Wedged between two apartment blocks, the Romanesque Revival structure at 1010 14th Avenue SW in the Beltline could pass for a handsome brick bungalow. But its significance extends beyond its age and architecture — the 1910-built structure was actually the hub for the delivery of telephone service to the community for over two decades, forming an integral part of the city's widespread telecommunications network.

West End Telephone Exchange Building, image via City of Calgary

Alberta Government Telephones occupied the building upon its completion. The purpose-built structure employed a number of unique elements, including double-wall construction, to provide for a controlled interior atmosphere suitable for the manual operation of sensitive electrical telecommunications equipment.

Allan M. Jeffers, architect of the Alberta Legislature and Alberta's Provincial Architect from 1907 to 1912, designed the West End Telephone Exchange. He later served as Edmonton's City Architect from 1912 to 1914. 

West End Telephone Exchange Building, image via City of Calgary

Windows are provided on all sides except the rear elevation, which still possesses a Roman-arch entryway similar in scale and design to the one attached to the front facade. The fenestrated elevations differ from AGT's sibling building in Inglewood, which is free from windows.

When automation took over, the building was left vacant from 1933 to 1938. The American Woman's Club of Calgary then acquired and occupied the property until 1991, during which time the building was added to the inventory by the Calgary Heritage Authority. To protect the building from demolition and major exterior alterations, it is now joining Calgary's list of Municipal Historic Resources.

The building is sandwiched by residential structures, image retrieved from Google Street View

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