Melfort’s historical buildings: The Clift Building

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Museum Curator Brenda Mellon said the site was home to Melfort’s first commercial building, a general store built in 1902. It was also one of the first gas-lit buildings in Melfort. 

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“A few years later, it was moved off that location, and the brick building was constructed that we see today,” Mellon explained. 

The new brick building was built in 1907 and was 30’ by 80’ with two stories. It also opened as a general store. 

The upstairs portion of the building didn’t always have apartments. In 1912, Melfort’s first dentist, Dr. O.W. Taylor, opened his practice upstairs.  

“There were a variety of dentists and other medical professionals upstairs,” said Mellon. “There were dentists, eye doctors, a physician and surgeon – many different professionals.” 

The main floor was used over the years as a general store, clothing store, Hunter’s Book Store, Beeson’s Stationery and Book Store, Northland Stationery, Frier’s Gift Shop, Sarah’s Attic, and now as Plus Stuff Junction, which features products from Plus Industries.  

Plus Industries is a non-profit that supports adults with intellectual disabilities that also provides affordable rental space for individuals on the second floor of the Clift building.  

“The store has been a place to sell the beautiful wood products we create in our woodshop as well as provide vocational training for those we support,” Plus Industries said in a statement. “We carry a lovely line of affordable giftware, as well as selling paper craft and art supplies.” 

(Image Credit: Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Significant renovations to the Clift building have occurred over the years, including an interior renovation in 1983, and a major facelift to the outside in 2017, which restored the building to its original look. 

Mellon said the building is eye-catching as you drive into the city centre from the south. 

“As soon as you enter Main Street, it’s definitely recognized as an historic building,” Mellon said. “I think the way it has been preserved, and even the paint colours, [show] that it is of historical significance.” 

The building has maintained its historic look and feel, said Mellon, while still having modern conveniences. The interior ceiling is also proof positive that the building harkens back to a different time with its intricate design. 

The building’s historic background is revealed in its intricate ceiling. (Image Credit: Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Plus Stuff Junction is located at 109 Main St., and you can follow them on social media. 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com