Landmark Building
BURN BLOCK
1215 - 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
Built in 1912
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The three storey Burn Block was erected in 1912 to provide commercial retail and office space. In 1913, a contractor named Lawrence R. Burn lived in this building. It is thought that he was the builder and owner of the Burn Block.
Two colours of brick were used for decorative effect. The darker bricks stand out against the lighter bricks, creating the illusion of columns. The arched entry contributes to the impression of a classically-inspired deign, and gold-leafed lettering on the cornice originally lent prestige and distinction to the building.
During the 1930s, the upper storeys were converted from office to residential use. A fire in 1973 resulted in renovations which significantly altered the building’s interior. The exterior of the Burn Block remained virtually intact, however, and was restored in 1996 by the Inglewood Business Revitalization Zone and the Alberta Main Street Programme. The Burn Block is a strong member of the excellent historic streetscape along 9th Avenue SE, one of a very few remaining in Calgary.
The Landmark Buildings and Places Database draws on the series of walking and/or driving tour booklets produced by Alberta Culture (now Alberta Culture and Community Spirit). The Heritage Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry through permission to reprint these materials online. Extracted from Calgary: Atlantic Avenue Inglewood: Historical Walking Tours. Heritage Inventory Program, Alberta Community Development, and the Old Town Calgary Society, 1999, with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.