Health Sciences Building

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1 049 Health Sciences Building University of Saskatchewan Heritage Register November 2014

Gilbert, Webster and Gilbert, Saskatoon Builders Smith Brothers and Wilson, General Contractors Construction Dates 1945-1950 Recognition University of Saskatchewan B Listed Figure 1.

2 049 Health Sciences Building Alternate Names Medical College A Wing School of Medical Sciences Architect(s) John Webster and E.J. Gilbert, Webster and Gilbert, Saskatoon Builders Smith Brothers and Wilson, General Contractors Construction Dates Recognition University of Saskatchewan B Listed Figure 1. Stone materials: greystone and Tyndall stone. Figure 2. Granite steps and greystone wall. 1. Statement of Significance The Health Sciences Building, now known as Health Sciences A Wing, was the first medical building to be built at the University of Saskatchewan, completed in The Health Sciences A Wing has heritage value as the cornerstone of the medical precinct at the university. Designed by architects Webster and Gilbert, this 4-storey Collegiate Gothic structure maintains a high degree of commemorative integrity. Its front façade, in particular, remains essentially unchanged from the original design. The School of Medical Sciences began as a two year pre-clinical program at the University of Saskatchewan where it was first located in the Header Houses near the MacKinnon Building. In 1937 the school moved into the top two floors of the Archaeology Building before finding its home in the newly constructed School of Medical Sciences Building, starting in The school was connected to the University Hospital when that building opened in 1955 and a B Wing was added in Additions to the building continue to be made, most recently with the Academic Health Sciences D and E wings. The additions to the building are beyond the scope of this report. University of Saskatchewan Heritage Register 7-236

The School of Medical Sciences transitioned into a degree-granting College in the years 1952-1957. In 1957 the first class of M.D. s at the University of Saskatchewan graduated from the program.

Photo A-519, retrieved from University of Saskatchewan Archives. Note: The Health Sciences Building is configured with floors numbered First Floor, Second Floor, etc.

The most prominent of these character-defining materials is greystone, the local stone used on many earlier buildings. Greystone is complemented by cut Tyndall stone ornamentation (Figure 1).

3 The School of Medical Sciences transitioned into a degree-granting College in the years In 1957 the first class of M.D. s at the University of Saskatchewan graduated from the program. The cornerstone of the Health Sciences Building was laid by the Father of Medicare, Tommy Douglas. Figure 3. The front facade of the Health Sciences Building, February Photo A-519, retrieved from University of Saskatchewan Archives. Note: The Health Sciences Building is configured with floors numbered First Floor, Second Floor, etc... This report follows the same convention. 2. Character - Defining Elements 2.1 Materials The exterior of the Health Sciences A Wing is faced in materials common to the University of Saskatchewan. The most prominent of these character-defining materials is greystone, the local stone used on many earlier buildings. Greystone is complemented by cut Tyndall stone ornamentation (Figure 1). A granite base and steps (Figure 2) complete the stone materials of the exterior. The greystone, Tyndall stone and granite are all character-defining elements. The greystone that surrounds the entrance stairwell exists in a threatened state of commemorative integrity due to the poor condition of its mortar joints (Figure 2). All other stone is in good commemorative condition. (For further information on building stones used at the U of S, refer to Appendix: Stone.) Other materials visible on the exterior include oak doors and stained glass (Figures 4 & 5). The oak and stained Figure 4. Arched windows with stained glass crest and steel light fixtures. Figure 5. Oak, brass and marble. Health Sciences Building 7-237

glass are also character-defining elements. On either side of the oak doors are steel light fixtures. Steel is also used for the window frames which are visible from the building s exterior.

The vestibule inside the principal entrance has heritage value due to its granite and marble finishes. The vestibule has walls and flooring of grey marble paneling shown in Figure 5.

The wall mounted materials are in excellent commemorative condition, but the granite flooring shows wear.

Many of the doors, including the exterior main entry door have been replaced in kind. Figure 7. Steel sash window with brass fittings and oak trim. Figure 8.

Window hardware is generally original and of brass, as in many other buildings at the University (Figure 7). The original steel window frames and hardware are character-defining elements.

