W.G. Watson House

Description of the Historic Place

The W.G. Watson House (also known as the Dr. A. Bruce MacDonell House) is a large two storey home built in 1924. The house is located at 1066 Spadina Crescent East in the City Park neighbourhood, adjacent to the South Saskatchewan River.

Heritage Value

The W.G. Watson House is valued for its association with W.G. Watson, a Saskatoon jeweller, and Dr. Andrew Bruce MacDonell, former Director of Radiology at Saskatoon City Hospital.  Watson came to Saskatoon in 1922 and took over Wheatley's Jewelry Store. His business was later merged with Henry Birks & Sons and Watson was made a local manager of the Birks store. Watson was also president of the Saskatoon Rotary Club.

Dr. Andrew Bruce MacDonell was born in Ontario in 1905. He graduated from Queen's University's College of Medicine in 1929.  MacDonell began his radiology practice in New York and later practiced in Cornwall and Sarnia, Ontario. He came to Saskatoon in 1941 and was founder of the Associated Radiologists. Dr. MacDonell was also Director of Radiology at Saskatoon City Hospital.

In addition to its historical significance, the W.G. Watson house adds visual value to the City Park neighbourhood and Spadina Crescent East.

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 the building’s historical and cultural significance such as its prominent location along Spadina Crescent East, its large scale appearance, building form, side-gabled roof and chimney.