Calgary City Council Approves $18 Million in Infill Grants to Convert Vacant Office Towers into 450 Homes

CALGARY, AB — Calgary City Council approved $18 million in municipal incentive grants through the Downtown Development Incentive Program, securing the adaptive reuse of two vacant commercial office towers in downtown west end into 450 modern residential rental apartments.

Transforming Vacant Office Space into Vibrant Housing

The conversion projects will eliminate 320,000 square feet of vacant commercial office space while introducing 450 residential units, a 120-space licensed non-profit child care facility, and ground-floor grocery retail. Council members stated that office conversions permanently stabilize the downtown commercial property tax base and bring pedestrian vitality to the city centre.

City Council leadership highlighted that Calgary’s adaptive reuse strategy has become a global model for urban revitalization, reducing residential carbon footprints by 35% compared to new greenfield construction.

Economic Impact and Tax Base Stabilization

Calgary Downtown Association and building trade associations praised the approval, noting that construction will employ 600 tradespeople over 18 months.

City financial modeling projects the converted properties will generate $3.2 million in annual municipal property taxes once occupied.

Construction Milestones

Interior structural demolition on both downtown towers will begin in October 2026, with tenant occupancy targeted for late 2027.