Downtown Commercial in Calgary in Calgary Metropolitan Region, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Thomson Block ~ 1893
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2022
1. Thomson Block ~ 1893 Marker
This imposing structure reflects the commercial success of two of Calgary’s pioneer merchants, James Arthur Thomson and Melville Patrick Thomson. In recognition of its historical and architectural significance and the important role it has played on Calgary’s historic 8th Avenue Mall, it was designated a Provincial Historic Resource by the Honourable Mary J. LeMessurier, Minister of Culture, on January 31, 1981.
Erected by Province of Alberta; and Junior League of Calgary.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 51° 2.736′ N, 114° 3.736′ W. Marker is in Calgary, Alberta, in Calgary Metropolitan Region. It is in Downtown Commercial. Marker is on 8 Avenue Southeast (Stephen Avenue) east of Centre Street South, on the left when traveling east. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, on the east side of the front facade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 112 8 Avenue Southeast, Calgary AB T2G 5P6, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Doll Block (a few steps from this marker); Imperial Bank of Canada ~ Ca. 1910 (within shouting distance of this marker); Hudson's Block (within shouting distance
this page online
Regarding Thomson Block ~ 1893. Canadian Register of Historic Places (1981/01/30).
From the Canadian Register Statement of Significance:
The character-defining elements of the Thomson Brothers Block include such features as:
• mixture of rough-faced and dressed sandstone on facade;
• ground floor pilasters and capitals;
• large windows on second storey under flattened segmental arches;
• simple dressed stones with incised ornaments between second storey segmental arches;
• checkerboard pattern of recessing and projecting elements on third storey; and
• rounded parapet including numbers "18" and "93" on alternate sides of a central, elevated structure that includes decorative features (including dentils) and "THOMSON BROS BLOCK" set in relief.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2022
2. Thomson Block ~ 1893 Marker
Also see . . .
1. Thomson Brothers Block.
The Thomson Brothers Block traces its origins back to a pair of brothers from Ontario, Melville Patrick and James Arthur Thomson. The pair decided to make their fortunes out West, opening a bookshop in Portage la Prairie in 1881. Three years later, Melville made his way to Calgary with the goal of opening another bookshop. By 1890, they had opened a third shop in Moose Jaw and in 1893 the Thompson Brothers Block opened its doors as a stationery and periodicals shop. Their time in the prairies drew to a close in 1900 however, as they both established themselves in Vancouver. The Calgary business was subsequently taken over by a local businessman and eventually sold in 1916, the Thomsons’ legacy in the city forever enshrined in the stone parapet bearing their name and the date of construction in relief on the third story facade.(Submitted on April 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Thomson Brothers Block.
With its juxtaposition of rock-faced and dressed sandstone, its lack of unifying lines, and its liberal use of exterior embellishments, the building is one of the best remaining examples of the decorative indulgences of vernacular architecture in Calgary during the pre-World War One building boom. One of the(Submitted on April 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)buildings that helped establish Calgary's reputation as the "Sandstone City," the Thomson Brothers Block adds a spontaneity and charm to the streetscape along Calgary's historic Stephen Avenue Mall.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 20223. Thomson Block (south/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
