Burns Building

Burns Building is a mid-rise commercial development completed in 1913. This project is 6 storeys tall, located at 237 8 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta.

The Burns Building is a historic six-story structure located at 237 8 Avenue SE in Calgary. Completed in 1913, it was commissioned by Pat Burns, a prominent Calgary businessman and cattle baron, as the corporate headquarters for his empire, Burns Foods. The building is a fine example of Edwardian Classical architecture, featuring reinforced concrete framing, grid-like fenestration patterns, terra cotta decorative elements, and a prominent upper-level cornice.

The construction of the Burns Building began in March 1912 and was completed by January 1913. Designed by architect William Stanley Bates, the building originally housed Burns' retail meat market on the ground floor, with the upper floors leased to various professional tenants, including Calgary Power, Alberta Investment and Insurance Brokers, and Rocky Mountain Cement.

The interior of the Burns Building is notable for its luxurious finishes, including white and green Italian marble used in the main stairways and corridors. Modern conveniences of the time, such as steam heating, ventilation, and both electric and natural gas lighting, were incorporated into the design.

In the early 1980s, the Burns Building underwent extensive renovations to preserve its historic character while updating its facilities. These renovations, carried out by architects A.J. Diamond and Partners with Carruthers and McCullum, ensured the building's continued relevance and functionality in modern times.

In 1987, the Burns Building was designated a Provincial Heritage Resource, recognizing its architectural significance and historical importance to Calgary. Today, it remains a cherished landmark in the city, symbolizing the entrepreneurial spirit and civic prominence of its namesake, Pat Burns.

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