Downtown Calgary office conversion opens with 108 rentals

Calgary’s newest office-to-residential conversion is completed and welcoming residents.

The HAT @ NINTH has 108 rental suites in the heart of Calgary’s downtown, at 205 9 Street SE, near the Glenbow, Werklund Centre, and Olympic Plaza.

“The HAT @ NINTH is a bold example of how we are turning Calgary’s challenges into opportunities. By transforming empty office space into much-needed homes, we’re breathing new life and safety into downtown and building a vibrant community in the heart of our city’s arts and culture district. This is the future of Calgary: innovative partnerships, more homes that Calgarians can afford, and a safe, thriving downtown,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas.

The building was constructed in 1966 and first opened as the Natural Resources building.

The city says the conversion has paid mind to preserve some of its unique architectural elements of the building. Modern upgrades include the addition of recessed balconies, and new doors and windows for energy efficiency.

This conversion project addresses housing demand, according to the city, and has a variety of layouts and price points for modern one-and-two bedroom suites.

The HAT @ NINTH is the seventh office-to-residential conversion completed under Calgary’s Downtown Development Initiative. It received $8.3 million in program funding.

The incentive program offers eligible projects as much as $75 per square foot of office space converted for residential use.

“Together with our partners, we’re replacing empty office buildings with new purpose and bringing fresh energy to the city,” said Thom Mahler, The City’s Director of Downtown Strategy. “These conversions are generating $4 of private investment and $7 in total economic impact for every $1 of City investment, and bringing life to our vision of a revitalized, lively, and diverse downtown.”

Twenty-one office conversion projects are currently being supported by the city’s program, transforming nearly three million square feet of underutilized office space into 2,600 new homes, 226 hotel rooms, and a hostel.