King Edward Hotel CLOSE

King Edward Hotel

The King Edward Hotel, built in phases between 1905 and 1910, is a modestly finished pioneer-era structure consisting of two distinct sections that are three and five stories in height. The brick building occupies a corner lot in the East Village area of Calgary on the eastern edge of downtown.

The King Edward Hotel, which dates to 1905, is the second oldest hotel building in Calgary and was the oldest continually operating hotel in the city until its closure in 2004. Apart from the luxurious Palliser Hotel, the King Edward survives as the only hostelry to recall Ninth Avenue's status, prior to World War I, as Calgary's "Hotel Row." During this period, Ninth Avenue was lined with hotels and restaurants because it was also the location for the Canadian Pacific Railway station, land titles office, and immigration hall. As a medium-priced hotel, the King Edward was popular with working-class travellers as well as cattlemen and ranchers. With the development boom that occurred in Calgary between 1910 and 1913, the King Edward's 105 rooms also became short-term homes to the influx of workmen seeking residential accommodations.

The King Edward Hotel is also significant for its colourful history as a well-known Calgary drinking establishment. In the hotel's early years, it was an important component of

"Whiskey Row," as Ninth Avenue was alternatively termed, due to the street's numerous hotel bars. During this period, the hotel bar was popular with both travellers arriving and departing from the nearby CPR station as well as the large number of workingmen who populated the area. During the prohibition era (1916-24), the hotel gained notoriety for its reputed bootlegging operations and was the subject of numerous liquor law violations. After prohibition, the King Edward's reputation remained closely associated with its bar, which continued to be a well-known working class venue. During the management tenure of Homer Meeks (1946-62), the hotel's bar reputedly became the first desegregated bar in the city, winning the patronage of Calgary's black community. In the early 1980's, the King Edward Hotel became one of Canada's first blues bars, proclaiming itself "Home of the Blues" and gaining a national reputation. Legendary blues musicians such as BB King, John Hammond, Pinetop Perkins, and Otis Rush performed at the King Edward during this time, as well as rock star Bryan Adams. When the King Edward closed its doors, the hotel was considered to be Canada's oldest blues bar.

The King Edward Hotel's Architectural Significance

The King Edward Hotel exemplifies pioneer-era and Edwardian commercial architecture in Calgary. The earliest, three-storey section of the hotel was built in 1905 and is typical of early twentieth century design and construction in pioneer-era Alberta. This section of the structure retains much of its original exterior features, including its brick façades, segmental arched windows and a simply detailed metal cornice. This portion of the King Edward Hotel was one of several wood-frame and brick veneer hotels of its period to be built in Calgary, but survives as the last remaining example. The five-storey extension constructed behind the original portion of the hotel reflects not only the increased demand and economic development to occur within the city, but also the evolution of design in Calgary. The five-storey section of the hotel, constructed in phases in 1907, 1909 and 1910 is characterized by its solid larger scale, differentiated fenestration, and detailing, and is more reflective of later Edwardian-era design. Like many early Calgary buildings, the King Edward displays sandstone detailing, most of which was quarried locally.

The King Edward Hotel is a strong contributor to the only surviving group of historic buildings in the East Village. This group of buildings, which includes the Hillier Block (1910) and St. Louis Hotel (1914), serves to recall the East Village's historic character and appearance.

With its prominent corner location, the King Edward is the most visible of these buildings, lending it landmark status.

The Future of the "King Eddy"

Affectionately known as the "King Eddy" and once Calgary's "Home of the Blues," the King Edward Hotel, has a new lease on life.

In May 2008, Cantos Music Foundation was selected through a competitive process to work with CMLC on the King Eddy rejuvenation project. As a landmark and a legend, the Eddy is a standing reminder of Calgary's colourful past and a symbol of great things to come.

CMLC solicited Expressions of Interest from individuals or corporations that were interested in rejuvenating the King Edward Hotel property into a feature Calgarians can enjoy once again. Advertised nationally, the search led to three formal proposals that were reviewed in detail by CMLC. Our Board of Directors then interviewed the proponents extensively, and after some deliberation, chose Cantos Music Foundation to work with us in bringing the King Eddy back to life.

Our vision is to turn the King Edward Hotel into a national music centre. Check back often for more project updates. For more information about the Cantos Music Foundation visit www.cantos.ca.