Culinary destination planned for Calgary heritage building
East Village to boast 3 local eateries at Simmons building
The Simmons building in the East Village was packed today as plans were unveiled to turn the heritage building that sits near the Bow River into a culinary destination.
The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation announced there was three successful bidders who will set up shop: Phil and Sebastian's Coffee Roasters, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and Charbar — a new restaurant from the chefs behind Charcut.
Michael Brown, with the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, says the winning bidders are a good fit for what is expected to be a hip, urban neighbourhood.
"They understand the significance of the Simmons building," he said. "This is a jewel in our community and it has to be treated well and they definitely buy into that."
Connie DeSousa, Charcut owner and chef, says they are pleased local businesses were picked. She said they can build on each other's offerings.
"We can only expect that the Simmons is going to be the destination in East Village and ... Calgarians, Calgary and its citizens have been so supportive for all three of our businesses and we hope they support us together in the Simmons," said DeSousa.
The renovated Simmons building will open in 2015, which is around the same time several East Village condo projects now under construction will be ready for their new owners.