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At the corner of 2nd Street and 7th Avenue SW stands a reminder of the postwar suburbanization of Canada's cities. Though Calgary has a number of above-grade parkades in its midst, the Bow Parkade has become a landmark for its longevity, conspicuous location, and unique architectural treatment.
The utilitarian structure was dressed up in embellishments indicative of the International Style. Detroit's Smith Hinchman & Grylls joined forces with local firm Stevenson & Dewar to design the multi-storey parking structure, which features expressed concrete, a cantilevered parking ramp, canopied storefronts, and a Plus 15 link.
Purported to be the oldest multi-storey parkade in Alberta and the second-oldest in the country, the Bay Parkade, as it was originally known, was constructed in the mid-1950s as private automobile ownership exploded across the continent. A building permit would be issued on August 4, 1955 to the Rupert's Land Trading Company, and assembly of the original south section of the structure began shortly thereafter.
It replaced the Hudson Bay Company's parking lot and service station, and became a popular amenity for shoppers at the store, which expanded across 7 Avenue in 1955. The opening ceremony on June 27, 1956 saw The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada marching down the ramp and playing music to the assembled audience, which included Mayor Don Mackey and Public Works Commissioner Ivor Strong.
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