Historical designations for Southpark Sign and Gibbard Block
September 12, 2017
City Council recognized two iconic pieces of Edmonton’s history today when it voted to designate the Southpark neon sign and the Gibbard Block as Municipal Historic Resources. These designations represent the City’s 144th and 145th protected Municipal Historic Resources.
The Southpark sign, located within the former Don Wheaton dealership lot on Whyte (82) Avenue in Strathcona, is a well-recognized landmark, notable for its height and brilliant neon lighting. At the time of its installation in 1963, the sign was the second tallest free-standing sign in western Canada.
The sign was installed by Hugh McColl, the original owner of the Southpark dealership, as a means to help advertise the business. In 1967, McColl added his name to the business title, and the sign was altered to include a “Hugh McColl’s” neon panel between the “South” and “Park” portions of the sign. When Don Wheaton purchased the dealership in 1994, this was changed to read “On Whyte”, which remains on the sign today. “The preservation of the Southpark Sign is a unique opportunity to preserve an iconic piece of commercial architecture on Whyte Avenue”, according to David Johnston, Principal Heritage Planner. “We believe this to be the first free-standing sign designated as a Municipal Historic Resource in Alberta.” The sign has been removed from the property in order for its restoration work to be completed, and will be reinstated as part of the redevelopment of the site on the Whyte Avenue frontage.
Constructed in 1912 in the Highlands community, the Gibbard Block, located at 6427 – 112 Avenue, is a rare and well-preserved example of Edwardian commercial architecture with Classical Revival design influences. It was designed by prominent Edmonton architect E. Morehouse, who also designed the Magrath Mansion and the Holgate Residence, also in Highlands.
Highlands was subdivided by the Magrath-Holgate Company in 1911, and promoted as a bedroom community for Edmonton's elite. The Gibbard Block was located just outside the original western boundary of Highlands, providing commercial amenities to the community without compromising its exclusive character. “The Gibbard Block is a very good example of a commercial building designed to provide apartment housing and businesses for the neighbourhood”, according to Scott Ashe, Principal Heritage Planner. “This building has been part of Highlands for over a century, and its preservation is key in retaining that physical connection to the area’s rich history.”
The City's Historic Resource Management Plan outlines the City's mission to identify, protect and promote the preservation and use of historic resources. The Plan contains 24 policies and 88 action items that direct how Edmonton's heritage should be preserved and celebrated.
For more information:
http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/historic-resources.aspx
Media contact:
Adrienne F. Hill
Communications Advisor
780-944-1510
