The City of Lacombe’s Heritage Resource Committee is holding an open house for the Fraser-MacDonald Building on Nov. 28 5-8 p.m.
The building, which is being historically designated by the city of Lacombe is nearly 100 years old and features many turn-of-the-century elements that makes it a Lacombe Historical Treasure.
Myles Chykerda, member of the committee said, this building has been on their radar for awhile.
“This building was built in 1920 and it is a great example of a turn-of-the-century brick buildings that has elements such a tin=pressed ceiling, which is really unique,” he said.
“The really cool thing about this one is a wall inside that has a whole map of Trans Canada airlines from the mid-century. That is a neat feature that I haven’t seen anything like in a small town.”
The event will be an open door event, with a formal portion at 6 p.m. featuring a member of council. Chykerda said the evening showcases the committees mission of capturing the history of Lacombe.
“There are a few historical groups in town and what the Heritage Resource Committee does is that we are basically tasked by council to promote the built aspect of history and also facilitate the designation of buildings as municipal heritage resources,” he said.
Home and business owners, who have properties over 50 years old, can come to the committee if they are interested in being designated. The committee also has a budget to help historical building owners with renovations to historical elements.
“We can fund up to $5,000 per property for necessary repair work,” Chykerda said.
Being historically designated does not mean owners cannot add modern elements to their historical property.
“They shouldn’t feel like their designation is a moratorium on improvements. We look at properties to find specific historical elements we are concerned about, but other than that — if you need to renovate your kitchen, you can renovate your kitchen,” he said.
The committee is appointed by the City of Lacombe council, but residents can still get involved if they are interested in preserving Lacombe’s heritage.
“If they’re owners of a historical building, they can reach out to committee to investigate designation and they can also check out the Lacombe and District Historical Foundation. They manage the Michener House Building and other buildings separate from us, but they do a lot of great work closely associated with history,” Chykerda said.
He added, “Most Lacombians would agree this is part of our identity. You take that historical core our of Lacombe and you don’t have much of Lacombe left.”
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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