Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

Warehouse District revealed!

    · 2 min read

    Calgary’s Warehouse District—one of the city’s most unassuming but historically significant neighbourhoods, and an important component of the Rivers District Master Plan—will be spotlighted at the next Heritage Matters event hosted by the Calgary Heritage Authority (CHA), the agency responsible for identifying, preserving, and promoting Calgary’s heritage resources.

    Comprising roughly six city blocks within east Victoria Park (10th and 12th Avenues between Macleod Trail and 4th Street SW) the Warehouse District is a hidden gem of mixed commercial, office and residential uses that has been quietly transforming for decades into a character-rich mixed-use neighbourhood.

    Containing 14 buildings built between 1900 and 1920—one of the highest concentrations of heritage buildings in the city—the area today is developing a little contemporary practicality, without compromising its history-rich character.

    As one of six character areas identified in the Rivers District Master Plan (RDMP), the Warehouse District offers a perfect opportunity to pursue development in a way that showcases and preserves its history while making it even more inviting to new visitors, residents and businesses.

    ‘Adaptive reuse’ of buildings (see Abugov-Kaspar’s remarkable example in the refreshed Biscuit Block building) and thoughtful development have the ability to create a unique and authentic street experience, stitching the neighbourhood together with a heritage vibe and a retro-cool factor. This is a truly unique part of our city… and we are excited that the CHA is giving it some loving attention!

    The evening’s speakers will be three local experts on the area’s history, architecture and integration with the RDMP:

    • Mark Johnson—president and co-founder of Civitas, the urban design and planning firm that teamed up with CMLC to architect the Rivers District Master Plan
    • Bruce Abugov, principal and founding partner of architecture firm Abugov-Kaspar, who have restored several heritage buildings in the Warehouse District, including the Biscuit Block at 11th Ave and 4th St SE
    • Harry Sanders—local historian, author, public speaker and researcher

    Read More