Sandstone was a common material used in building construction in Calgary's early days. Almost every school that is still standing from that era is a sandstone one. Many commercial buildings and businesses also were housed in sandstone buildings along Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary; some of them are still standing today. Built in 1908, this building was home to a school originally and then became a school for teachers. It is surrounded by a small plaza and park, which make it one of the more scenic spots downtown. Today it serves as a building for the Alberta provincial government. It has done so since 1987 and serves as office and meeting space for provincial government officials.
