Historic downtown building ready for new life
By Sam Leishman - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on February 7, 2025.
Galt Museum and Archives 20001076270
A 1907 view of the Whitney Block: On the first floor of the building, from left to right are: I.M. Banks & Company; unknown. Second floor, left to right: Dr. O.J. Courtice, dentist; O.C. McDonald; Alvin Ripley. Third floor, left to right: unknown, City engineer, unknown.The owner of the historic Whitney Block in downtown Lethbridge says he’s hoping to bring a renewed sense of excitement to the area with more than $1 million worth of renovations going into the building.
According to the City of Lethbridge, the Whitney Block, situated at 411 3 Ave S, was constructed in 1907 by David J. Whitney, who was a rancher and the owner of Ideal Farm at the time. His brother Frank operated a real estate business in the building and lived there, as well. Since then, the Whitney Block has been home to a number of hotels and shops, O’Riley’s Irish Pub, several queer theatres including Bordello, Club Didi’s and Theatre Outré and, most recently, The Owl Acoustic Lounge before it moved up the street to 3 Avenue South a few years ago.
Federico Santilli, an Italian national who operates mainly from London, England but visits Lethbridge regularly, and Angela Denhoed, the project’s co-ordinator, worked closely with the City’s Historic Places Advisory Committee last year to create a Statement of Significance for the Whitney Block. The statement dictates the historic value of the property and what elements cannot be modified. After a 60-day waiting period, it was designated as a municipal historic resource last February and renovation work could then get underway.
Some of the Whitney Block’s defining elements that are set to be restored include the cornice on the third storey and the original details and material on the front façade, including the brick pilasters, the sandstone and brick surrounding the windows, and the brass and metal frieze.
“The whole purpose of restoring the building is to bring it back to its old glory,” Santilli told the Herald. “It’s not like I want to turn it into a steel and glass shopping mall. I want the building to be what it was 150 years ago. I have no issue with the constraints provided by the City.”
Santilli is bringing a grand vision to the Whitney Block, inspired by the magnificent architecture in his native Rome. He says the main floor and basement will be available as commercial space, which he would like to be occupied by a restaurant or speakeasy-style establishment. “I want to see people outside gathering, chatting, eating, drinking from 8am to midnight because I think Lethbridge is missing that.”
Above the commercial space will be six apartments, including a penthouse that will span over two floors.
The “crown jewel” of the Whitney Block, as Santilli considers it, resides in the basement. He says plenty of effort was put into restoring the building’s original boiler, and he hopes it can become a focal point for the new tenant.
Santilli says he has developed great working relationships with his chosen contractor, Victor Kingston Construction, as well as the City that have made the Whitney Block restoration a success. While he admits that the project started out rocky, especially when conquering the challenge of overhauling the roof and basement, things seem to be moving along smoothly now.
Work is currently focused on the residential units. Santilli is hopeful that the majority of construction will be complete around the beginning of the summer.
A few people have already viewed the property, but Santilli says there are no prospective commercial tenants yet.
“I think as the building work progresses, it will be easier for people to see the vision,” he says. “Up until now, the basement didn’t have the new floor; now you have the proper ceiling height. It’s easier to envision as an entrepreneur what you can do with the space.”
Santilli says that there’s no rush to find the right person or group that will make the Whitney Block come to life. He expects there to be plenty of interest for the apartment spaces, as well.
“I truly believe that we still live in a physical world where people need beautiful things,” says Santilli.
He admires the work that has been done to restore neighbouring buildings and improve the overall environment surrounding the Whitney Block, and believes that this project is yet another element that will help maximize the potential that downtown Lethbridge has to offer.
“I think this whole area is going to become something that the whole city can be proud of.”
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