2005 Hougen's history

Hougen Centre

In 1968 Hougen’s constructed a 30,000 square foot steel and concrete building that joined with a 10,000 square foot building completed in 1961. This building of 40,000 square feet housed all of the varied merchandise of the Hougen Department Store. This included a men’s wear store, ladies’ wear department, children’s wear, shoe department, sewing supplies and sewing machines, toy store, kitchen and gourmet, photo and photo finishing, Sportslodge, furniture and appliances – everything except groceries.

In 2003 Hougen’s started extensive remodeling of the interior of the store, upstairs and downstairs, with the lower floor, 5000 square feet upgraded and air conditioned. It now is home to Arts Underground – an art, ceramics, photo workshop. One half is devoted to the Hougen Heritage Gallery that displays local artists’ work and photographic displays. There is no cost to the arts, cultural and heritage community.

With the coming to Whitehorse of the “big box” stores Hougens have been transforming their businesses. The centre now houses both family, Yukon and national tenants.

The exterior of the Centre was transformed to take on the appearance of “turn of the century” buildings. Overall Hougens invested over a million dollars in upgrading various properties.