program.

The building continues to be a unique feature in the Broadway area, and is reminiscent of the early temperance colony that settled in the vicinity. Today, the building continues to be used for commercial 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 represent the buildings historical significance, including its brick and concrete façade, decorative cornice and dentils, and building form.