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 History and BackgroundThe historical Dominion Bridge steel foundry affords Ramsay Exchange an exceptional opportunity to capitalize on character and quality unique in Calgary. Incorporating the original Dominion Bridge buildings into Ramsay Exchange creates a sense of continuity with the past and the existing urban fabric of the Ramsay neighbourhood.
History: Photo: Glenbow Archives Riverside Ironworks Interior In the early 1920s Frederick Irving relocated and expanded the Riverside Iron Works steel foundry on the first seven acres of this site to address the increasing steel demands of the coal, oil and agricultural industries. Montreal-based Dominion Bridge Company purchased the company in 1929 along with an additional 13 acres. The onsite facilities continually expanded until 1975 and formed the basis for the industrial uses, offices and studios that once operated in Ramsay. The redevelopment of Ramsay Exchange for mixed-use and the preservation of the historical Dominion Bridge buildings honour the history of Ramsay while offering a different and new destination for the future. Restoration:The character of the site is formed by the original brick Dominion Bridge foundry which conforms to the modern industrial architecture of its time. The first preservation and restoration phase of the Dominion Bridge buildings for office use is currently underway. The restoration will be follow by further renovations to accommodate additional commercial and retail uses as the overall development progresses. |