The Art Block makes a sensitive contribution to the revitalization of Inglewood. Located at the gateway between Inglewood and downtown Calgary, the building respects historic context with a material palette combining brick masonry with glazing, uniting forms that articulate the functional and structural order of the architecture while breaking up the mass of the building. Cornice work across the facade echoes the rooflines typical of Inglewood's historic context. The sweeping curvilinear roof is reminiscent of the form of an esker - a sediment deposit found along river banks - and relates to the riverside site and to the Esker Foundation that operates the gallery. Continuous retail storefronts, a corner café, and food market help to activate the public sphere around the building. Wide sidewalks, planters, and pedestrian-oriented signage and lighting supplement the Block’s vital pedestrian edge. The Art Block centers on a lobby atrium extending to the full height of the building, featuring a glass tread staircase that rises through a dramatic stainless steel sculpture.
Some of the Art Block’s sustainable features include:
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Remediation of a brownfield site.
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Regionally available and recycled construction materials.
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Energy and water conserving systems and features, as well as a stormwater collection system.
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No use of CFC-based and HCFC-based refrigerants.
ATLANTIC AVENUE ART BLOCK
The Atlantic Avenue Art Block is a LEED Silver, four-storey commercial development prominently located on a full city block in Calgary’s historic Inglewood neighborhood, close to the junction of the Elbow and Bow Rivers. The Art Block's mixed program includes over 31,000 sq.ft. of retail and market space at grade, along with more than 95,000 sq.ft. of office space on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors. The development is anchored by the Esker Gallery, a 16,000 sq.ft., privately funded, non-commercial art gallery on the 4th floor. 308 parking stalls are available in two levels of below-grade parking.
