New Uses for Old Buildings- Shop Local

“Shop local” goes hand-in-hand with heritage conversions in our historic, walkable communities. The opportunities to create one-of-a-kind retail spaces in old buildings are endless. City bylaws are constantly evolving to allow small-scale commercial businesses to operate in many neighbourhoods. 

The Tivoli Theatre

  • Built in 1937 by Odeon Theatres in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission neighbourhood.
  • It was designed by Green, Blankstein and Russell in a streamlined Moderne style.
  • NewThe theatre was adapted to become The Tivoli Shops at 2015 4th St SW.

Hillhurst Baptist Church

  • Built in 1908 and enlarged to its present day size in 1914 at 1126 Gladstone Road NW
  • This modest frame Gothic Revival church boasts a gabled roof, a corner entrance tower and pointed windows.
  • It was most recently the site of a recreation store and has previously housed a grocery store and a theatre.
  • Plans are now being considered to move, refurbish and designate this historic resource.

Devenish Apartments

  • Built in 1911 and originally called the Devenish Apartments.
  • A Beltline landmark at the corner of 17th Ave and 8th St SW.
  • The suites had all the modern conveniences of the turn of the century including telephones, laundry rooms and built-in furniture!
  • Now the building is home to many local businesses including Ethos Bridal and Betty Lous Library.

Bank of Montreal

  • Built in 1930, this three story historic Stephen Avenue bank was designed in the Beaux Arts style.
  • It is primarily clad in limestone which makes it unique in a city known for it’s sandstone! 
  • This building now houses the Stephen Ave Goodlife Fitness.

Brigden Block

  • Built in ca.1912 these commercial buildings with living above fill the 1400 block of 11th St SW
  • This was west Connaught’s local “High Street” 
  • Currently home to the much loved Kalamata Grocery, Galaxie Diner and a mix of eclectic shops  
     

Vine Arts Building (932 17th Ave SW) 

  • Built in 1910 and now houses Vine Arts 
  • It was a canvas for the very popular BUMP Festival (Beltline Urban Murals Project) this year
  • A great juxtaposition of new and old!