Fraser Block
(Chrest Block)
1031 Rosser Avenue,
Brandon

Designation Date: March 14, 1988
Designation Authority: The City of Brandon
Present Owner: 4906501 Manitoba Ltd

Completed in 1890 by building contractor H.W. Wheeldon to designs by notable Brandon architect W.R. Marshall, this Brandon landmark was the premises of A.C. Fraser and Company, one of the city's leading department stores. When it was known as the Fraser Block, the building was also one of the earliest locations of the Rapid City Academy, a forerunner of Brandon University. In design, the balance of the façade is interesting. Although the wide central bay is placed off-centre, unity is achieved by the now weathered Calgary sandstone arch and mullions which pull the upper two storeys together.