The St. Louis Hotel survives as one of the oldest hotels in Calgary and is one of only six hotels in the city to predate the First World War. Built in 1914, the St. Louis Hotel is a three-storey brick structure located on 8th Avenue SE. Distinctive tripartite windows and Neoclassical-style influences, such as an elaborate metal cornice and brick pilasters, distinguish its façade.
Along with its original 60 rooms, the hotel also contained a bar, café, barbershop and cigar stand. The hotel was extensively remodelled in 1959 and some of these later changes now possess heritage value in their own right, including the illuminated signage suspended from the façade, the lobby's sleek terrazzo flooring and the basement lounge.
Calgary City Council designated the St. Louis Hotel as a Municipal Historic Resource on February 4, 2008. CMLC is now working to rejuvenate this historic building. Last year, hazardous materials were removed from the building; this year structural repairs will continue to prepare the St. Louis for future tenants.
Check back often for project updates.