Introduction

Manhattan Lofts is a historically significant and iconic condominium building in the Edwardian Classical style located on 11th Avenue and 1st Street SW.

Commissioned in 1910 by Albert Pryce Jones of the Pryce Jones department store and mail order company based out of Newtown, Wales, the building has a rich history within the Connaught district of Calgary. Known for most of its legacy as the Traders' building, it has housed countless commercial and retail tenants as well as government and educational institutions over the course of 80 years.

The building also played a significant role in both world wars, serving as barracks for the 137th battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force between 1915 and 1916, as well as the headquarters of Military District 13 between 1943 and 1946.

Between 1993 and 1994, the building was extensively renovated and the exterior restored to its original state by then owner 'United Inc.' and converted into 38 (now 36) hard-loft style condominiums for mixed residential and commercial use.

This website aims to be a resource for owners and anyone interested in the building and its storied history as a commercial, retail and entertainment destination throughout the years.
1911
The Pryce Jones department store opens to the Calgary public on valentines day to much fanfare
1913
Business is going very well and the store is expanded to more than twice its size.
1915
Due to WW-I, the store closes and all of its assets are sold to the Hudson's Bay Company while Albert Pryce Jones joins the war as commander of the Lethbridge Highlanders
1915
After clearing the store and selling all of its inventory, the HBC volunteers the empty building to be used as barracks by the 137th Battalion (CEF)
1924
Acquired by Lougheed and Taylor Ltd., the property is renovated and thereafter becomes known as The Traders' building
1934
Jenkins' Groceteria Limited sets up shop, a branch of the burgeoning early Calgary grocery chain
1943
The building is turned into the headquarters of the military district 13 during the second world war
1947
Canadian federal government sets up offices for Income Tax, National Employment and Veterans' Affairs
1970
Purchased and re-sold multiple times by various real estate holdings and used as commercial, retail and entertainment venue
1993
United Inc. converts the building into 38 hard-loft type condominiums for mixed residential and commercial use under the name 'Manhattan Lofts'
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