'Iconic' Calgary building carefully moved to make way for Eau Claire revamp
CBC
A building that dates back to Calgary's early history has been temporarily moved from its original location to make way for a major revamp of the Eau Claire Plaza in the city's core.
The Eau Claire and Bow River Lumber Company building, constructed in 1903, was hoisted from its foundation, placed on five beams and moved early Thursday morning from 187 Barclay Parade S.W. to a temporary location close by at 381 Second Ave. S.W.
The city plans to move it to a new, more prominent spot on the plaza as the redevelopment nears completion.
The Eau Claire Plaza redesign includes site regrading to improve flood resiliency, a new Jaipur Bridge over the lagoon to Prince's Island Park as well as flood barrier construction and improvements to the river promenade.
"The move strengthens the building's heritage factor as it moves it closer to the central operational area of the Eau Claire and Bow River Lumber Co. The building's heritage will be tied more tightly to Eau Claire's history while making it more prominent and accessible to visitors," said Josh Traptow, executive director of Heritage Calgary, in a release.
A six-person crew from Wade's House Moving and Heavy Hauling Ltd. was contracted to move the 36-tonne structure.
"As the lumber mill is such an iconic part of Calgary's history, they were extra cautious to help maintain the historic integrity of the building," said company spokesperson Jaylene LaRose in an email.