Calgary’s oldest firehall is now a colourful new venue & will hold concerts all summer long

Calgary’s Fire Hall No. 1 is an absolute stunner and as one of the city’s oldest buildings, trying to decide what exactly to do with the landmark after its previous tenant left was not an easy task.

Built in 1911, the two-storey space has seen many very different tenants beyond the fire department which vacated the building in the 1970s. The most notable? Budget Rental Car, who occupied the hall for 30 years before leaving it vacant over a year ago.

Since then, officials have been trying to decide exactly what with the historic structure which, is worth noting, has an undeniably prime location.

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Well, it took some time but after much deliberation, a little elbow grease, and a whole lot of love, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation has announced that the 110-year-old space has been reimagined and will soon reopen as a vibrant outdoor venue.

Located at 6th Avenue and 1st Street SE, will temporarily feature a pergola which will provide local artists to perform for comfortably spaced crowds seated at picnic tables and at chairs.

“This historic outdoor space offers another great opportunity for discovery in our captivating city,” says Clare LePan, CMLC’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications in a press release.

“This site offered a great opportunity to consider an adaptive reuse of the space while longer-term activation of the historic building is still being determined. We are proud to be working alongside our partners on this project that showcases a creative design intervention that builds on the vibrancy of downtown.”

If you’d like to check it out, the city and Arts Commons will be holding a grand opening event this Saturday, August 7th from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Showcasing the talents of Tim Tamashiro, Chantal Chagnon & Dancers, Perpetual Nwaefido Trio and Friends, as well as local artists from local creative house and partner Foreignerz, spectators will be in for an afternoon of music, film, history, and more!

Can’t make it? Don’t worry because the city will hold similar events every Saturday for the remainder of the summer.

You’re not going got miss it! It’s going to be a long HOT season.

CALGARY FIRE HALL NO. 1 – GRAND OPENING 

When: Saturday, August 7th
Where: 6th Avenue and 1st Street SE
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm