The Masonic Lodge
1124 & 1126 Kensington Road NW
Although the interior of this building has been redeveloped extensively over the years, the front of the building continues to reflect the original front façade.
This historical building represents a strong link to Calgary’s Masonic foundations. This building is currently home to Higher Ground, Wing’N It, The Mash and Spirit Leaf (at 1124). The most recent renovations have added a third floor above the Eastern portion of the building adding office space above Spirit Leaf.
Building History
For nearly sixty years this brick and stucco building housed King George Lodge No. 59 A.F. & A.M. (Ancient Fret & Accepted Masons). Established in Hillhurst-Sunnyside in 1911, the lodge met in the nearby Ross Block before building this hall in 1926. Members held teas and whist drives to raise the $12,785 needed to complete the structure, which was built by the Sunnyside Construction Company.
Notable members who chaired the lodge as Worshipful Master included W.C. Black, who operated Black’s Drug Store on Tenth Street from 1910 to 1943, and Andrew Davision, Calgary’s Mayor from 1910 to 1945. Another notable member was David S. McIlroy, the architect who designed the building. The cornerstone, originally laid on August 21, 1926 was removed and re-dedicated when the lodge moved to new quarters in 1984. The building was then converted into a retail building by the Dobbin Cochrane Group and was extensively renovated in 1995.
Heritage Building
Although this building is not a designated heritage building, it is listed on the City of Calgary Inventory of Heritage Resources, here.
