Constructed in 1899 for the London & British Columbia Goldfields Co. Ltd., the building achieved its lasting name when purchased by the Nelson Daily News in 1908. It was designed by local architect Arthur
Edward Hodgins and built by the firm of Ellis and Martin. It is, at present, partially empty and partially occupied by a hair salon.
From the
Nelson Heritage Register, 2011, number 11, page 20:
Description
The Nelson Daily News building is a substantial two-storey brick building on the south side of the 200 Block of Baker Street in Nelson, B.C.
Value
The Nelson Daily News Building is important for its aesthetic
and historical significance, but primarily for its cultural and
social value as the former home of the local news
organization.
Designed by local architect and former city engineer Arthur
Edward Hodgins and built by the firm Ellis and Martin for
London & British Columbia Goldfields Co. Ltd., the building,
constructed in 1899, is an example of building development in
the city financed through funds from the promotion of local
mining ventures. The building was purchased by The Daily News in 1908.
The building, with the 1927 single-storey western addition built to house The Daily News’ commercial printing department, presents two distinct yet formally related parts. It makes a strong contribution to
the sawtooth pattern of facade heights along Baker street that is characteristic of commercial streets dating from this time. The original building and its eastern and western additions are important both for their compatible front facade materials, design, and detailing, as well as the unbroken brick sidewalls with stepped parapet tops typical of masonry buildings of this era.
The building is of historical and cultural value as it was the long-running location for The Daily News offices, a major cultural institution in the independent-minded city until July 2010, and was for some years the home of radio station CKLN.
The interiors are important for the extent of the original paneling, trim, and details.