Take a look to your left-see that tall rectangular tower with the neat rows of windows catching the sun? That’s One Palliser Square. It’s a bit of a classic ‘70s throwback-solid, simple, and all business, standing right behind the dramatic concrete base of the Calgary Tower. The entrance you want is just past the shiny glass structure at street level, nestled close to the action. It almost feels like the tower is peeking out from behind its larger, round neighbor, playing a never-ending game of hide and seek.
Now, let’s dive in: back in 1970, this place was the hot new kid on the block, rising 27 stories and 107 meters high. That’s more than 350 feet-if you dropped your sandwich from the roof, you’d have plenty of time to regret it before it hit the ground! These days, One Palliser Square is connected straight to the Calgary Tower, like best friends who never want to be apart. You’re standing by the Tower Centre complex, which isn’t just offices-no, there are theatres in there, too.
Imagine actors whispering in the wings at Vertigo Mystery Theatre or Lunchbox Theatre, props and costumes sitting just out of sight, and a crowd waiting for the curtain to rise. You might also catch laughter and dramatic mysteries brewing at the Auburn Saloon, or people rolling out yoga mats at Tower Physio. And above it all, a hive of busy offices.
Rumor has it even the building gets stage fright sometimes with all this excitement. And if you sense the ghosts of old theatre performances in the lobby, don’t worry-they paid for their tickets. Just be glad the elevators don’t ask you for a dramatic monologue before letting you in.
