Willits-Taylor Drug Store

The heritage value of the historic place lies in its having accommodated, for most of its time, one of the longest operating businesses in downtown Kelowna, the Willits-Taylor Drug Store (1899-1996; on this site 1901-1980s). The establishment of the drug store near here by H.E. Wallis in 1899 and its moving to this site in 1901 are representative of the establishment of Kelowna's initial commercial and shopping district along Bernard Avenue.

The present brick building, which was built in 1913 by Palmer B. Willits and replaced the 1901 wood structure, has value for representing Kelowna's pre-World War I building boom and the establishment of the City as a regional service centre, with businesses that catered to residents of both Kelowna and the central Okanagan Valley. As such the building is related directly to the rapid expansion of settlement that took place in the Valley at that time. It has value as a very good example of the Commercial Style, with brick walls enlivened by decorative stone trim and classical detailing.

The building and the business have further heritage value because of their association with a number of merchants, including H.E. Wallis, Palmer B. Willits (who bought the business in 1904), and Edgar Abbott (who bought the business in 1935). Willits, like other small town merchants, took an active interest in local politics, serving on the City Council and School Board, helping to shape what it was like to live in Kelowna. Abbott was from Vernon, and represents the rise of broader Valley business interests. For people in Kelowna, the long association of the building with a particular type of business, albeit with different owners over time, means that part of its heritage value is derived from its use as a retail outlet and the memories associated with the experience of shopping there.

The second shop was occupied by a variety of retail businesses typical of 'Main Street', including a clothing store and a grocery. The upper floor has always accommodated professional offices, also representative of the district.

The present use of the corner shop by Starbuck's Coffee reflects the shift of lower Bernard Avenue from being Kelowna's principal, and only substantial, retail district with businesses selling a variety of goods; to an upscale 'lifestyle' service district. Since the 1960s many significant retail activities have moved from downtown to outlying shopping malls. Bernard Avenue now serves mainly shoppers who live downtown, office and professional workers from the surrounding area, and visitors to Kelowna.