The City is purchasing the properties on Ross Street as part of plans to address derelict properties and support revitalization in the downtown. These properties are in a prominent location and provide great opportunity for redevelopment and new use in the downtown.
Buffalo Hotel and Club Café Redevelopment
In late 2022, The City purchased the sites of 5021 and 5023 Ross (50) Street downtown with the intent to redevelop the area. Included among the two parcels of land are the Buffalo Hotel and Club Café.
Unfortunately, these properties were in poor state of disrepair and evaluations found it would be cost-prohibitive to restore the buildings or repurpose the space. To maximize use of these and neighbouring properties, the buildings will be demolished, and properties primed for redevelopment.
Council approved budget for the purchase, demolition and activation of the site. Once the buildings have been demolished, the site can be combined with existing adjacent City-owned land at 5022 49 Street to offer a prime downtown space for redevelopment.
Despite their current state, the Buffalo Hotel and Club Café both played a significant role in our community’s history, and The City is committed to ensuring that history is preserved. Watch this page for more details on how residents will be able to participate as we say goodbye to these iconic spaces and preserve their memory.
The City will purchase and demolish these properties as part of plans to address derelict properties and support revitalization in the downtown. Recognizing the time it will take for the lands to be fully redeveloped, The City will seek input from residents on how it can activate the space once demolition is complete.
December 12, 2022 News Release: City announces purchase of Buffalo Hotel, Club Café properties for redevelopment
Project timeline:
- February 2023: Design-build tender posted, with a closing date of March 23, 2023.
- April 2023: Start date for demolition project, with a projected completion date of fall 2023.
- September 2023: Abatement of hazardous materials is ongoing and nearing completion. Demolition likely to take place end of September or early October.
*Historical Items will be assessed and removed in collaboration with the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery.
Interested in sharing your memories of the Buffalo Hotel and Club Café? Visit Buffalo Hotel and Club Café Collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Buffalo Hotel or Club Café designated historic sites?
No. While both properties are historically significant, neither have been designated as a historic site.
These are historical buildings – why is The City demolishing them?
Unfortunately, these properties are in poor state of disrepair and assessments found it would be cost-prohibitive to restore the buildings. A decision was made to demolish the buildings and make new use for these primary spaces in our downtown.
What will The City to do preserve the memory of the Buffalo Hotel and Club Café?
As we say goodbye to the Buffalo Hotel and the Club Café, we’re collecting memories from these sites so future generations know about their role in our community. Archives staff have pulled together the photographs and records already in our collections and Museum + Art Gallery staff are collecting artefacts from the buildings. Now we want your personal stories and experiences. We invite everyone to share their individual stories and creative works inspired by both sites.
The Buffalo Hotel and Club Café are both important parts of Red Deer’s history, and they will not be forgotten. While not a designated heritage site, the Buffalo Hotel has been a fixture in Red Deer for many years.
We are working to understand what pieces we may be able to preserve. As evaluations are completed as part of conditions of sale, we will learn how iconic elements such as the Club Café and Buffalo Hotel signs can be preserved.
The City is also organizing opportunities for the community to say farewell and share fond memories of these sites. Details will be shared at a later date.
What will happen to these lots once the buildings are demolished?
The ultimate goal is for redevelopment of the lots, which offer opportunities for a prominent space in the downtown.
Recognizing that redevelopment will take some time, we are working on plans for how we might activate the space in the meantime. We have allocated some budget for activation and will work with key stakeholders to identify the best way to make use of this space in the short term.
How much did this cost?
The City has allocated budget for the project, including the purchase and demolition of properties, as well as activation of the space.
The Buffalo Hotel offered low-income housing. Where will those people go?
Low-income housing was available at the Buffalo Hotel for some time, however tenants were relocated in 2020 due to the state of the building, safety issues, and has been derelict since that time.
Is this the future site being recommended for a future permanent shelter in Red Deer?
No, this site is not being considered as a site for the permanent shelter.