Updated December 2011, see bottom post...
Undated photo, probably from the 1940s. Thanks to Cameron G.
Model Milk
308 – 17th Avenue SW
This unusual moderne-style building and the annex to the west has been the home of Victoria's Restaurant and a series of nightclubs in recent years. The back of annex housed Goliath's Sauna, a gay bathhouse that was famously (or infamously) raided by Calgary Police in December of 2002.
In 2005 developers proposed a very high density condo on the site, and had a plan that would preserve much of Model Milk's facade. But high density zoning on 17th Avenue was not supported in the new Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan, and the condo proposal seems to have faded.
A 'reinvented' Victoria's Bistro and Lounge will be re-opening in Summer 2006 under the guidance of well-known restauranteur Witold Twardowski, who is known for making the most of unique settings. http://www.vic17.com/
Some history:
In 1932 rancher James Colpitts started a company to market milk from his dairy farm in Springbank.
In 1934 he moved into this building and established a modern processing plant.
Installed a high temperature pasteurization system developed in England.
Set up on three floors for production methods using gravity to their advantage.
No wood was used in the construction of this building – sanitation reasons.
Made entirely of brick, very expensive during the depression.
Milk bottles decorate the building – the idea of contractor Fred Jones. Tombstone masons probably made these.
First dairy to use trucks for distribution. In the 1930s 5 trucks delivered milk, at the peak of business they had 85 trucks.
In the 1960s, it was the largest producing dairy in Alberta.
Sold to Palm Dairies in 1965
(Thanks to Victoria Crossing for this information)
For many years the dairy served milkshakes and 5 cent ice cream cones from its own milk bar (Harry Sanders, Historic Walks of Calgary).
The listing was formerly at 