In April, 1905 the club purchased lot 20, block 15 (complete with building) from A. C. Hawthorne. This lot embraced part of the property now occupied by the club and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce building. A loan of $3,000 at 10 per cent interest per annum was arranged with Mrs. Gertrude Noble. The building was renovated to accommodate the club.
In 1907, the club purchased another lot (the “Porter’s lot”) for the express purpose of making a deal with the Canadian Bank of Commerce. The new lot cost $ 7,000 and then part of that lot and the one purchased in 1905 were sold to the bank for $12,000. On the remaining land, the Cypress Club – as it stands today – was erected. W. J. Williams acted as architect. Building the facility were Messrs. Oakes and Everard. They had bid $13,475 for the project – the lowest tender. Another tender was let to R. Walton for $1,450 worth of “plumbing, gas fixtures, etc.” The projects were financed through a $15,000 loan (at 10 per cent yearly interest) from H. C. Yuill. But while the club and the city were building and growing, there came a threat to Medicine Hat’s good name.
A sub-contractor, A.P. Burns began the excavations and poured the concrete foundation, then Oakes and Everand commenced construction of the forty by fifty foot two-story, flat roofed structure. Cement blocks, pressed brick and Calgary sandstone were used in the building, the sandstone being used for the structure's decorative features: the massive rectangular stone pilasters and architrave framing the main entrance, the semi-circular moldings of the main floor windows, keystones, secondary cornice delineating the first and second floors, and the parapet coping.
The classical inspiration of the building is obvious in its rigorous symmetry and the rounded multi-pane transoms capping the first floor apertures. The south façade is pierced by a large stair window of stained glass.
The Cypress Club contains a lounge, billiard room, committee room and writing room, all of which are distinguished by elaborate oak woodwork, the lounge being dominated by a very large cut stone fireplace. Even today, the club still is expressive of luxury and solidity. The restrained dignity of the exterior combined with the richness of its interior fitments, mark it as typical of the private clubs of the day.
What a great way to enjoy a meeting. Fabulous meal in a great atmosphere. A nice change from the cookie cutter restaurants.
Amazing place. Staff is great and it has a great atmosphere. Live music and you feel normal with the staff not wearing masks and make you feel alive again.
Good lunch in a great atmosphere. Prices lower than I expected.
Cypress club has great food, and even better Staff! They've made me feel so welcome. Thanks guys! Can't wait to be back.
Chef Mike prepared an absolutely fabulous turkey dinner with all the fixings for our Thanksgiving this year. My wife and I were blown away with the quality of the meal and the generous portions. We will definitely make use of The Cypress Club again for our next holiday meal.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Thanksgiving turkey dinner. The atmosphere was relaxed and the service was just right-not rushed and very professional. It was excellent value for what was included. The soup was wonderful, as usual. Chef Mike has a real talent for making delicious homemade soups.
That our wedding was a huge success, everyone had a spectacular time. Your venue and staff are amazing. You all did an excellent job. The space was beautiful, the food and drink absolutely perfectly tasty and the service outstanding. Thank you for your attention to detail and hard work.
It was great finding the Cypress Club, what a treasure with its historic decor, so much history within those walls which should be shared. My husband Dave, friend Caroline and myself would like to express our thanks to the Bar Manager and Chef for their amazing customer service, their kindness and delicious food which we all enjoyed very much.