4 glass are also character-defining elements. On either side of the oak doors are steel light fixtures. Steel is also used for the window frames which are visible from the building s exterior. The stained glass and steel elements are shown in Figure 4. Copper flashing completes the character-defining materials of the building s exterior. Figure 6. Marble, polished grey and black granite. The vestibule inside the principal entrance has heritage value due to its granite and marble finishes. The vestibule has walls and flooring of grey marble paneling shown in Figure 5. The marble panels are complemented by polished black and grey granite surrounds shown in Figure 6. The granite and marble are character-defining elements of the building s interior. The wall mounted materials are in excellent commemorative condition, but the granite flooring shows wear. The interior of the building is characterized by the use of oak, for doors, door frames, window frames and stair handrails. The doors in the building are in varying states of commemorative integrity. Many of the doors, including the exterior main entry door have been replaced in kind. Figure 7. Steel sash window with brass fittings and oak trim. Figure 8. Oak handrail and cast iron newel post with flower motif. Window frames are of painted cold rolled steel. Most of the window frames appear to be original and many still have operable casements. Window hardware is generally original and of brass, as in many other buildings at the University (Figure 7). The original steel window frames and hardware are character-defining elements. Staircases feature steel stringers, cast iron newel posts, steel balustrades and oak handrails (Figure 8). The corridors have painted plaster walls with brick wainscoting. The brick is in excellent Figure 10. Brass-framed bulletin board. commemorative condition. The plaster shows signs of deterioration in many places. The brick and plaster wall treatment is character-defining. The terrazzo flooring has brass strips, thresholds, drains and clean out covers. Terrazzo is used extensively in the building and also makes up wall bases, stair treads and window sills. The terrazzo and its brass components are character-defining materials that have retained their heritage value to a good degree of commemorative integrity (Figure 9). Original brass frames are also found on a few bulletin boards (Figure 10). Figure 9. Yellow brick and terrazzo flooring with brass strips. University of Saskatchewan Heritage Register 7-238

2.2 Form & Style The Health Sciences Building was one of the later buildings to be constructed at the University of Saskatchewan in the Collegiate Gothic style.

Subsequent additions have obscured the E-shaped plan of the building from the rear, but the original front elevation has been well preserved.

Figure 12 shows the main entrance to the building, with its arched opening. Lanterns are hung on the walls on either side of the main entrance.

5 2.2 Form & Style The Health Sciences Building was one of the later buildings to be constructed at the University of Saskatchewan in the Collegiate Gothic style. In plan, the building is arranged in the classic Elizabethan E-shape. Figure 11 illustrates the original front elevation of the building. Subsequent additions have obscured the E-shaped plan of the building from the rear, but the original front elevation has been well preserved. The front elevation is symmetrical in composition, with the main entrance located centrally, and marked by a tower and a set of stone steps. Figure 12 shows the main entrance to the building, with its arched opening. Lanterns are hung on the walls on either side of the main entrance. The central tower is decorated with a crenellated parapet, statuary niches, scuppers and a row of octagonal windows (Figure 13). Stairwells are rendered on the front elevation as turrets (Figure 14). The stonework features decoration in the form of statuary niches, cut stone blanks and shields. A carved stone shield above the main entrance features the motif of the staff and snake, in reference to the medical professions (Figure 15). A prominent Tyndall stone stringcourse marks the base of the building (Figure 16). The parapet of the Health Sciences Building is constructed in cut Tyndall stone, and is one of the few modifications to the original front elevation, having been raised during the construction of the B-Wing, in It is decorated with crenellation in the form of archer style slots, and stone scuppers. Features of the Collegiate Gothic style such as arched openings, tower and turret forms, and carved stone decoration, are all character-defining elements. Figure 11. Front elevation. Retrieved from Facilities Management Division Asset Record System, File HS-44-T. Figure 12. Arched entrance and windows. Figure 13. Crenellated parapet, statuary niches, octagonal windows, corbels and scuppers. Health Sciences Building 7-239

The interior of the building still holds some heritage value, although many original features have been lost to renovations.

Most of the original features and finishes in the stairwells remain in place (Figure 8).

Many of the stained glass windows visible from the exterior are also visible from the interior (Figure 18). Figure 17. Arched entry, terrazzo floor and brick wainscoting.

Figure 15. Cut stone medical crest. 2.3 Location Figure 18. Stained glass University The Health Sciences of Saskatchewan crest.

