James Lougheed (later Sir James) came to Calgary as a young lawyer in 1885 and later became leader of the Opposition in the Canadian Senate. He built a frame home for his family on this site. In the 1890's, after moving his family to a larger home, he built this sandstone building, the Norman Block and others on land he had purchased on Stephen Avenue. Although gutted by fire on four occasions, it was rebuilt each time to original specifications. During its lifetime the building housed such diverse businesses as a clothing store (operated by Tommy Burns, the only Canadian to win the world heavyweight boxing championship) and the Lyric (later Pantages) theatre. The theatre was managed by Ernest Willis, an Australian actor who, for many years, had appeared on British and European stages. It exhibited some of the first motion pictures seen in Calgary. This plaque was unveiled by Premier Lougheed, grandson of the original owner, and nephew of the man for whom it was named, one of Sir James Lougheed's sons.