The Gresham Block was a late Edwardian style commercial structure built in 1911 and stood on the corner of 9^th avenue and 13^th Street, in the heart of Inglewood.

Built by brothers John and Henry Dismorr after purchasing the lot in 1910, Gresham Block cost $30,000 to build (about a million in today’s money). The naming of the building has unfortunately been lost to history.

Gresham Block consisted of two commercial areas on the main floor and residential apartments on the floors above. Over its 114-year history it housed a number of businesses and Calgary residents.

Despite all this, Gresham was not legally protected from demolition.

On January 31^st, 2025, The Calgary Herald reported that the tenants are vacating the 114-year-old Inglewood landmark.

The story is a familiar one with these old buildings. Violence, drug abuse, and a persistent bed bug infestation.

Owned by Justin Ryder of Louson Investments, Gresham Block was plagued with the aforementioned issues, and others like including lack of heat according to one resident. Despite this, a substantial rent increase was placed sometime before the final 90 notice of eviction.

icacalgary.com provided a couple of downloadable files with a lot of useful information regarding the demolition and history of Gresham Block

Despite the significant alteration to the face of Inglewood, no official reason has been given for demolition, nor has there been any notice on what will replace it.

Inglewood is Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, and as a proud resident I am saddened to see another building go due to neglect. Just a few months previously, a few blocks down, The Blues Can met its demolition fate. The result is a litter of fences and cones along what is known as The Music Mile. Though some might argue that it’s quickly becoming The Condo Kilometer. This makes my Inglewood Project that much more important.