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The Whitney Block
Lethbridge
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Whitney Block is a square, three-storey, brick, commercial building. It is located on a commercial lot in a key pedestrian area of the Lethbridge downtown core, close to Galt Gardens.
Heritage Value
The Whitney Block is significant for its association with the commercial development of Lethbridge. The Whitney Block was built in 1907 by David J. Whitney, a rancher and owner of the Ideal Farm (28th Street South). His brother, Frank Whitney, operated Whitney Real Estate from the Whitney building and also resided here. The building was designed by Medicine Hat architect William T. Williams. Originally, it had a sign on the top parapet which read “Whitney Block”.
Constructed during a period of commercial and residential expansion, the Whitney Block is significant for its associations with the commercial development of Lethbridge. The Whitney Block fulfilled local demand for office space for the growing and diversifying service economy during the early years of the 20th century. Over its life, the building has also housed hotels, such as the Coaldale hotel (1925 – 1940) and later Lincoln Hotel (opened 1945), as well as a rooming house, a store, a restaurant, a residence, an upholstery shop and one of the first queer theatres in Southern Alberta, known variously as Bordello, Club Didi’s, Didi’s Playhaus, and Theatre Outré. The Whitney Block’s rich commercial history attests to the continued commercial viability of the building given its key location in the downtown area, its large capacity, and its attractive design.
Character-Defining Elements
The Character-Defining Elements are expressed in the form, massing, and materials of the 1906 three-storey building and are:
- the prominent cornice on the third storey;
- the original materials, in brick stretcher bond and brick detailing on front (south) façade, including the brick pilasters on the second and third storeys;
- the pattern of fenestration on the second and third storeys on the front (south) façade, including original sandstone and brick window surrounds; and,
- the cornice and brass metal frieze on the first storey of the front (south) façade.
Location
| Street Address: |
411 - 3 Avenue South |
| Community: |
Lethbridge |
| Boundaries: |
Lots 12-14, Block 18, Plan 4353S |
| Contributing Resources: |
Buildings: 1
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ATS Legal Description:
PBL Legal Description (Cadastral Reference):
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Plan |
Block |
Lot |
Parcel |
4353S
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18
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12-14
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Latitude/Longitude:
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Latitude |
Longitude |
CDT |
Datum Type |
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49.695940 |
-112.840940 |
Digital Maps |
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UTM Reference:
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Northing |
Easting |
Zone |
CDT |
Datum Type |
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Recognition
| Recognition Authority: |
Local Governments (AB) |
| Designation Status: |
Municipal Historic Resource |
| Date of Designation: |
2023/11/16 |
Historical Information
| Built: |
1907 to 1907 |
| Period of Significance: |
N/A |
| Theme(s): |
Developing Economies : Trade and Commerce
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| Historic Function(s): |
Commerce / Commercial Services : Office or Office Building
Residence : Multiple Dwelling
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| Current Function(s): |
Commerce / Commercial Services : Eating or Drinking Establishment
Residence : Multiple Dwelling
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| Architect: |
William T. Williams
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| Builder: |
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| Context: |
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Additional Information
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