[Echoes]

New future for historic Saskatoon locations

ALEXA LAWLOR Updated: June 11, 2018

A new future is on the horizon for two historic Saskatoon locations: the former site of Lydia’s Pub on Broadway Avenue and the long-vacant former downtown home of the EGADZ youth outreach centre.

Prairie Sun Brewery’s new building on Broadway will contain elements of the old Farnam Block building that was home to Lydia’s, according to Heather Williams, CEO and co-creator of the company.

Williams said she has many fond memories of Lydia’s — it was even the place where she remembers having her first craft beer.

“It means the world to me that I get to be a part of (bringing new life to the location). I think it’s a big responsibility, because we need to respectfully pay tribute to what was there before and to the history of the area.”

Old brick and beams from the Farnam Block will be used, and will also be part of a tour beginning at a bar made out of bricks from Lydia’s.


Saskatoon has lost many historic locations over the years, but Mayor Charlie Clark said the city may retain one in the building at the corner of First Avenue North and 24th Street, the former location of EGADZ.

“Sometimes we lament losing heritage buildings. It’s pretty awesome when you can have one become reclaimed or found again,” he said.

Renovations have begun with restoring the original structure’s exterior and interior, which included stripping back cedar shakes and concrete block on the outside and removing interior partitions. The beginning of the renovations uncovered a hidden gem, Clark said.

“By taking off the nightclub siding it just revealed that this beautiful brick building was in our community and we weren’t aware of it.”

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