369-371 Bernard Ave

The value of this heritage resource is derived from its association with the jewellery business operated by James B. Knowles, for being representative of the second period of intensive development in Kelowna's Downtown core, and for being a good example of an early two-storey brick commercial building.

The building's historical value is found in the association with J.B. Knowles, a successful merchant and municipal politician, and an active member of the community. Knowles arrived in Kelowna in 1905, having come from Nova Scotia by way of an apprenticeship with a Vancouver jeweller. He opened Kelowna's first jewellery shop (also offering services as a watchmaker and optician) in the Boyce building at the foot of Bernard Avenue, and moved it to this building around 1911. It remained here until 1938, when Knowles lost his business as a consequence of the Great Depression. The building was subsequently occupied by Copps the Shoe Man, from at least 1943 to 1973, and Tillie's Beauty Shop, during the 1940s and 1950s. It currently accommodates Joe's Chinese Restaurant, representing the increasing number of restaurants along Bernard Avenue.

Knowles is significant for having served on City Council from 1918 to 1928, and for having been heavily involved in other civic organizations, including as the Museum Society and the Okanagan Historical Society. He is credited with having been a driving force behind the creation of City Park. His house of 1907 at 865 Bernard Avenue has been restored and incorporated into a municipal park, while his later house at 1001 Lawrence Avenue is also on Kelowna's Heritage Register. Knowles Road is named for him.

Constructed in 1910, during the second period of intensive development downtown, the historic place has value as a good and representative example of Kelowna's two-storey brick business blocks of the time.