Autre nom(s)
Masonic Block
Treasure Trove
Liens et documents
s/o
Date(s) de construction
1922/01/01
Inscrit au répertoire canadien:
2012/01/10
Énoncé d'importance
Description du lieu patrimonial
The Masonic Block is a large two-storey wood frame building that spans an entire commercial block located on the north side of Broadway Street in Nakusp, British Columbia. Built in 1922, it contains a Masonic Lodge upstairs and a retail store on the main floor.
Valeur patrimoniale
The Masonic Block is valued for its association with the Masonic Order that constructed the building in 1922 and with individuals associated with the Masons. These include George Keys, W. E. Marshall, F. W. Jordon, H. L. Rothwell, A. E. Haig, A. V. Carlston and J. Sneddon. George Keys designed and supervised the construction of the building. Born in 1868 in Ontario, Keys came to Nakusp to work as a carpenter in the shipyards. He was noted for the quality of his finishing work. The interior of the upstairs was designed as the Lodge meeting rooms. It contains original panelling, coloured glass in the windows, furnishings, and Masonic symbols.
The Masonic Block is also valued for its Beaux Arts architecture. The front façade of the building, facing Broadway, is divided into three bays by monumental pilasters, rendered in board, which reach from the ground to the cornice line. There are additional pilasters at each corner of the building. The arrangement of window and door openings is symmetrical. The flat roof has wide overhanging eaves decorated with large brackets at the head of the pilasters, and modillions between them. The upstairs double-hung windows are arched, with a fanlight, in the Beaux Arts style. This style of architecture was particularly favoured by the Canadian Bank of Commerce, one of the original tenants in the main floor of the building. The original narrow board siding has been stuccoed.
The Masonic Block is a testament to the emerging importance of Broadway Street as the predominant commercial street in Nakusp, and to the economic development of the area. In the post-WWI period businesses began moving from the waterfront up to Broadway Street after a fire destroyed many buildings on Bay Street. During this period of strong economic growth in the area, the two major lumber manufacturers could not keep up with demand, the Nakusp Electric Light and Power Company was formed in 1920, and a municipal water system was installed in 1923. The construction of the new Masonic Block, the largest building in Nakusp at the time, ensured that this trend continued. The Post Office (which had been on Bay Street) and the Bank of Commerce moved into the main floor of the new building.
Source: Village of Nakusp Municipal Office, 91-1st Street NW, Nakusp, B.C. V0G 1R0
Éléments caractéristiques
Key elements that define the heritage character of the Masonic Block include its:
-location on Broadway Street
-monumental two-storey rectangular form and massing
-symmetrical pattern of openings in the façade
-fenestration, including round-headed windows with coloured fanlights in the arches
-accentuated cornice line with brackets and modillions
-original panelling, furniture, and Masonic symbols in the upstairs Lodge
Reconnaissance
Juridiction
Colombie-Britannique
Autorité de reconnaissance
Administrations locales (C.-B.)
Loi habilitante
Local Government Act, art.954
Type de reconnaissance
Répertoire du patrimoine communautaire
Date de reconnaissance
2010/02/23
Données sur l'histoire
Date(s) importantes
s/o
Thème - catégorie et type
- Économies en développement
- Commerce et affaires
- Exprimer la vie intellectuelle et culturelle
- La philosophie et la spiritualité
- Exprimer la vie intellectuelle et culturelle
- L'architecture et l'aménagement
- Gouverner le Canada
- Les institutions gouvernementales
- Établir une vie sociale et communautaire
- L'organisation communautaire
- Un territoire à peupler
- Immigration et migration
- Un territoire à peupler
- Les établissements
- Économies en développement
- Labour
Catégorie de fonction / Type de fonction
Actuelle
- Communauté
- Local pour association fraternelle, organisation sociale ou de bienfaisance
- Commerce / Services commerciaux
- Magasin ou commerce de vente au détail
Historique
- Commerce / Services commerciaux
- Banque ou bourse
Architecte / Concepteur
George Keys
Constructeur
Harry Rawlings
Informations supplémentaires
Emplacement de la documentation
Source: Village of Nakusp Municipal Office, 91-1st Street NW, Nakusp, B.C. V0G 1R0
Réfère à une collection
Identificateur féd./prov./terr.
EbQk-11
Statut
Édité
Inscriptions associées
s/o