This project was recognized by the Architect Newspaper for its sensitive restoration of a striking architectural icon from Canada’s centennial in 1967. The new presence has been a major contributor to the redevelopment of Calgary’s high-density Downtown West neighbourhood.
Studio Name: Lemay
Design Team: Grace Coulter Sherlock (lead
Area: Leisure and entertainment
Year: 2019
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Photography Credits: Chan Rin (Vivid Ribbon)
Credits:
Landscape Architect: Scatliff + Miller + Murray Landscape Architects
Structural Engineer: RJC Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: MCW Hemisphere
Electrical Engineer: Mulvey & Banani International Inc.
Other Consultants – firm & type of consultant
Heritage: EVOQ
Civil: Watt Consulting Group
Lighting Design: Gabriel MacKinnon
Costing: Altus Group
Heritage Building Record: Building Conservation Associates
Materials Conservator: Materials Conservation Co
Spec Writing: Book Spec
Commissioning (Design only): CFMS
Interpretive Planning: Anlanda
Archaeology: Tetra Tech
Historical Structural Engineer: Jokinen Engineering
Code: Jensen Hughes
Historians: Harry Sanders & Aimee Benoit
Contractor: EllisDon
With great respect for the building’s heritage character, the revitalization replaces the iconic dome, ceilings and envelope, and creates the ideal canvas for exhibiting artwork in what is now a stunning art gallery.
The project also preserves and showcases original tile floors, mosaics and dropped sculptural acoustic panel ceilings.
Maintaining the original award-winning architecture while bringing systems up to code, this model of adaptive reuse has given birth to a world-class destination for modern and contemporary art.