Lougheed Building

604 - 1st Street SW, Calgary, Alberta

 

After purchasing the Lougheed Building in 2003 Heritage Property Corporation, successfully fought to secure Historic Resource Designations at both the municipal and provincial levels.

 

Watch our Lougheed Building video.

The Lougheed Building was part of the real estate empire of one of the most important figures in the history of early Calgary, Senator Sir James Lougheed.

Constructed in 1912, the Lougheed Building reflected a dynamic city’s sense of itself as an important centre, with facilities and amenities second to none. These high standards ensured the Lougheed Building’s longstanding tradition of housing prestigious businesses in Calgary. Notable residents include such companies as the Calgary Petroleum Products Company, Home Oil, Dominion Bridge Co., Calgary Power, the Bank of Nova Scotia, the United Grain Growers, the Alberta Wheat Pool and the United Farmers of Alberta who called the Lougheed home from 1921 to 1935. The Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta later had its offices in the penthouse in the late sixties as Peter Lougheed prepared his successful bid to become premier of Alberta.

In historical terms, the Lougheed Building was an important part of the business and political life of Calgary for more than six decades. Disappointingly, its appeal began dissolving in late the 1970’s.

In 1998, against significant public opposition, a development permit was granted by the City of Calgary authorizing the demolition of the building to be replaced by a 22-storey office and retail complex.

Fortunately the building was purchased in 2003 by Heritage Property Corporation, which successfully fought to secure Historic Resource Designations for the Lougheed Building at both the municipal and provincial levels. The Heritage Property Corporation has since completed the delicate process of restoring and rehabilitating the building by incorporating essential modern conveniences and technologies with the architectural charm and grace of the early twentieth century.

 

Heritage Property Corporation Awarded for Lougheed Restoration

On July 31, 2008 Heritage Property Corporation received a Calgary Heritage Authority Lion Award in the category of Building Restoration for the Lougheed Building project.

The Lion Award for Building Restoration recognizes the rehabilitation or restoration of a heritage building. The recipient must have demonstrated a strict adherence to appropriate heritage conservation standards as well as a dedication to quality of workmanship and the overall heritage integrity of the building or feature.           

The building restoration award was presented by Blane Hogue, Executive Director of Lougheed House, and  graciously received by Neil Richardson, President of Heritage Property  Corporation.                             

The 2008 Calgary Heritage Authority Lion Award gala was held at the Arrata Opera Centre on 7th Street SW. 

 

Lougheed Grand Opening  

The long awaited Grand Opening of the historic Lougheed Building took place on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Despite rainy conditions, spirits could not be dampened at the celebratory block party. Hundreds of guests toured the halls of the newly rehabilitated landmark and enjoyed a 1912 themed street party featuring antique cars and carnival foods.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in front of the main entrance to the Lougheed Building. Heritage Property Corporation president, Neil Richardson, addressed the crowd and introduced Alderman Druh Farrell who brought greetings and congratulations on behalf of the City of Calgary. The Lougheed family was represented by Joseph Lougheed, great grandson of the building’s founder, Senator Sir James A. Lougheed. With his father’s help, Joseph’s four-year-old son, James, stepped up like an expert and cut the ceremonial ribbon.

The Lougheed Building Grand Opening took place during the Food Bank’s national Help the Hungry Week campaign. Volunteers were on hand to collect donations for the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank. In total, the event raised $1122.00 and collected 350lbs of non-perishable food.

Expert speakers on various heritage topics were on hand to present throughout the day including Dr. Donald B. Smith of the University of Calgary, City of Calgary heritage planner, Daryl Cariou, the Glenbow Museum’s Harry Sanders as well as Pat Ledarney of Historic Preservation Services and Lorne Simpson of Simpson & Roberts Architecture.

Heritage Property Corporation spokesperson, Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames, took part in the festivities and signed autographs for fans.

Thank you to all who braved the weather to join us in celebrating this extraordinary event.



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 Lougheed Building

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