All steaks in.
Bragg Creek’s seniors housing complex is back on track after $1-million worth of land was donated last December, but there is one Creeker who would like to see the building currently on the property utilized.
“My first goal was to see the building protected and saved, then look at what uses it could have – people could do something there that could be successful,” explained Bob Everett, Bragg Creek resident since the ‘80s.
The building in question is the Barbeque Steak Pit, Bragg Creek’s first and oldest restaurant, according to history notes compiled by Bragg Creek Trading Post owner Barb Teghtmeyer.
The restaurant opened in June 1961 and was known to host and serve famous people including the late American folksinger Burl Ives, American film director Robert Altman, and actor/film director Paul Newman – to name a few.
The Steak Pit also employed several people who later went onto music and television careers, including Cheech Marin, who was one of the restaurant’s first bartenders in the late ‘60s, and Jann Arden, who worked as a dishwasher at the Pit.
Dick Koestier donated the land where the restaurant, along with three chalets, is located. The Rocky View Foundation, a non-profit committee that operates two seniors’ lodges and the manors in the Rocky View area, now owns it.
“The Steak Pit building and the Chalets are a testament to the years of hard work they put in. I am concerned that (the original owner’s) efforts and contributions to the community could be destroyed and become no more than a mention in a book or a plaque erected on the property,” Everett explained in his design concept.
The land was donated with the understanding that 2.1 acres would be used for seniors housing living units. Everett, who also served as a Rocky View councillor for six years, said he would also like to see the Steak Pit building restored and repurposed as a cultural and heritage centre for the community.
“I don’t want to destroy something that could play a big role for artists and musicians – this can make lives in seniors housing much more rewarding,” Everett said.
“This has the potential to (show) history in a town that doesn’t have a lot of that.”
The Rocky View Foundation has already announced it will tear down the three chalets located on the property starting next month, with no plans of what to do with the historical Steak Pit building.
“We have to consider the purpose the land has been donated for … no decision has been made yet,” explained Carol Borschneck, Rocky View Foundation chief administration officer.
“The board will have to consider what to do with the Steak Pit, if it can be utilized for seniors housing … the (discussion) is not on the agenda right now, we don’t have the building design yet and are still working on a site plan. The flood mitigation efforts will impact when we can begin construction.”
Originally, the previous landowner Koetsier donated a three-acre lot to the Foundation in 2010 but the flood damaged the area in 2013. The 2.1 acres was donated as a substitute in December 2015, moving ahead the Foundation’s plan to start constructing affordable living complexes for seniors in the area.
Everett said he is speaking out now because he is worried the Foundation could make the decision to tear down the building and start construction.
“It would be a waste if it was destroyed … I am looking for discussion and a chance for residents in the area to see what potential there is,” Everett said.
“Bragg Creek has a huge artisan and musical community, a cultural and heritage centre would be the perfect opportunity … a centre devoted to them could be as rewarding as the Banff Centre is to Banff.
“If I don’t make a stand it will just be another lost opportunity.”
FACTBOX
Everett said the Steak Pit could serve for multiple uses including:
- Heritage displays and working area
- Library component
- Performing Arts stage and performance venue
- Recording studio
- Community garden (in the front of the building)
- Children’s arts and performance opportunities
- Open daily for senior involvement, support and employment
