As far back in the history of Calgary as 1893, the city limits included the Connaught (Beltline) district which encompassed the larger estates of prominent citizens, such as Senator James Lougheed. By 1912, development had extended south to 17th Avenue and west to 14th Street with two and three-storey homes, wide streets, treed boulevards and large open spaces. Many of Calgary's "first" fine institutions - e.g., The Carnegie Library, public elementary, junior and senior high schools, Central Collegiate Institute (now Dr. Carl Safran School), Grace Presbyterian and First Baptist Churches were located here. Through the years the character of the area has changed dramatically and many medium and high density commercial/office buildings have developed along the major thoroughfares within the area. Within easy waling distance to downtown, Connaught today provides an alternative lifestyle with medium/high density apartments and condominiums. The community boasts specialty shopping, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and entertainment facilities located along 17 Avenue S.W., known as "Uptown 17." |