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Dave White Block

Banff

Other Names:
Dave White & Co. Block
Dave White & Sons Block
Dave White Building
White Block

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place
The Dave White Block is a two-storey, red brick, early twentieth century commercial building situated on two lots on Banff Avenue, the main commercial street in Banff, Alberta.

Heritage Value
The Dave White Block has significant heritage value as one of the oldest remaining, largely intact, commercial buildings in Banff, it was built as a general merchandise store in two sections in 1908-1909 (south section) and 1912-1913 (north section). Although not typical of the common rustic style of early Banff buildings, it is an excellent example of early twentieth century commercial architecture and a rare example of early commercial life in Banff that illustrates the community's roots as a commercial service centre to National Park visitors.

The Dave White Block is also significant for its direct association with Dave White and his family who played a prominent role in the early development of the tourism industry in Banff. The building is still owned by the family's Whyte Foundation. Several prominent businesses and professionals maintained office space on the second storey including the Alpine Club Canada.

Source: Town of Banff Municipal Historic Resource Designation File 03HD01 and Town of Banff Registry of Recognized Heritage Resources File 103/105 Banff Avenue.


Character-Defining Elements
The character-defining elements of the Dave White Block include:
- the form, scale and massing of the original red brick building;
- the Edwardian-era commercial architectural features (e.g. flat roof, metal cornice and white frieze band, metal beltcourse above leaded glass clerestory window and retractable awning);
- the two-storey red brick exterior with stone pointed second storey windows;
- the restored commercial storefronts and recessed entrances;
- white frieze band with “1894 Dave White Block 1913” in relief;
- the signs painted on brick side walls “Dave White & Co. Groceries and Dry Goods” and “Dave White & Co. Tourist - Outfitters”.


Location



Street Address: 103 and 105 Banff Avenue
Community: Banff
Boundaries: Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, Plan 6719BC
Contributing Resources: Buildings: 1

ATS Legal Description:
Mer Rge Twp Sec LSD
5
12
25
35
7 (ptn.)

PBL Legal Description (Cadastral Reference):
Plan Block Lot Parcel
6719BC
6719BC
1
1
3
2



Latitude/Longitude:
Latitude Longitude CDT Datum Type
51.174687 -115.571549 Digital Maps NAD 83

UTM Reference:
Northing Easting Zone CDT Datum Type
5670220.7 599855.35 Digital Maps NAD 83

Recognition

Recognition Authority: Local Governments (AB)
Designation Status: Municipal Historic Resource
Date of Designation: 2003/12/19

Historical Information

Built: 1908 To 1909
Period of Significance: 1912 To 2004
Theme(s): Developing Economies : Trade and Commerce
Historic Function(s): Commerce / Commercial Services : Shop or Wholesale Establishment
Current Function(s): Commerce / Commercial Services : Shop or Wholesale Establishment
Architect:
Builder:
Context:

Additional Information

Object Number: 4664-0095
Designation File:
Related Listing(s):
Heritage Survey File:
Website Link:
Data Source: Town of Banff, Planning and Development Department, Town Hall, 110 Bear Street, PO Box 1260, Banff, AB T1L 1A1. (Municipal Historic Resource Designation File: 03HD01; Town of Banff Registry of Recognized Heritage Resources File: 103/105 Banff Avenue)
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