The City of Edmonton has elected to save and restore the 1912-built Stovel Block, the Edwardian-era commercial structure located in The Quarters recently designated as a Municipal Heritage Resource. The longstanding brick structure at the corner of 97 St NW and 103A Ave NW will be restored to its original splendour, its missing architectural details to be brought back to life. 

Stovel Block, as it originally appeared, public domain archival image

The Stovel Block was named after its key proprietor, James Stovel, who along with his family, were highly active in the early commercial history of the city. James Stovel is reported to have been one of the first hardware merchants in Edmonton, his wife Mary credited with overseeing the construction of the aforementioned structure. 

Stovel Block, as it appears today, image via Google Maps

Part of the City's Historic Resource Management Plan, the restoration effort for the Stovel Block will receive a $645,792 grant from the Heritage Resources Reserve - the funds to go a long way to bringing the structure back to its former glory. In particular, the original brick dentilation and arched pediment that once graced the roofline will be fully restored, the rest of the facade to be cleaned and preserved for the next 100 years. 

Are you a fan of Edmonton's built heritage? Excited by the prospect of the Stovel Block and other heritage sites receiving their due? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!