From 1926 to 1937, the School of Medicine was housed in the Horticulture Building (Header Houses) (Figure 20), and later in the Archaeology Building (Figure 21).

6 The interior of the building still holds some heritage value, although many original features have been lost to renovations. The brick wainscoting and original terrazzo floors in the corridors generally remain and are in good condition. Several arched openings remain (Figure 17). Most of the original features and finishes in the stairwells remain in place (Figure 8). Cast iron newel posts are decorated with a flower motif that is also found elsewhere on campus. Many of the stained glass windows visible from the exterior are also visible from the interior (Figure 18). Figure 17. Arched entry, terrazzo floor and brick wainscoting. Figure 14. Octagonal stair tower. Dropped ceilings have concealed a vaulted ceiling in the vestibule and arched ceilings in the first, second and third floor corridors. Figure 15. Cut stone medical crest. 2.3 Location Figure 18. Stained glass University The Health Sciences of Saskatchewan crest. Building is located off Wiggins court, near the Wiggins Avenue entrance to the University of Saskatchewan (Figure 19). From 1926 to 1937, the School of Medicine was housed in the Horticulture Building (Header Houses) (Figure 20), and later in the Archaeology Building (Figure 21). The Health Sciences Building was the first purpose-built medical building at the university. The subsequent construction of the Royal University Hospital and other medical buildings nearby has created a medical precinct. It was at this location that the School became the degree granting College of Medicine. The location of the building is of heritage value because it signaled the permanent establishment of the College of Medicine, and established a medical precinct. Figure 16. Stone string courses. University of Saskatchewan Heritage Register 7-240

corridor, is intact. However, renovations, expansions and additions since its construction have transformed it from a discreet building into part of a complex of interconnected facilities.

7 T N E A 2.4 Spatial Configuration The original form of the Health Sciences Building is legible in plan, and the basic arrangement of its central wing, with rooms arrayed on either side of a double-loaded corridor, is intact. However, renovations, expansions and additions since its construction have transformed it from a discreet building into part of a complex of interconnected facilities. These changes have been invasive and in many cases have completely changed the spatial character of its spaces. UNIVERSITY BRIDGE A comparison of Figures 22 and 23 shows the type of reconfiguration that generally took place on all floors. The addition of the B Wing to the west side of the building M A P L E G saw E N D the deletion of all of the windows and doors on that Buildings façade. The staircase shown in the original plans on the west Underground side Walkway of the building no longer exists. Rooms were removed from the west side Parking Information of the building to make way for wider connective thoroughfares. Pay Parking On both the first and second floors, the large open plan Lots 1 4rooms of the north wing have been extensively subdivided. The Stadium basement Parkade 2 P Meter Parking and the fourth floor (Figure 24) are the only levels Meter which Parking Lots have escaped this reconfiguration. Buildings Under Construction Underground Agriculture Parkade McEown Park (Cumberland & 14th St.) Disabled Persons' Parking* M Motorcyle Parking* Faculty & Staf f Parking Lots* A character-defining space was lost in the conversion AE C F G H of HA the K L O Q R T V double height lecture room of the second floor Student into Parking a Lots* single E P Y U height classroom. Figure 25 shows the original space in section. *Parking permits required. Figure 26 illustrates the original appearance of the space. A new floor was added to create a series of small rooms on the third floor where the upper portion of the lecture hall formerly existed. Figure 27 shows the current configuration of the space. The double height stained glass windows that originally allowed daylight into the space from the east have been concealed inside a small service stair. Figure 28 shows the rooms that were added on the third floor. CLARENCE AVE S O U T H S Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health President's Residence Hantelman Ellis Hall PRESIDENT'S PLACE ST. ANDREW'S PLACE UNIVERSITY DRIVE Contact Parking Services at T A P I H O S L D R I V E Memorial Gates MEMORIAL CRESCENT RUH Parkade C L I N I C St. Andrew's College C O L L E G E D R I V E MUNROE AVE Saskatoon Cancer Centre Royal University Hospital P L A C E Little Stone School M E D I C A L C R T Dental Clinic E-Wing Expansion A R Law T Health Sciences Transit Hub (Saskatoon Transit and university service vehicles only) Royal University Hospital S D-Wing Expansion G W I WIGGINS AVENUE D C R T G I L A S N Observatory McLean Hall Emmanuel & St. Chad/ Chapel Rugby Chapel Murray (Library) Campus Entrance Maps Emergency Phones Campus Safety available 24 hrs ( ) Information Centres Place Riel Student Centre Parking Services Royal University Hospital Information Desk -Hospital Mall C R R T P L Edwards School of Business C A M P U S D C A M P U S D R I V E O A D P O TA S H C O R P WAY Arts BOTTOMLEY AVE Thorvaldson Kirk H Biology Place Riel St. Thomas More College L B O T T O M Marquis Hall Qu'Appelle Hall Addition E Y V OYAGEUR CRT Agri-Food Canada C U M B E R L A N D A V E N U E T H E B O W L C O L L E G E D R I V Williams Physics Nobel Qu'Appelle Plaza Palliser Hall MacKinnon Garden Saskatchewan Voyageur Hall Place Memorial Union Geology (W.P. Thompson) Athabasca Hall University Club Figure 19. The location of the Health Sciences Building is indicated in green on this contemporary campus map. N C E P L Ball Fields 4 3 SCIENCE PLACE Administratio A D M I N P L C A M P U S D 5 M A I N Student Residence Pro Assiniboin Wollaston Hall Hall Seager Wheeler Hall McEown Park Student Residences Figure Medicine class. Photo taken in front of the Header Houses where classes were held. Photo A-5742, retrieved from the University of Saskatchewan Archives. C E C A M P U S D R I Souris Hall To C Agr Sta Pa Ball P B Figure 21. Anatomy lab in the attic of the then Field Husbandry Building (now known as Archaeology). Retrieved from Buchan, D.J., Greenhouse to Medical Centre Saskatchewan s Medical School Health Sciences Building 7-241

