Calgary Furniture Building / Herald Building At Risk?

[urbanbush]

I am new to this site, very interesting and I'm glad I found it.

How much is known about the Calgary Furniture building (later the Herald Building), located across 7th Ave from The Bay? I have recently learned that it was recovered/renovated from its original appearance to the present exterior. My question is...how badly was the original facade butchered in this renovation? Is this known by anyone here? Would removing the "new" facade allow for restoration?

I am concerned - as this building is part of a half-block redevelopment site owned by Brookfield properties. In its present state its historical value is invisible, and it would be tragic if it were simply demolished. If it can be saved...it should be incorporated into the podium of any new development that occurs at this site.

I searched the list of historic structures, and I was not able to find this building. Is this because it is known that the building was renovated beyond restoration so it was correctly left off?

Far less impressive structures have been saved because their value was obvious...it would be tragic if this building is razed because its value is thinly veiled.

[newsposter]

Re. above, here's what the building looked like before it was covered over (middle building). Old photo from Calgary Public Library. Photo of what it looks like today from space4lease.com

[urbanbush]

Thanks, newsposter. Here is another pic showing the original building from the same corner as the current one. Photo from the Glenbow Archives.[/img]

[Tiara79]

Wow, it's pretty different with the renovated one, eh? or maybe I saw the wrong building?

[newsposter]

We have been discussing the Herald Building this more recently in another thread - with more updates. Here is the link:

http://www.calgaryheritage.org/CHIForum/vi ... =1386#1386

I suggest people post on the other thread, which has the fresher information.