Second Avenue

Second Avenue is home to some of Saskatoon's most historic buildings.  While the street has gone through many changes over the last 100 years, you don't have to look far for a glimpse of its rich past.  Today, you'll see cars driving the street in place of the streetcars that carried passengers in 1913 (or trolleys in the 1950s).  You're not likely to find accommodations for $1.50/day, but you will find some grand old buildings and properties that have been beautifully restored.

The King George's foundation was laid in 1910.  Originally built in the "early Gothic" style, it was intended to be a 7-storey structure, which was reduced to 5.  At a construction cost of $250,000 for the building (no small sum in those days), its original facade was terracotta trimmed with stone.  In 1913, The King George Hotel advertised hot & cold running water and telephones in every room for $1.50 - $2.50 per day.  On Sunday evenings, an orchestra played in the dining room, and in the cafe they served "the best 75c Lunch in Western Canada".  In 1964, renovations destroyed the original facade, but the latest renovation of the property has brought back much of its original grandeur.

This property was one of the first titles registered in the city, in the 1890s.  When the building was at last constructed, it housed offices, and later became a rooming house.  In the 20s, it became known as the Zenith Building, home of the Zenith Cafe.  The first TV broadcast in Canada was reportedly made from the Zenith Cafe.  The Zenith was also home to a dance hall - a 1925 advert for Zenith Dances stated admission was "Gents 75c Ladies Free" - and live bands played regularly.  Some of Saskatoon's early participation in the field of radio broadcasting occurred here, too.  With such a musical background, it's a fitting setting for its current tenant, The Vinyl Exchange.

Built in 1914, this stands as an example of Chicago-style architecture.  The site of this building was part of the original Temperance Colonization Society grant.  It originally housed 6 storefronts on the main level, and 11 offices on the second floor.  Through most of its life, the building which is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 23rd Street was home to a series of drugstores in the corner spot.

This structure dates back to 1910, when it was originally a hardware store.  In the 1930s, there was an OK Economy grocery store located here.  In more recent years, renovations revealed the original name of the building embedded in its front facade.  Look above the sign of its current occupant, Moore's, and you'll see the name Kempthorne.

Built in 1916 as the Daylight Theatre, in 1929, it was wired for sound, and 'talkies' were shown.  In 1917, admission was 25c for adults, 10c for children (matinees were 15c and 5c, respectively).  Around 1957-58, the sun went down on the Daylight - "Saskatoon's Family Theatre, Where Everybody Goes" - and the Paramount was born.  Today it houses several businesses, including Saskatoon Asian restaurant, and Amos and Andes.

The original built in 1906 no longer exists - it was lost to a fire in 1922 and subsequently rebuilt.  The rebuild boasted brick construction and fireproofing measures.  Saskatoon Hardware was one of the largest stores of its kind in the West, employing 25 people in its prime.

Built in 1909, this originally housed the Union Bank - the second chartered bank in Saskatoon.  In the main floor there were Italian marble floors, and the building construction used Bedford cut stone and pressed brick.  In the 20s, the building was subdivided and became home to various businesses such as Tip Top Tailors, a shoe store and a fruit market.  In the 40s, the tenants included a silk shop, hat company and cigar store.  These days, you'll find Frakas occupying the corner spot.

Built in 1910, this building was expanded to double its size in 1911.  Faced with Tyndal stone, it featured a large vault and an elevator to the second floor.  It originally housed the Wilson brothers' business - carriages and automobiles.