This spot has undergone countless transformations: from a residential home, a boarding house, an art gallery, and a studio to a luxurious restaurant. calgary-future reveals more about the rich history of Calgary’s Deane House.
Deane House History
It was built in 1906 for Captain Richard Burton Deane on the grounds of Fort Calgary. The house was estimated to cost $5,000, but the final budget exceeded $6,200. The Captain commissioned the home hoping it would be suitable for his ailing wife, Martha. Sadly, she passed away before the house was completed.
The Captain was the last superintendent of the Royal North-West Mounted Police (RNWMP) stationed at Fort Calgary. Photographs have been preserved showing the first resident of Deane House—a mounted police officer and avid gardener. Many sources also note that Richard Burton Deane was an accomplished magician, theatrical actor, and writer. Another of his passions was collecting recipes.
Moving the Landmark
The original location of Deane House was near the corner of 9th Avenue and 6th Street SE, just south of the barracks. Later, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company acquired the property at Fort Calgary, including the house. Company representatives organized the relocation of the building to where the Interpretation Centre now stands.
In 1926 (with some sources mentioning 1929), Deane House was moved across the Elbow River from Fort Calgary. This impressive feat was achieved using temporary piles and a steam tractor. Such a remarkable move did not go unnoticed. In 1930, this exploit was featured in an issue of Popular Mechanics.
Until 1973, a new owner of Deane House used the building as a boarding house. After the City purchased the building, it served as an art gallery, a studio, and eventually a restaurant. In 2012, the building was closed to secure all necessary permits for reconstruction.
Reconstruction and Revival
A flood stalled the process, but the house remained undamaged. Remarkably, even the basement of Deane House stayed dry.
The garden, grounds, and historic house were all reconstructed in 2015.
Deane House is located at 806 – 9 Ave. SE, 403-264-0595.
In 2016, the restaurant component was added. The re-planning, design, and attention to every detail were handled by Sal Howell, founder of the iconic River Café, along with her team. Sal Howell is also known for her commitment to using seasonal, local, and sustainable food. Jamie Harling was appointed as the Head Chef.
The meticulous reconstruction project was created and implemented by Sal Howell, her team, the City of Calgary, and the Fort Calgary Historical Preservation Society.
The reconstruction project was implemented in the best possible way. New plantings of aspens and roses were added, along with a small parking lot and a garage for equipment called “City Parks.” The garden was separately fenced off.
Calgary’s oldest building, a hunting lodge constructed in 1876, remains in its original location. It received only updated windows and a fresh coat of white paint identical to the original colour.
The historic building was reinforced with a flood wall, and modern amenities like air-conditioned rooms, new flooring, and updated walls were installed. Visitors can see an enclosed garden verandah, a pantry, the main dining room, and a library on the upper floor.
The Restaurant: Design and Concept
The central bar serves as a combined hub for beverages and operational processes, linking the kitchen and other rooms. The upper floor houses offices used for preparing private events.
The interior design of the Deane House restaurant and its gastronomic concept are worth describing. The building harmoniously combines history, modern cuisine, and luxury.
The interior design of Deane House features the following characteristics:
- A diverse range of materials and decor elements create a unique atmosphere.
- The design showcases the use of marble, mosaic tile, stained-glass lamps, birch bark wallpaper, and stone. This indicates a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- A striking accent is the use of charred wood from Eric Sundstrom’s workshop.
- The contrast between the past and the present is achieved by combining modern LED lights with antique elements.
- The restaurant’s kitchen is spacious and well-equipped with modern appliances.
- The windows offer panoramic views, which also contribute to the overall impression.
Sal Howell, along with her team and the talented chef, prepared a menu inspired by the River Café. The main focus of the menu is local, seasonal ingredients.
Restaurant guests can enjoy modern Canadian dishes: whiskey-braised steelhead with beets, and bison terrine with shiitake mushrooms. The menu also features other exquisite dishes. The pricing matches the level of the River Café. Interestingly, the River Café has joined DINR (GetDINR.com), a restaurant reservation system.
Paranormal Phenomena
Deane House has a history shrouded in death. A video with this title and corresponding story was posted by Never Stop Learning on their channel in 2022.
This title indicates that the house has a reputation as a place associated with tragic deaths. The belief is that the house is inhabited by ghosts or other supernatural entities connected to these tragic fatalities.
Thus, Deane House is a piece of local Calgary history that is well worth experiencing firsthand.