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

Rollis Block

— Red Deer Historical Walking Tour —

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

1. Rollis Block Marker

Inscription. Standing at this spot in 1893, you would have heard whinnying horses and seen bustling activity at the North West Mounted Police stable. That year the police detachment moved from Fort Normandeau to the new community of Red Deer, and they built their horse stable at this site.

In its first transformation, the stable became Rollis Agencies, a real estate and insurance business operated by Rufus Joseph Rollis. Then, in Red Deer's post-war economic boom of 1949, Rollis demolished the stable and replaced it with this building.

The construction of the Rollis Block was a symbol of progress and a reason for nostalgia, as documented by Annie L. Gaetz: "Although the change may have caused a pang to the hearts of old timers… the newer generation must be given an opportunity to plant their landmarks and to leave the stamp of their times and their generation for their children and their children's children."

Erected by City of Red Deer.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.

Location. 52° 16.17′ N, 113° 48.835′ W. Marker is in Red Deer, Alberta, in Red Deer County. Marker

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is on Gaetz Avenue (50 Avenue) just north of 50 Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located along the sidewalk, at the northwest corner of the subject building, facing Gaetz Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5007 50 Avenue, Red Deer AB T4N 4B2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Horsley Block (a few steps from this marker); Maurice Shoe Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Home Grill (within shouting distance of this marker); Farthing Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Reverend Dr. Leonard Gaetz (within shouting distance of this marker); Builders' Hardware (within shouting distance of this marker); Brumpton Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Greene Block (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Deer.

Also see . . . Rollis Block — Statement of Significance.

The Rollis Block is significant for its association with the theme of post-war/oil-boom commercial development in downtown Red Deer. The Rollis Block is also significant for its modern commercial design. Form follows function in this simple brick building, with retail space located on the main floor and office space on the second floor. Character defining elements:
• The flat roof
• The red brick running bond cladding
• The three decorative
Red Deer & District Archives (P154)

2. Marker detail: Rollis Building, ca. 1940s
brick ribbon bands on the front façade
• The multiple recessed front entrances
• The continuous concrete lintel between the first and second storeys with brick rowlock course above
• The original doors
• The three louvered vents below the roofline
• The brick seam on the front façade identifying the division between the south and north sections, which were built separately
• The pattern, style and construction of all original storefront windows
• The pattern, style and construction of the second storey window openings

(Submitted on September 29, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Rollis Block, ca. 1953 image. Click for full size.

Red Deer & District Archives (N164)

3. Marker detail: Rollis Block, ca. 1953

Marker detail: Rollis Building, ca. 1940s image. Click for full size.

Red Deer & District Archives (P155)

4. Marker detail: Rollis Building, ca. 1940s

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

5. Rollis Block Marker

(marker is located at the left/northwest corner of subject building, along with an older marker mounted directly above it)

Rollis Block Marker<br>(<i>older marker on northwest corner of building</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

6. Rollis Block Marker
(older marker on northwest corner of building)

In 1949, Rufus Joseph Rollis began to build this two-storey brick building to house his real estate and insurance business. The south half of the building was constructed first so that Mr. Rollis could carry on his business in the old wooden structure than had occupied the north end of the lot since 1891. He then moved into the new building and constructed the north portion. Evidence can be seen in the brick seam on the upper floor. Initially the second floor was occupied by IAC (Industrial Acceptance Company) while a jewellery store and appliance store shared the main floor with Rollis Agencies. Ron Gauthier operated his barber shop in the basement. Over the years, a steak house and a beauty school occupied the second floor. Businesses on the main floor included a newsstand and restaurant.

Provided by the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation
and Alberta Main Street Programme
Main Street Project 2003

Rollis Block (<i>west/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

7. Rollis Block (west/front elevation)

The verticle brick seam between the north and south portions of the building is still visible.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 29, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.