Heritage in the Hat: Raising the roof

By Sally Sehn on February 9, 2022.

Many historic commercial buildings in the downtown core have been modernized over the years. Some to such extent that they now bear little resemblance to the original historic structure. One of the most dramatically altered structures is the Granada Block located at 517 Third St. SE.

In 1912, at the height of the Edwardian building boom, a two-storey brick structure, designed by prominent architect William T. Williams was built on this site for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) who owned the property. The ground floor was set up for retail business while the upper floor was reserved as a hall for the I.O.O.F., a popular fraternal organization at that time.

In 1930, the building became the Granada Block. The upper level once the I.O.O.F. Hall, was transformed into a trendy dance spot, the Granada Hall, which featured local orchestras. During the Depression years, many locals fox-trotted away their worries at the Granada. The hall was also rented out for church bazaars, public meetings, and gala Christmas and New Year’s functions. During the 1930s, the lower level was leased by a variety of tenants.

In 1941, in the early years of World War II, the Granada Block was to receive an incredible make-over. The building was converted into apartments. No small task as an entire third floor was added to the 1912 structure.The sides of the building, once solid brick, now featured windows. It took 70 workers several months to complete a transformation which included a dramatic Art Moderne stucco facelift. When the apartments opened in 1942, they were reported as a “luxury rendezvous” featuring hardwood floors and fireplaces. The 22 “modern as tomorrow” suites were described as family style and bachelor apartments. The former featured “kitchen conveniences for the lady of the household”; the latter emphasized “the solid comfort where a man can don a smoking jacket, light up and relax.”

The last transformation occurred in 1970, when the 1941 Art Moderne front exterior was refaced to make way for a more modern appearance, the one we see today. The Granada functioned as an apartment complex for over 60 years. Today, the historic I.O.O.F./Granada Block is now home to the Miywasin Centre.

In 2012, the I.O.O.F, as it was built in 1912, turned 100. In less than twenty years, it will be one hundred years after the roof was raised and the centennial of the third floor can be celebrated!

Sally Sehn is a past Member of the Heritage Resources Committee, City of Medicine Hat

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