Peter MacKinnon Building (Saskatoon)

 administrative building, listed building / architectural heritage

"The building is the first one, and for many years will occupy the place of honor, and even in later years, when the principal buildings have been built, its position is such that it deserves thorough study to develop the architectural possibilities." - David Brown to Walter Murray, 5 November 1909.

Designated as a provincial heritage property in 1982 and as a National Historic Site in 2001, the University's first building has long served as the architectural, intellectual and emotional cornerstone of the campus.

Designed by Brown and Vallance, the Peter MacKinnon Building was originally intended ultimately to house the College of Agriculture; but from the start, served numerous purposes. As early as April 1910, the floor plan included space for milk testing, butter making, cheese making, grain work; a gymnasium; several classrooms; offices for the Registrar, Dean of Agriculture, Director of Extension, and President; the original "faculty club;" laboratories; the library; and quarters for the janitor. After a sod-turning ceremony on 4 May 1910, the cornerstone was laid by Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier on 29 July 1910. It was constructed between 1910-12 by Smith Bros. and Wilson general contractors. Completed in 1912, the building was officially opened by Walter Scott, Premier of Saskatchewan on 1 May 1913.

The Peter MacKinnon Building serves as a memorial to much of the University's history: numerous plaques to individuals and organizations can be found in its interior. In 1997, the University created "Nobel Plaza" in front of the building, honouring two Nobel Laureates associated with the University: Gerhard Herzberg and Henry Taube.

From about 1950 to 2000, the building was called the Administration Building, and later the "old Administration Building" to distinguish it from the new wing completed in 1987. A major restoration of the building was completed in 2005. In 2012, it was renamed the Peter MacKinnon Building, in honour of the outgoing university president.