The HAT @ 9th is an office-to-residential conversion in downtown Calgary that transforms the underutilized Teck Place office building into much-needed housing as part of the City’s Downtown Development Incentive Program.
Challenge
Converting an 11-storey office tower into contemporary residential housing required maximizing the potential of the existing structure while improving energy performance and livability. The design also needed to preserve the building’s defining modernist character while supporting Calgary’s goals for downtown revitalization and increased housing density.
Solution
Following a feasibility study, we identified the building as well suited for conversion through efficient repurposing of its existing structure. The design preserves key modernist features, including the vertical fins and precast concrete pillars and arches, while a new curtain wall system improves energy performance and introduces recessed balconies, upgraded windows, and energy-efficient doors. The development also incorporates resident amenities, secure bicycle storage, and EV charging stations.
Outcome
The HAT @ 9th delivers 108 market-rate rental units within Calgary’s arts and culture district while retaining the architectural heritage of the original building. As a catalyst for downtown renewal, the project demonstrates the sustainability benefits of adaptive reuse through the continued use of existing infrastructure and the creation of much-needed housing diversity.
A new curtain wall system improved energy efficiency, integrating recessed balconies and upgraded doors and windows.
The HAT @ 9th in Calgary, AB is a perfect example of an Office to Residential conversion creating higher density and housing options in the city’s downtown core. Under Calgary’s Downtown Development Incentive Program, Alberta-based developer Cidex recognized the opportunity to transform the underutilized 11-story Teck Place–originally built in 1965 as an office building–into livable spaces.
Following a feasibility study by NORR, the building proved well-suited for conversion, with a structure and characteristics that supported a viable pro forma through efficient repurposing. The design preserves the original building’s skeletal structure and key modernist features, including vertical fins and precast concrete pillars and arches. A new curtain wall system replaced the aging building envelope to maximize energy efficiency, enhancing energy performance while integrating recessed balconies and upgraded, energy-efficient doors and windows.
The original mid-century modern expression is honored through the verticality, proportion and materiality of the new elements. The ground floor features studio space for residents, indoor and outdoor amenity areas and secure bike storage. Onsite EV charging stations meet the needs of residents with electric vehicles. Floors 2 through 10 house 108 market rate rental, one- and two-bedroom units, each with a private recessed balcony.
Located in a vibrant arts and culture district, The HAT @ 9th retains its architectural heritage while contributing to the revitalization of Calgary’s urban fabric. As a catalyst for downtown renewal, this adaptive reuse project exemplifies sustainability through its reuse of existing infrastructure and its role in delivering much-needed housing diversity.