8 Figure 22. Original first floor plan. Retrieved from Facilities Managment Division Asset Record System, File HS- 49-T. Figure 23. First floor plan after reconfiguration. Retrieved from Facilities Managment Division Asset Record System, File T. University of Saskatchewan Heritage Register 7-242

9 Figure 24. Original fourth floor plan. Retrieved from Facilities Managment Division Asset Record System, File HS-46-T. Figure 25. Section through the building showing double height lecture theatre. Retrieved from Facilities Managment Division Asset Record System, File HS-45-T. Health Sciences Building 7-243

Figure 26. The lecture room as it was originally constructed. Retrieved from Buchan, D.J., Greenhouse to Medical Centre Saskatchewan s Medical School 1926-78. 2.5 Systems The Health Science Building was one of the first at the university to be constructed with an elevator.

Elevator gates. operated by the user (Figure 29). The style and materials of the elevator are character-defining elements.

Floors are constructed of reinforced concrete slabs, supported by steel beams. The steel beams are supported on steel columns in the interior and by the exterior masonry walls. Figure 27.

6 Use(s) The Health Sciences Building has heritage value in having been used continuously for medical education, and many of its spaces are still used for the activity for which they were

10 Figure 26. The lecture room as it was originally constructed. Retrieved from Buchan, D.J., Greenhouse to Medical Centre Saskatchewan s Medical School Systems The Health Science Building was one of the first at the university to be constructed with an elevator. The original elevator is still intact and functioning in the building. It has steel doors with circular windows. Inside the steel doors are bronze scissor gates that are Figure 29. Elevator gates. operated by the user (Figure 29). The style and materials of the elevator are character-defining elements. The Health Sciences Building is one of the last buildings at the university constructed with load-bearing masonry walls rather than a structural steel or concrete frame. Floors are constructed of reinforced concrete slabs, supported by steel beams. The steel beams are supported on steel columns in the interior and by the exterior masonry walls. Figure 27. Current configuration of second storey lecture room. 2.6 Use(s) The Health Sciences Building has heritage value in having been used continuously for medical education, and many of its spaces are still used for the activity for which they were originally intended. The use of the building for research, administration and education in health sciences is a character-defining element. Figure 28. Current configuration of the former upper portion of the lecture theatre. Retrieved from Facilities Managment Division Asset Record System, File T. University of Saskatchewan Heritage Register 7-244

2.7 Cultural & Chronological Associations The Health Sciences A Wing is associated with the College of Medicine and with the history of medical education and research at the University of

Douglas led the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), the first democratic socialist party to form government in North America.

and establishing the first publicly funded health care system in North America. Douglas laid the cornerstone for the building on August 26, 1946 (Figures 30 & 31).

