(Peter Bouwsema 2022)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

History Preserved

Lacombe’s Denike Block officially designated as Municipal Historic Resource

Nov 17, 2022 | 11:22 AM

Lacombe city council has passed a bylaw, which officially designates the building known as the Denike Block (5012 50 Avenue) as a Municipal Historic Resource under the Province of Alberta Historical Resources Act.

“The Denike Block is of significant historical importance for our community,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “This designation ensures the building will remain protected in our community for years to come. I want to thank the current owner of Denike Block and the Heritage Resources Committee (HRC) for their diligent work towards preserving the legacy of this building.”

City officials say the Denike Block is a notable building located on 50 Avenue in downtown Lacombe. It was constructed in 1913 by a local jeweller and watchmaker, C.R. Denike, on lands he purchased from a local businessperson, Frank McLear.

Denike occupied the main floor retail space and initially leased the upper floor to the Town Registrar, Perry Pratt. The building is considered significant as part of a grouping of early Edwardian commercial buildings in the city, that has been very well preserved. Officials say this building is valued as part of a distinct and consistent Lacombe style of architecture that dominates the downtown commercial core. It’s also noted the Denike Block has retained many of its original features and is one of the better-preserved buildings in Lacombe’s downtown core.

In 2020, City officials point out the present owner undertook major foundation upgrades at the rear of the building to ensure the structural integrity of the building, as well as some other renovations such as the cleaning, reversal, and reinstallation of the original bricks.

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“Members of the HRC toured the Denike Block earlier this year and saw the inspiring product of significant dollars the owner invested into critically needed structural work.” HRC Chair Myles Chykerda said. “We are grateful that Ms. Downton recognized the historical value and beauty of the Denike and moved forward with the designation. With this protection in place, the building will continue to be a treasured part of Lacombe’s historic downtown for years to come.”

City officials say the following buildings/ structures have been previously designated as Municipal Historic Resources:

• St. Andrew’s United Church (2013)
• Lacombe Blacksmith Shop (2015)
• Young Residence (2016)
• Urquhart/ Kanngiesser Building (2016)
• Michener House (2016)
• Lacombe Cenotaph, Lest We Forget Park (2016)
• Fraser MacDonald Building (2017)
• Flatiron Building (2021)
• Trimble Residence (2022)

The City’s Heritage Resource Committee is said to be working to update the existing Municipal Heritage Survey and the Heritage Inventory contained in the Management Plan. These documents are described as identify buildings in the community that are 50 years or older or may have heritage significance. The update will consider any buildings or sites that were previously not listed and could be added due to age or historical interest.

Officials say work is now underway with a summary of the public engagement feedback and a final report coming back to city council before year-end.

For more information on the City’s Heritage Preservation Program, visit https://www.lacombe.ca/242/Heritage-Preservation-Program.