Yaeger Block

Description of the Historic Place

The Yaeger Block (also known as the Hearn Block) is a two-storey building located in the City’s downtown at 269 3rd Avenue South. The brick and stucco building was constructed in 1946.

Heritage Value

Designed by Webster & Gilbert, the Yaeger Block is an example of the Art Moderne style of architecture, which was popular in western Canada from the late 1920s to the end of World War II. This particular style often featured curved building corners and glass blocks. Originally built as apartments, the Yaeger Block features a flat façade with a curved corner and protruding belt course forming a continuous sill for the 2nd floor. The flat parapet roofline has cast concrete coping with the windows paired on the flat walls and single windows around the corner curve. Some of the building’s decorative detailing has been removed over time.

In addition to its architecture, the Yaeger Block is valued for its connection to Yaeger’s Furs, a long standing business in Saskatoon. In December 1946, Yaeger's Furs celebrated its 17th anniversary of business in Saskatoon. The business had become the largest and most modern fur manufacturing plant in Western Canada. At the time, the main floor of the building was used for a display room and office in the front half with the factory being located in the rear. Four modern suites housed four families above the store. The fur storage vault, which took up almost the entire basement, was believed to be the largest of its type in Canada with a capacity for 4,000 garments. In total, Yaeger's Furs was in business in Saskatoon for 64 years. The business closed its doors in 1992.

Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database

Character Defining Elements

Key elements which contribute to the heritage value of this historic resource include:

• Its Art Moderne architectural style, evident in: its brick and stucco façade, the curved building corner, the belt course, flat parapet roofline, and windows; and
• Those features that represent its historical importance and connection to the Yaeger Fur business including its original location along 3rd Avenue South and 20th Street East.