Lauras Lodge was originally built as a priest quarters in 1966. This
continued until the mid 70s at which time a major renovation took place and
they doubled the size of the building adding several washrooms and two
kitchens.
In the early 1980s Laura Lowen took over and began to take in students,
medical personnel and visitors to Saskatoon. She single handedly built the
business and was the first originator of the idea of a visitor lodge in
Saskatoon. During her leadership, she made numerous renovations including a name
change to Lauras Lodge which to this day is an iconic symbol, well-known
establishment and its own brand in Saskatoon. It was at this time that the lodge
became known around the world as a great place to stay in Saskatoon. It was also
during this time that a student named Gordon Hirschfeld stayed at Lauras Lodge
to attend the University of Saskatchewan. He also assisted Laura in running the
lodge while he continued his studies.
Jump ahead more than 20 years later and Laura has coffee for the first time
in more than 15 years with a nurse named Gordon Hirschfeld. It was at this time
that Laura decided it was time to hand over the reigns to a new person and
Gordon and his wife Cathy were the perfect people to take over the lodge.
Besides there extensive nursing knowledge, they have lived in Saskatoon for more
than 20 years so they have an excellent background in the city itself. Since
taking over they have also renovated extensively and added a very helpful and
friendly staff of 10. If there is something they dont know or cannot help you
with, they will find out for you.