May 13, 2011
(Calgary, Alberta) – The SIMMONS Building is seeking a new user. Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) announced today that it is launching a national Expression of Interest campaign to identify new commercial uses for the historic Calgary landmark. Since 2007, the former mattress factory has become the centrepiece of the East Village redevelopment, and is viewed as one of the most recognizable riverfront markers in Calgary. The two-story brick structure is currently home to CMLC’s corporate offices, but will soon be vacated and available for lease to the right operator.
“We’re encouraging the submission of creative ideas to identify new uses for the SIMMONS Building, just as we did with the King Eddy Hotel,” said Susan Veres, CMLC senior manager, communications and marketing. “We’re looking for submissions that respect the history of the building, while allowing it to be a thriving place of business in what will be an extremely vibrant part of East Village.”
The 17,000 sq. ft. SIMMONS Building was built in 1912 and is best known for its association with SIMMONS Canada, a nationwide bedding company. Three years ago, CMLC refurbished the building with an eye towards showcasing its structure and location. Just steps from the Bow River, the SIMMONS Building comes with enormous operational and programming benefits. It sits next to RiverWalk, a promenade and cycling path that will wind four kilometres along the Bow and Elbow Rivers, and faces the RiverWalk Plaza a public square and gathering place.
“This is a prime location in downtown Calgary”, said Veres. “Now that there is approximately $600 million of private development slated for the area, which includes roughly 1,200 new condos, the role of the SIMMONS Building in East Village must change to embrace the needs of our future residents and local neighbours.”
Operators interested in the SIMMONS Building must submit an Expression of Interest to CMLC by noon June 30, 2011. All details surrounding the submission process are at www.calgarymlc.ca/simmons.
East Village is envisioned as an amenity-rich, mixed-use, master planned community that 11,500 residents will call home. Since 2007, CMLC has been transforming East Village. To date, $108 million in infrastructure improvements have gone into the neighbourhood, with RiverWalk Plaza and the first phase of RiverWalk completed and more development announcements forthcoming.
CMLC is a company of passionate, experienced placemakers who bring new energy to old neighbourhoods, create credibility and confidence and inspire communities to build, grow and believe.
