Lacombe’s Denike Block officially designated as Municipal Historic Resource
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.