Here’s a smattering of some of Calgary’s best heritage homes, factories, and commercial buildings that found new life as romantic restaurants, trendy dining establishments or wedding venues. Heritage buildings deliver a unique, authentic experience valued by their patrons, giving a competitive edge to the proprietors. They are true destinations, drawing people from all over the city and beyond. Now that’s atmosphere!

• It was the 1896 home of William Roper Hull, A Provincial Historic Resource
• Now it's the  The Ranche Restaurant

• Built in 1906 on the Fort Calgary site and since moved twice
• The home of the last serving North West Mounted Police Superintendent in Calgary
• Now the Deane House Restaurant and event venue, it's rumoured to be haunted 

• The “Brewery House” was named for AE Cross, one of the “Big Four” and founder of the Calgary Brewing and Malting Company
• It was donated by the family to the City of Calgary, Parks in 1973
• Now it's the  Rouge Restaurant at 1240 8 Ave SE

• George F. G. Stanley was the designer of the Canadian Maple Leaf flag (1965)
• It's now Vegan Street Kitchen and Lounge at 1111 7th Street S.W.

• This 1926 store operated at 738 17th Ave SW for 25 years. It was one of 17 Calgary groceterias owned by Henry Marshall Jenkins. Later it was the Buy-Rite Store.
• The typical single-storey Edwardian design featured three recessed storefronts, each with large display windows and a pressed metal sign band cornice
• Retaining its early commercial charm, it is now home to a couple of well loved Calgary business including Analog Coffee and Big Cheese Poutinerie

• The largest supplier of lumber in the North West Territories gave the name "Eau Claire" to this part of town
• This wood sided building was it’s second office, built c.1903-04. The sawmill closed in 1945 and the office became a private residence in 1953
• Since 1978, 187 Barclay Parade SW has been home to 1886 Buffalo Cafe near Prince’s Island
• The Cafe is slated to close, and the building will be moved as part of area flood mitigation work. 1886 Buffalo Cafe launches letter-writing campaign to stop eviction | CBC News

• Hudson’s Bay Company has been an active retail force in Calgary since 1875.
• In 1913 HBC opened its downtown modern flagship department store, having relocated several times as the city grew. It symbolized the confidence in Calgary’s bright future.
• Six years in the making. The Guild Restaurant spans two floors, and spills out onto Stephen Avenue (#200 SW) taking up the entire south colonnade to create one of Canada’s largest covered patio.

• This prominent downtown bank at 200 8th Ave SE was constructed in 1911 of sandstone and marble building with a terra cotta facade
• Its 3-storey symmetrical design with prominent columns was typical of many large governmental, commercial and financial buildings in the early 1990s
• Since 1993, Teatro Restaurant has dazzled diners with its beautiful interior.

• No longer an abandoned mattress factory building thanks to the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation’s regeneration project to restore and repurpose.
• This one-of-kind concept is home to three of the city’s most revered food and drink establishments: Charbar, Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery at 618 Confluence Way SE.

• Springbank dairy farmer, James Colpitts, established this dairy in order to sell his milk production directly to city consumers.
• Built in 1933, no wood was used in its construction because it would be unsanitary in case of spillage.
• The name "Model Milk" and milk bottles in relief are carved atop the pilaster strips on the facade.
• Now home to Pigeonhole Restaurant at 306 17 Ave SW,  part snack bar, one part wine bar and dash of dive bar.

• Built in 1922 as the Calgary headquarters and distribution centre for Five Roses Flour.
• The building features Medicine Hat brick wrapped around heavy fir beams in a split-level structure. Several original nooks and crannies  create pockets of unique seating areas and the large industrial windows open to the street in summer.
• It’s now Bridgette Bar at 739 - 10 Ave SW.