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The twin-tower Bankers Hall complex forms one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the Calgary skyline. Both topping out at 52 storeys and 197 metres, the entire complex wasn't actually completed until 2000, with the second tower replicating the design of the 1989-built original, despite the sinking popularity of the Postmodern architectural style. They would become the tallest twin buildings in Canada, and boast four-level podiums with an expansive retail gallery linked to the Plus 15 network.
In this edition of Throwback Thursday, we look at what the Stephen Avenue streetscape looked like before the installation of these landmark office buildings. The image above brings us back to 1969, where a more modest row of structures housed a variety of businesses. This particular portion of 8th Avenue SW was occupied by the Chapin Company Building, where Willson Stationers provided furniture, equipment and supplies to offices around the city. The adjacent building, emblazoned with 'HEINTZMAN' just below the roof, housed Burritt Travel Services and the eponymous piano manufacturer.
The Royal Bank Building at 335 8th Avenue SW can be seen under construction in the background. The 24-storey structure — and the historic six-storey Hollinsworth Building — were both incorporated into the larger Postmodern complex when the towers were built. Today, the street is virtually unrecognizable. The ten metal Galleria Trees, added in 2000 once Bankers Hall was completed, now define the space and help reduce wind gusts in this skyscraper-dense part of the city. The Royal Bank Building now largely blends into the background, as opposed to its 1969 state, where it was a dominating downtown presence.
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