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Cascade Masonic Lodge
Banff
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
A two-storey, wood and brick building with stucco exterior and red brick trim occupying a large triangular lot bounded by Bear, Caribou and Lynx Streets in Banff, Alberta.
Heritage Value
The building is of significant historical value as the hub of social life in Banff for many years serving as the meeting place for the Freemasons, Shriners and Members of the Order of the Eastern Star. The building was also used as year-round community space when most of the hotels would close for the winter season and it was one of the largest buildings in town. Many of Banff’s most notable citizens have served as members of the Cascade Lodge, the oldest fraternal organization in Banff. The building is still used as a Masonic Lodge, one of the oldest still in operation in Canada, and is also a museum of local Masonic history.
The aesthetic value of the building resides in its commanding presence in downtown Banff reflecting its importance in the early development of the community. The imposing entranceway, with a concrete stairway leading to a large foyer, and the Masonic insignia present on the building exterior and walkway create a sense of mystique about the building. It is a purpose designed building, housing the Masonic Lodge Room and accompanying furnishings. Having survived a fire in 1949, many of the original furnishings have been retained owing to the continuous use of the building as a Masonic Lodge since 1925.
Character-Defining Elements
- The form, scale and massing of the building and its setting on the lot;
- The red brick trim on the stepped parapet and at all four corners of the building;
- The exterior stucco siding;
- The Masonic symbols on the exterior of the building and imbedded in the entry walkway;
- The window and door fenestration including the position, number, size and arrangement of the windows and doors;
- The Lodge Room and adjoining foyer and preparation room;
- The Lodge Room furnishings including, but not limited to, charter, chairs, pedestals, organ, altar, pillars, light fixtures, framed pictures, carpet, floor tiles and painted patterns and carpet.
Location
| Street Address: |
103 Caribou Street |
| Community: |
Banff |
| Boundaries: |
Block OT, Plan 6719BC |
| Contributing Resources: |
Building: 1
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ATS Legal Description:
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Mer |
Rge |
Twp |
Sec |
LSD |
5
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12
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25
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35
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06
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PBL Legal Description (Cadastral Reference):
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Plan |
Block |
Lot |
Parcel |
6719BC
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D
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N/A
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Latitude/Longitude:
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Latitude |
Longitude |
CDT |
Datum Type |
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51.1766780388605 |
-115.573236682374 |
Digital Maps |
NAD83 |
UTM Reference:
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Northing |
Easting |
Zone |
CDT |
Datum Type |
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Recognition
| Recognition Authority: |
Local Governments (AB) |
| Designation Status: |
Municipal Historic Resource |
| Date of Designation: |
2004/12/13 |
Historical Information
| Built: |
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| Period of Significance: |
1925 to present |
| Theme(s): |
Building Social and Community Life : Social Movements
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| Historic Function(s): |
Religion, Ritual and Funeral : Religious Facility or Place of Worship
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| Current Function(s): |
Religion, Ritual and Funeral : Religious Facility or Place of Worship
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| Architect: |
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| Builder: |
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| Context: |
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Additional Information
| Object Number: |
4664-0244 |
| Designation File: |
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| Related Listing(s): |
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| Heritage Survey File: |
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| Website Link: |
http://www.cascade5.org/ |
| Data Source: |
File: 04HD01
Planning and Development Department
110 Bear Street
Town of Banff
Banff Ave AB T1L 1A1 |
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