New Uses for Old Buildings - Bars & Breweries 

Who knew that a funeral home, a garage, a bank, or an old warehouse could be transformed to such eclectic spaces for friends to meet, raise a glass  and party! Appealing to locals and tourists alike, these old buildings, with their exposed brick and architectural details carried over from their former uses have a vibe that new construction just can’t deliver.  Plus recycling old buildings  is great for the environment!

The Bank of Nova Scotia on Stephen Avenue

  • This bank was built in 1930 and is an excellent example of the kind of architectural eclecticism designed to convey a sense of solidity and security following the stock market crash of 1929
  • It’s now home to the Bank and Baron Traditional Public Urban Bar at 125 8 Ave SW.
  • Original features like the vault door and teller’s windows add to the ambiance

 

Davidson Residence/McInnis and Holloway Funeral Home in Cliff Bungalow

  • The original owners of this 1909 family home, David and Dora Davidson both died in the house and had their funerals there
  • In 1935, it became the McGinnis and Holloway Funeral Home, then the Rose & Crown Pub in 1986
  • 1503 - 4 St. SW is considered to be one of the top 4 haunted places in Calgary
  • Everything historic stayed including the original wallpaper on the third floor. Putting in a functional bar was the only renovation. 

 

G.F Stephens & Company Paint Warehouse in the Beltline

  • Built in 1912, this modest  red brick building highlights how Calgary became Western Canada’s most important wholesale distribution centre between Winnipeg and Vancouver, thanks to the  CPR main line
  • Now 1006 11 Avenue SW is home to the popular nightclub Twisted Element  and the Work Nicer co-working space! 
  • This is revitalization at it’s finest!

Scott Fruit Co. & Lowney Wm. Co. in the Beltline

  • Constructed in 1912, this building was built during the Pre WWI Boom.
  • With it’s post and beam structure with brick walls and sandstone cladding, it is a great example of warehouse architecture
  • The popular Greta Bar now occupies 213 10 Ave

A Former Garage in Ramsay

  • Built in 1947 this building with its roll up door was once used as a bike store and a garage.
  • Now home to the Dandy Brewing Company a new production facility and full service tasting room, located at 2003 11 St SE

Davis Residence in Victoria Park

  • This home was Built in 1905 in the Queen Anne Revival style.
  • It is surprising to think that almost the  entire length of 12 Ave SW was once lined with dwellings of the same style! Now this house is a rarity, and the only existing example of this style in a 6-block radius.
  •  This house has a storied past! Over the past 116 years the rooms were rented out, annexed to the neighbouring YMCA, were used as a nursing and rest home, and as an auto body shop!
  • 213 12 Ave SW is now home to the beloved Civic Tavern!