Red Deer in Red Deer County, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

Greene Block

— Red Deer Historical Walking Tour —

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

1. Greene Block Marker

Inscription. Is there a Roman influence in Red Deer? The Greene Block in front of you could make such a claim, as its origins can be traced to a Romanesque revival style of architecture that was pieced together with sandstone blocks from a local quarry. The building itself is unique and, since its construction in 1901, it has housed many memorable businesses at this prominent corner location.

George Wellington Greene, a local lawyer and businessman, commissioned the building to house his law practice and his private bank. In 1903, the Canadian Bank of Commerce replaced Greene's bank, but his law office remained in the building for several more years. In 1928, Dr. Harold Snell and Dr. Frederick Dodds purchased the building and added the brick extension with the arched windows to the south of the original sandstone structure.

The Greene Block has housed many businesses, including Red Deer Pharmacy, Holmes Drugs and Artistry in Gold. In 2011, owners Terry and Angela Balgobin won a Heritage Recognition Award for their work restoring the building

Erected by City of Red Deer.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 52° 16.128′

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N, 113° 48.853′ W. Marker is in Red Deer, Alberta, in Red Deer County. Marker is on Gaetz Avenue (50 Avenue) just south of 50 Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located near the southeast corner of the subject building, facing Gaetz Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5001 50 Street, Red Deer AB T4N 1Y2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Snell-Dodds Block (here, next to this marker); Brumpton Store (a few steps from this marker); Reverend Dr. Leonard Gaetz (a few steps from this marker); Club Café (within shouting distance of this marker); Maurice Shoe Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Home Grill (within shouting distance of this marker); Horsley Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Farthing Block (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Deer.

Also see . . . Greene Block.

George Wellington Greene arrived in Red Deer in 1891 and established the first law practice in the community. In 1901 Greene purchased the Stevenson Hall General Store, moved the wooden store building to the rear of the site and had the new Greene Block built at the front of the lot. When the new building opened, Greene’s law office was on the first floor, and the Merchant’s Bank occupied the ground floor.
Greene was very involved
Red Deer & District Archives (mg 54-15-1-1-3)

2. Marker detail: Greene Block, ca. 1940
in the community and helped to found the Red Deer Board of Trade. He acted as Director of the Alberta Central Railway and the Great West Lumber Company, and was a board member of the Red Deer Public School District and the Red Deer Memorial Hospital. In 1901, Greene was appointed solicitor for the Town of Red Deer.

(Submitted on September 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Latimer and Botterill Real Estate, ca. 1912 image. Click for full size.

Red Deer & District Archives (P441)

3. Marker detail: Latimer and Botterill Real Estate, ca. 1912

Marker detail: Greene Block, ca. 1929 image. Click for full size.

Red Deer & District Archives (mg 307-20-11)

4. Marker detail: Greene Block, ca. 1929

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

5. Greene Block Marker

(Marker is on the east side of the building, near the south corner.)

Green Block (<i>north elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

6. Green Block (north elevation)

Green Block (<i>northeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

7. Green Block (northeast elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.