Priel Block
- Regular
Description of the Historic Place
The Priel Block is a rectangular three-story brick building situated in Saskatoon’s downtown area. The building was constructed in 1928 by general contractor James J. Priel at 214 21st Street East.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of the Priel Block lies in its vernacular architecture. The building features red-brown clinker brick with a flat parapet roofline, with a building name-block centered atop. A simple belt-course of light grey terracotta defines the base of the parapet wall. The two bays on the upper floors, demarcated by self (brick) pilasters, each contain one triple-window per floor. The windows have original wood mullions and terracotta sills. The main floor of the building has a new façade with doors and display windows.
The heritage value of the Priel Block also lies in its association with James J. Priel. Priel came to Saskatoon as early as 1908 and worked in the city as a brick-layer. He later became a general contractor, and was responsible for building the granite cenotaph war memorial in 1929, as well as numerous other buildings throughout Saskatoon. He was president of the Saskatoon Builder's Exchange in 1912 and he served on City Council from 1922 - 1928.
Today, the well maintained Priel Block continues to be representative of early offices in Saskatoon.
Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database
Character Defining Elements
Key elements which contribute to the heritage value of this historic resource include:
- Its architecture, evident in: its red-brown clinker brick; flat parapet roofline; light grey terracotta belt-course; brick pilasters, wood mullions, and terracotta sills; and
- Those features that relate to its historical significance, such as the building’s name-block centered on top of the building.