Melfort’s Historical Buildings: The Historic Post Office

She added that the building itself was designed by the Department of Public Works under the supervision of chief architect David Ewart, who also worked on nationally significant buildings such as the Royal Mint. The Romanesque structure is like several other structures in Canada, including the current home of the Humboldt and District Museum.

The person who secured Melfort’s first post office box at the new building was none other than Dr. Alfred Shadd. However, the building also housed other services.

“It wasn’t just the post office; it served many other purposes including an Armoury, the RCMP offices, Customs and Revenue offices, even a coroner’s office,” said Mellon, adding the upper floors were also apartments in the past.

After the new post office building was constructed in Melfort over two decades ago, the building sat largely dormant. A private developer purchased the building and painted the exterior in 1998, but the structure soon started to show its age and fell into disrepair. Avatex Developments purchased the building in 2012 and partnered with the City of Melfort to ensure the facility would be maintained. The City designated the building as a municipal heritage property that year.

Much work has taken place over the years, including removal of the exterior paint in 2015, along with a major window replacement project, roof replacements, asbestos and lead paint remediation, and more.

The long-dormant building is now being used by the Melfort Arts Council, Melfort Youth Evolution, and Youth Matter Canada as part of an agreement with the City of Melfort. The Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce also has an office for Executive Director Lorana McComber. The City still rents out the first floor for private functions, including weddings, and there have been upgrades to the bathroom and kitchenette areas to make them accessible and functional for special events.

Meanwhile, the Historic Post Office Advocacy Group (HPOAG) has outlined their plans to repair and refurbish the interior of the building, starting with the first floor. Their plan is to work on the floor and replace the two main doors, to start. They also plan to fundraise to renovate the second and third floors of the building, which are unoccupied and in serious need of some TLC.

Despite the work that needs to be done to the iconic structure, Mellon said it’s certainly a topic of conversation for visitors to the museum.

“It’s definitely recognized as the face of Melfort,” Mellon stated. “It’s the landmark often people think of when they think of Melfort.”

She said the City of Melfort has included the Historic Post Office and other important buildings in Melfort in their new walking and driving tour available through Tripvia Tours.

–

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Melfort’s Historical Buildings: The Historic Post Office

What's Trending