The Merchants Bank of Canada in downtown Humboldt, formerly known as the Willkommen Centre, has been designated as a Municipal Heritage Property.
"We're really happy to have a fourth building in the community designated as a municipal heritage property," said Jennifer Hoesgen, curator of the Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery (HDMG).
Stewardship of the building was given to the HDMG earlier this year, in order to expand the museum's exhibits. The museum's stewardship would also help to preserve another historic building on Main Street.
The museum board put forward the request that the building be given the designation, said Hoesgen. It's the same designation that has been given to the HDMG, The Humboldt Water Tower and the Humboldt Courthouse, as well as the Original Humboldt Site.
At a City Council meeting held on May 24, council passed bylaw 07/2011, designating the building as a Municipal Heritage Property.
"It does have a great history and a presence in the community, so we are really glad that council agreed to designate it as a municipal heritage building," said Hoesgen.
In order to be given this designation, a building must meet a number of different criteria.
The museum board had to prove the building had historical significance with a Statement of Significance before it could be considered for a Municipal Heritage Property designation. The statement would give the public reasons why it has heritage value.
"Being old doesn't make it one," laughed Hoesgen.
According to the Statement of Significance, "the heritage value of the Merchants Bank of Canada lies in its architecture," shown through the simplified banding on the second floor, a streamlined 1920s modern influence.
The building also has original brickwork in a Flemish bond pattern and original cornice as well as tyndall stone elements, including sills, keystones, decorative banding and trim around the main entry point and two walk-in vaults with original time lock documents.
The statement also explains the building is a prominent landmark in the business district, and is valued for its historical significance and important contribution to the economic development of the community.
The designation of a Municipal Heritage Property will protect the building from unauthorized changes and demolition, said Hoesgen.
Although the designation will protect the property, it does not put unreasonable restrictions on the use of the building.
"People think since it is heritage, you can't touch it... which is funny, because we've touched our building (HDMG) quite a bit," said Hoesgen.
Hoesgen explained it doesn't restrict the use of ownership, doesn't need to stay frozen in time, doesn't mean it has to be open to the public, and doesn't require the owner to take it back to original purpose.
She used the current museum building as an example.
"This is a designated building and the designation of this building is actually designated as a Humboldt Post Office, because that's what it's original purpose was, but obviously we aren't using it as such," said Hoesgen.
She only sees the positives in the designation.
"It gives the building some protection, but allows it to still be used," said Hoesgen.
It also encourages good stewardship and makes the property eligible for financial assistance.
"This is the first step in the plans the museum board (has) to make excellent and readaptive use of a fourth building," said Hoesgen.
