Take A Tour of Our Space
Host at the C.C Snowdon
Discover the ideal venue for your upcoming event at our coffee shop nestled within the charming C.C. Snowdon building in Calgary! Originally constructed in the early 1900s as an oil refinery, this repurposed space boasts rustic charm with its iron, brick, and century-old wooden tables. The ambiance is both moody and inviting, creating a uniquely warm atmosphere. Our versatile space can be arranged in various configurations to suit intimate seated gatherings or larger cocktail-style activations.
1908–1914
A Western Canadian Pioneer
Campbell Camillus Snowdon founded C.C. Snowdon Oils in Calgary in 1907. Construction of the Ramsay complex began in late 1910 and unfolded in three stages: an office and warehouse in 1911, an oil and grease warehouse in 1912, and a garage and additional office space in 1913–14.
1911–1983
Fuelling a Growing West
For more than 70 years, the building housed one of Western Canada’s earliest oil manufacturing and refining businesses. Oils, greases, gasoline, paints, soaps and other products were manufactured here and shipped by rail across Canada under names such as Velox, Sliptivity and Numidian.
1988
Fire Guts the Factory
After sitting vacant from 1983 to 1987, the former factory was severely damaged by a warehouse fire in 1988. Much of the interior and eastern wall were destroyed, and portions of the building remained damaged for decades.
2008–2015
Rescued and Reimagined
Heritage Property Corporation acquired the property in 2008 and began an extensive restoration and adaptive-reuse project. Historic brickwork, ghost signs, early-1900s safes and traces of the fire were preserved alongside modern additions. On January 27, 2014, the building was officially designated a Municipal Historic Resource.
June 2019
Coffee Brings the Building Back to Life
Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. opened its café and roastery inside the restored building in June 2019. Reclaimed wood, restored flooring and a 110-year-old fir timber recovered from the fire debris were incorporated into the café—connecting its industrial past with a new generation of Calgary makers.
Present Day
Experience It for Yourself
Today, the C.C. Snowdon Building is home to our flagship café and gathering place. Original brick, iron details and century-old wooden tables hold onto its rugged industrial character, while the space has been brought back to life for coffee, conversation and community. Settle in upstairs or downstairs, or book the space for your next event or private gathering in a living piece of Calgary history.