One of Calgary’s best urban development success stories is the transformation of the majestic King Edward School into the creative hub cSPACE King Edward. Learn more on calgary1.one.
Opening of the School
In 1899, the student population in Calgary soared to an impressive 472, creating a shortage of school spaces. In response, the school board made an urgent decision to build King Edward School, named after Edward VIII, King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India.
Construction of this elementary school began in 1912 in the sparsely populated southern part of the city. The four-story sandstone building featured a symmetrical design, stone walls, and a sandstone façade entrance. The estimated construction cost was $172,000. The sandstone was quarried near the Crowchild Trail and 17 Ave SW intersection. Between 1892 and 1920, Calgary’s Public School Board constructed approximately 20 sandstone schools.
The school opened its doors on November 1, 1913, with 19 classrooms and separate entrances for boys and girls. Its first principal was W. Aberhart, who served until 1915, followed by T. Florendine, who was also an organist and choirmaster at the nearby St. Mark’s Anglican Church.
The school not only served as an educational institution but also as a community center, hosting dances and other events.
Two Schools in One Building
By 1922, overcrowded classrooms led to some students being relocated to a nearby church. From 1918 to 1929, the building housed two separate institutions: King Edward School and South Calgary High School, which occupied the upper two floors. Notable alumni of South Calgary High include television host and historian Jack Peach. In 1929, the high school moved to the newly built Western Canada High School.
In September 1931, King Edward School became the first in the city to introduce junior high (grades 7–9). By 1934, this system was officially adopted by other schools in the city, and junior highs were established across the province the following year.
A Training Site for the Military
From 1932, King Edward School hosted cadet training exercises, focusing primarily on rifle shooting.
During World War II, the building’s purpose shifted again. Calgary became an important aviation hub for the British Commonwealth. In 1940, the Royal Canadian Air Force used the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) as a Wireless Training School, relocating its teacher training college to King Edward School until 1945.
Expansions and Closure
In 1956, the school added a gymnasium, which also housed facilities for home economics and industrial arts. Another addition in the 1960s included a library, infirmary, around 10 classrooms, a courtyard, and more, altering the building’s exterior.
In 1978, the gymnasium was demolished due to a hazardous crack in the wall connecting the west wing to the main structure. Sandstone from the gym was used to restore the adjoining exterior wall. In 2001, the school was closed due to a significant decline in student enrollment.
A Major Transformation
The building stood vacant for 11 years until 2011, when Calgary Arts Development and the Calgary Foundation established cSPACE Projects to create opportunities for artists and nonprofit arts/community groups. This social enterprise supports artistic communities by developing and managing large-scale multi-tenant facilities, providing affordable spaces for creative individuals.
The concept of transforming the vacant school into a creative space was initially explored by Reid Henry, hired by Calgary Arts Development. He had successfully piloted a shared creative space at the Billingsgate Seafood building in East Village while conducting a feasibility study for King Edward School.
In 2017, cSPACE King Edward was unveiled as a 47,500-square-foot arts hub. The transformation included demolishing the 1960s addition, building two adjacent artist studio pavilions, conserving historical windows, and restoring iconic domes. New infrastructure, including an elevator, service entrance, and stairwell, enhanced accessibility and functionality.
The $34.5 million transformation was funded by municipal, provincial, and federal governments, foundations, corporations, and private donors. The entire block evolved from a school property into a multi-use area featuring luxury apartments to the west and senior housing to the east.
An Arts Incubator
cSPACE King Edward now serves as a hub for artists and art groups, housing co-working spaces, galleries, shops, and a theater. It fosters various artistic disciplines such as photography, filmmaking, graphic design, painting, sculpture, jewelry-making, printmaking, mixed media, fashion, and costume design.
One of the first artists to set up a studio here, Doug Driediger, described it as a genuine community of like-minded professionals who inspire and support one another. Exhibitions, collaborations, and coffee with fellow creatives reminded him of his time in art college.
The space is a perfect venue not only for enjoying art and meeting artists but also for experiencing the grandeur of the building. The sandstone exterior, original door frames, and some lockers have been preserved, offering a walk back in time. The venue also hosts a summer farmers’ market and regular community events.
The corridor galleries are equipped with professional lighting and hanging systems, enabling artists to showcase, sell, and promote their work. The two-story studio theater, along with a top-floor meeting and event room featuring panoramic city and mountain views, provides ideal settings for diverse activities.
This space also serves as a knowledge-sharing hub, hosting specialized workshops and mentorship programs focused on fostering creative entrepreneurship, confidence-building for artists, and creating innovative cultural products in Calgary.
Situated in a vibrant arts-friendly neighborhood near downtown, cSPACE King Edward combines century-old heritage, cutting-edge technology, and a unique community of creatives. It is a dynamic and exceptional cultural tourism asset.