Downtown Commercial in Calgary in Calgary Metropolitan Region, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Imperial Bank of Canada ~ Ca. 1910
First occupied by the Imperial Bank of Canada around 1910, this structure is one of the few remaining buildings associated with early Calgary commerce. In 1975, in keeping with its historic character, it became the headquarters of the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation. On March 15, 1977, upon the recommendation of the Honourable Horst A. Schmid, it was designated a Provincial Historic Resource.
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 1910.
Location. 51° 2.738′ N, 114° 3.774′ W. Marker is in Calgary, Alberta, in Calgary Metropolitan Region. It is in Downtown Commercial. Marker is at the intersection of 8 Avenue Southeast (Stephen Avenue) and Centre Street South, on the right when traveling west on 8 Avenue Southeast (Stephen Avenue). Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the southwest corner of the subject building, facing 8 Avenue Southeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 8 Avenue Southeast, Calgary AB T2G 0K6, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hudson's Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomson Block ~ 1893 (within shouting distance of this marker); Doll Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Molson Bank ~ 1911 (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen Avenue / L'avenue Stephen (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Clarence Block ~ 1900 (about 120 meters away); Lougheed Home (about 120 meters away); T.C. Power & Bro. (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Calgary.
Regarding Imperial Bank of Canada ~ Ca. 1910. Canadian Register of Historic Places (1977/03/15).
From the Canadian Register Statement of Significance:
The Imperial Bank of Canada building recalls the frantic commercial growth of Calgary in the years prior to the First World War. The IBC was the first chartered bank to open in Calgary, establishing its presence in the community in 1886. The dramatic transformation of the bank's downtown branch from a frontier building to a bold Neoclassical construction symbolizes the burgeoning population and self-confidence of Calgary during the boom years in the city prior to the First World War.
The character-defining elements of the Imperial Bank of Canada include such features as:
• rough-faced sandstone exterior;
• roofline cornice underlined by block modillions;
• parapet with balusters;
• decorative armorial shield designs; and
• "IMPERIAL BANK OF CANADA" sign;From "Historic Downtown Calgary" walking tour brochure:
The original owner of the site was the I.G. Baker Co., which had arrived in 1875 to provision the North-West Mounted Police. Originally located near the Fort, the company moved to better serve the expanding needs of the community. By 1892, the Imperial Bank of Canada purchased the site and renovated it.
Also see . . . Imperial Bank of Canada.
The Imperial Bank of Canada is a two-storey building situated along downtown Calgary's historic Stephen Avenue Mall. It embodies the Neoclassical architectural style and features a rough-faced sandstone exterior, decorative sandstone shields, a roofline cornice underlined by block modillions, and a parapet.(Submitted on April 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4, 5. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.