Landmark Building
BURNS BUILDING
237 - 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Designed By: Hodgson Bates & Beattie
Built By: Pat Burns
Built in 1913
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This building was constructed by and for Senator Patrick Burns who, between the years 1890 and 1928, established one of the largest meat packing and provisions businesses in the world. He had plants in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Prince Albert, Regina, Winnipeg, and Seattle. Eventually the Burns empire extended as far as a field as Liverpool, London, and Yokohama. Pat Burns was the first to ship western livestock to eastern markets. He was also one of the “Big Four” ranchers who sponsored the first Calgary Stampeded in 1912. On the occasion of his 75th birthday, Burns was presented with a senatorship while 23,000 people celebrated and partook of a 3000 pound, seven tier cake.
Plans for the Burns Building were drawn up in 1911 by Hodgson Bates & Beattie, the most renowned of local architects. Four floors were added to the initial design in 1912, and the building was opened in early 1913. It served as the head office for Pat Burns’ cattle operation until 1923 when he sold it as part of a business transaction. Later, the building was home to Imperial Oil, Calgary Power, Canada Cement and Canada Safeway, as well as many smaller organizations.
The handsome Burns Building is an Edwardian structure designed in the Classical Revival style. Following tradition, the façade is organized in a series of layers: first the ground floor with its elegant glass canopy; then the second floor with a small entablature; the third through the sixth floors which form the main body of the building; finally culminating in a massive cornice. Clad in creamy terracotta, the façade is decorated by engaged pilasters, lion heads, and other ornamental mouldings made of tile.
Threatened with demolition in 1980, the building became the subject of considerable public debate. It was saved by a single vote on City Council and subsequently underwent complete renovation, at which time an addition was also built. Much of the original green and white marble was saved and incorporated throughout the newly enlarged interior. In 1987 the Burns Building was designated a Provincial Historic Resource.
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: Stephen Avenue and Area Historical Walking Tour. Alberta Culture, n.d., with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.