Heritage Buildings - Nelson Street / Former Andrews Building - 219 Nelson Street

Building Code 574.D.17
Construction
Date
ca. 1890
Origins Watch & Clock Shop
Description
The Former Andrews Building occupies a central place in a strip of brick-fronted buildings, most constructed in the 1890’s, that line the south side of Nelson Street, west of Seventh Avenue at the heart of Virden’s Heritage District.
Heritage Value
The Former Andrews Building is valued for its long connection to Andrews family and their Insurance business which spanned three generations. The building is also valued for its connection to two early Watch & Clock dealers.  G.J. Clarke, had the narrow Romanesque Revival-style structure built in 1887, making it one of the three oldest commercial buildings in town. George Gable was the second proprietor who went on to build his own building around the corner on Seventh Avenue. Watch & Clock shops were found in most towns in an era when repairing such items was an important service.

 

Character Defining
Elements
Key elements that define the exterior heritage character of the Former Andrews Building include:

- the brick construction including the façade with a multi-layer corbel table, and its attractive finely-detailed, round-arched window treatment
- the similarity in window treatment to the building to the west, (Former Post Office)

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Former Andrews Building interior include: - an old staircase etc.
Site History Formerly on This Site:

Luc’s Style
Gazette Paper
John Clark
Andrews Agency (Andrews here for 3 generations)
Ted’s
George Gable - Jewelery
George Clarke - Watch & Clocks

Additional Information Notice the similarity in window treatment to the building to the west, (Former Post Office)

P47 Proprietor G.J. Clarke followed by George Gabel – who later built the Terry McLean building.


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