L I V I N G I N A L A N DMA RK . . . . .
2016. The new columns and lovingly restored entryway replicate the original vision of architect David Webster.
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Photo: Lillian Lane
HOPKINS HOUSE HAS PROTECTED STATUS
PROUD TO CARRY:
SEASIDE KAMELEON ROYAL DOULTON
Catherine Kambeitz, Heritage and Design Coordinator, City of Saskatoon, notes that the Hopkins House is listed under Bylaw 6770, commonly called the Holding Bylaw. Any property listed under this Bylaw cannot be granted a demolition permit (i.e., cannot be demolished) for 60 days. This allows for discussion to take place. While the Hopkins House is not a designated heritage property, it has some protection. the new columns are glassfibre reinforced concrete, each 1,000 pounds. The ornate carved wooden capitals at the top were reproduced in PVC. But first, the old had to go to make way for the new. “The scaffolding was put in place and we held our breath as one by one the columns came down,” recalls Jenny. “One of them simply disintegrated before our eyes. That really reinforced my belief that we were doing the right thing. Oh my goodness, how much weight had that been bearing?” A lot, says Chris. Shoring up the roof above took a good deal of engineering expertise. “The columns were load-
bearing, so we had to work out how to shore up the entablature, that canopy on top, while we removed the columns, stairs and the rest of the front portico,” Chris says. “Another big challenge, because the new columns are so heavy, was slinging them into position under the entablature above the new staircase foundation, rotating them and sliding them into place with about a half inch clearance,” recalls Chris. “That was both exciting and nerve wracking.” One Reno Leads to Another At one time, the Hopkins House was flanked on either side by verandahs with second storey balconies. Railings
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