11 2.7 Cultural & Chronological Associations The Health Sciences A Wing is associated with the College of Medicine and with the history of medical education and research at the University of Saskatchewan. It can also be associated with Tommy Douglas, Premier of Saskatchewan from 1944 to Douglas led the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), the first democratic socialist party to form government in North America. Douglas is best known for his contributions in healthcare including a government provided province wide hospitalization program, establishing the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and establishing the first publicly funded health care system in North America. Douglas laid the cornerstone for the building on August 26, 1946 (Figures 30 & 31). The cornerstone is a character-defining element. Figure 30. The laying of the cornerstone by Premier Tommy Douglas, August 26, Photo A-3691, retrieved from University of Saskatchewan Archives. 3. Associated Objects The third floor of the Health Sciences Building s A Wing holds the Geoffrey Jamieson painting collection. The collection consists of five separate panels painted on the walls of the south end of the corridor. The murals, painted in 1962, are reproductions of historic anatomy images. Jamieson, a former student of the College of Medicine, returned in the 1990 s to touch up his art work. Figure 32 shows one of the paintings. Further down the same corridor, display cases hold a collection of microscopes and microscope accessories (Figure 33). Also on the third floor in room A302 is the Van Leeuwenhook photo and microscope display. Figure 31. Cornerstone laid by Tommy Douglas. On the first floor, the College of Medicine Medical Undergraduate Student Photograph Collection is displayed on the walls. The collection dates back to 1926 when the school first opened as a two year clinical program known as the School of Medical Sciences. The photos were examined by a restoration expert in 2004 who reported that the condition of some of the photos was very fragile. The most damaged of the photos have undergone restoration as a result. Figure 32. Painting by Geoffrey Jamieson. Health Sciences Building 7-245

$Asset Resource Database [Data File]. Retrieved from \\usask\fmddfs\ files\iis\iis_public\ars Figure 33. Microscope collection. Rosser, B., personal communication. June, 2012. Silversides, B. (1985).$

12 4. Supporting Documents Buchan, D.J. (1983). Greenhouse to Medical Centre Saskatchewan s Medical School College of Medicine: University of Saskatchewan. Facilities Management Division (2011). Asset Resource Database [Data File]. Retrieved from \\usask\fmddfs\ files\iis\iis_public\ars Figure 33. Microscope collection. Rosser, B., personal communication. June, Silversides, B. (1985). Saskatoon Architects Saskatoon History, 3, University of Saskatchewan Archives. (Retrieved 2012). Building Chronology. Retrieved from sk.ca/gallery/uofs_buildings/ Quiring, B. (Retrieved 2012). The encyclopedia of Saskatchewan, Douglas, Thomas Clement. Retrieved from douglas_thomasclement_ html University of Saskatchewan Heritage Register 7-246

5. Summary of Character - Defining Elements Materials Form & Style Location Spatial Configuration Systems Uses Cultural & Chronological Associations rough-faced greystone walls cut Tyndall stone trim

and stair treads grey granite base and steps black granite yellow brick wainscoting symmetrical form and elevations classic Elizabethan E-shape rectangular massing central tower element front steps

13 5. Summary of Character - Defining Elements Materials Form & Style Location Spatial Configuration Systems Uses Cultural & Chronological Associations rough-faced greystone walls cut Tyndall stone trim & decoration grey marble floors oak doors & millwork copper flashing slate chalkboards steel-framed wondows painted steel & cast iron balustrades & stairs terrazzo flooring, wall bases, window sills and stair treads grey granite base and steps black granite yellow brick wainscoting symmetrical form and elevations classic Elizabethan E-shape rectangular massing central tower element front steps arched windows and entrance octagonal windows corbels stone scuppers barrel vault and stepped ceilings crenellation parapet (battlement) quoins statuary niches stone and stained glass crests University of Saskatchewan medical precinct double loaded corridors stair towers composite structure of loadbearing masonry walls and steel structural frame, concrete slabs. medical education and research cornerstone laid by T.C. Douglas Health Sciences Building 7-247

Horticulture Building

005 Horticulture Building University of Saskatchewan Heritage Register November 2014 005 Horticulture Building Alternate Names Header Houses Figure 1. A window sill of Indiana limestone set into a greystone