It appears there is some good news in the downtown core as a new owner is looking to breath some life back into the former Sports Room building.
Joel Fabrick has purchased the former Sports Room Source for Sports on 3rd Avenue in downtown Drumheller, which closed its doors in the summer of 2014. He is planning to renovate the main floor of the building to accommodate two retail storefronts.
“The idea is to split the main level into two separate bays, it has been like that before, so the building is set up like that,” he said. “We want to maintain some of the heritage aspect of the building but bring it up to date a bit. We are hoping to have one ready for spring or summer.”
The building, originally the Drumheller Trading Post is the oldest building in the downtown core. N.S.L. Brownjohn, an Englishman, built the balloon frame structure in 1909 and opened Drumheller’s first trading post. It was the only shop in Drumheller until NB Vickers opened in 1911. The building has been home to men’s and women’s ware retail store, as well as sporting good shops.
“We have talked to a few people and have heard some neat history stories about it as well,” he said.
Fabrick also owns the former Western Chev building just down the block where the Faux Den, Dry Canyon Collectables and Goblins’ n Such are located.
“I see potential in downtown, and especially seeing the success we have had with the other building, it has given us hope,” he said.
He adds he is looking at the Town of Drumheller’s Heritage Building Program.
