The City of Calgary is offering to donate the Ogden Block building (also known as Hong Lee Laundry and Ogden Laundry) to a qualified party able to relocate the building from its current site at 7044 Ogden Road S.E. by Nov. 15, 2026. This initiative reflects The City’s commitment to honouring the unique stories and history of the building while enabling construction of the Green Line LRT – SE Project.

“This is a unique chance for the community or an interested organization to step forward and give new life to a building that reflects Ogden’s diverse and layered past,” says Ward 9 Councillor Harrison Clark. “I encourage those with the capacity and vision to consider how this structure could be preserved and reused.”

“With Green Line construction underway and the need for the site to construct the Ogden LRT station,  we appreciate Councillor Clark’s leadership in bringing forward this idea — creating a final, unique chance for someone to own a piece of Calgary’s past while we keep the project on schedule,” says Wendy Tynan, Director, Green Line LRT – SE Project.

To support relocation costs, The City will contribute $50,000 to the successful proponent. If a suitable recipient is not identified, the building will be demolished within the same timeframe to meet project schedule requirements.

About the Ogden Block

Built in 1913, Ogden Block is a rare example of a Chinese-owned building located outside Calgary’s historic Chinatown. Originally home to the Hong Lee Laundry, it also operated as a boarding house for Chinese immigrants. Over time, the building served multiple purposes, including residential and rental use, and may have been used as a hospital for injured and disabled veterans between 1916 and 1918.

The building is approximately 3,240 square feet, with two storeys and a full-height basement. It features a wood-frame structure with a painted brick exterior, stepped parapet, symmetrical windows, and a prominent roadside setback. Interior finishes include wood, vinyl and tile flooring, and plaster and drywall walls.

The property is located on the east side of Ogden Road S.E. adjacent to a rear alley and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City rail line.

The building is currently vacant and has been boarded up for several years. While vandalism has occurred since The City’s acquisition in 2021, the structure remains intact. However, it is not suitable for occupancy and would require significant investment to meet modern safety and building standards.

Bidding process and relocation requirements

The property is listed on The City’s Listings website, and interested parties must submit a Purchaser Application Form. As part of the evaluation, consideration will be given to proponents who demonstrate a connection to the building’s story or the surrounding community. Applications must also include:

·       Proposed use of the building

·       Demonstrated ability and financial capacity to relocate the structure

·       Agreement to transaction terms and conditions

·       A nominal offer of $1

The City remains committed to working collaboratively with the community and potential partners to relocate Ogden Block, while maintaining and building on the strong momentum already underway to deliver the Green Line LRT – SE Project for Calgarians.

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