On the same day Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) celebrated its 125th Birthday, February 16, the company unveiled plans for new offices for its world-renowned luxury rail service, the Royal Canadian Pacific.
Developed by Calgary's Centron Group of Companies, a new 9,000 square foot, two-storey building is planned in the heart of downtown Calgary, at the corner of 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW, which will house the offices of all Royal Canadian Pacific operations. It is adjacent to the Centron Group of Companies' redevelopment of the former post-office building.
"It was on February 16th, 1881, CPR was incorporated. Since that time the company has played a key role in our nation's growth and development, contributing to our local and national economies by moving goods and people important to Canada," said CPR President, Fred Green. "The exciting move to
new service offices with its unique design strengthens Royal Canadian Pacific's presence in Calgary as it provides an exciting physical anchor to promote our luxury rail service through the magnificent Rocky Mountains."
"Our company views the redevelopment of this location as an opportunity to enhance the urban landscape and to build on the history of the city associated with Canadian Pacific Railway," said Cole Harris, President of the Centron Group of Companies, co-developer of the site with the Homburg Group. "Our company recognized the importance of celebrating our heritage and combining it with the modern needs of businesses in of one of Canada's great cities."
"CPR and the City of Calgary have grown up together with the rail company being an important part of our city's development," said Calgary-area Alderman
Druh Farrell. "CPR's announcement that it is locating its office for Royal Canadian Pacific in Calgary is extremely good news as it strengthens our city's reputation as a corporate centre and will dramatically add to Calgary's downtown landscape."
The location of Royal Canadian Pacific's new offices is across from the historic Fairmont Palliser Hotel and is joined to the existing Canadian Pacific Pavilion, home to Royal Canadian Pacific's fleet of luxury rail cars. Through the design work of Cohos Evamy - the lead architect and design firm -
the inspiration for the headquarters is derived from an historic steel trestle bridge. The trestle sets up the primary public space - the Grand Foyer - which links directly to the existing CPR Pavilion. A highly transparent steel frame and glass wall provides a view through the Grand Foyer to a rusticated stone wall reflecting the solid character of the west wall of the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. Materials such as black plate steel, glass and stone are consistent with the existing train Pavilion, historic hotel and Grain Exchange building.
At an urban scale, the Royal Canadian Pacific offices make a number of gestures to the city's architectural presence. The building is set back from the street to the benefit of the pedestrian condition at the corner. A new large size, pedestal mounted public clock, based on the design of a Canadian Pacific railway clock located in Montreal's Windsor Station, will mark the corner of 9th Avenue and 1st Street. In addition, stylized bronze railway
artifacts will set into the adjacent sidewalk to be discovered as found objects.
Mr. Green noted that Royal Canadian Pacific is entering its sixth season of operation. Once again, the Royal Canadian Pacific will host its classic, all-inclusive luxury tours. The 2006 theme tours include the signature 'Royal Canadian Rockies Experience', featuring a 650-mile train trip amid the majestic Rocky Mountains, including stops in Banff and Lake Louise, and through the scenic Columbia River Valley. This year's schedule also includes a
special excursion from Calgary to Vancouver, from June 26-29 inclusive, celebrating the inauguration of Canadian Pacific Railway's first transcontinental train, 'The Pacific Express,' on June 28, 1886.
Royal Canadian Pacific staff is expected to be located in the new facility by the end of summer, 2006.
