The Kelowna Heritage Grants Program encourages the preservation of heritage buildings in Kelowna and furthers public awareness of the significance of our irreplaceable heritage resources.
The Kelowna Heritage Grants Program meets regularly to review grant applications for heritage building restorations and for initiatives that raise awareness of Kelowna’s heritage.
The City of Kelowna annual allotment has helped many heritage building owners restore and maintain their heritage buildings. The Kelowna Heritage Grants Program administered through the Central Okanagan Hertiage Society (COHS) and funded by the City of Kelowna continues this important program.
Owners of heritage homes and heritage advocates are encouraged to use this web site as a resource towards restoring heritage properties in Kelowna and in raising awareness of our past.
Building: Raymer Block
Address: 291-299 Bernard Ave
Architectural Significance: Good example of commercial style; though altered. Designed / built by M.J. Curts.
Style:
Straightforward commercial style, with ornament limited to pilasters, panels.
History:
H.W. Raymer first built on this site in 1893. Fire destroyed buildings in 1906, 1916. This is 4th Raymer Block. Thos Lawson's general/dept store (est 1899) returned after each rebuilding. Lawson's was managed from 1913 by George Meikle; in 1937 became George A.Meikle Ltd; 'Meikle's' sold to Field's Stores 1969. Western portion occupied by W.R. Trench Ltd drugstore, 1908 until about 1969.
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