Over the last several years, Calgary’s downtown landscape has been undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once dominated by traditional office towers, the core is now seeing a surge in conversions from office space into residential and mixed-use developments. This trend is reshaping the way we think about city living and revitalizing our urban core.
Why the Shift is Happening
The rise of remote and hybrid work models has left many office buildings with significant vacancy rates. Instead of letting valuable square footage sit empty, developers and the City of Calgary have embraced the opportunity to reimagine these spaces. Office-to-residential conversions not only breathe new life into underutilized buildings but also bring residents into the downtown core—creating more vibrancy, safety, and demand for local retail and services.
At the same time, the City has launched incentive programs to encourage these conversions, recognizing that diversifying downtown is essential for long-term economic health. For business owners, this shift means new customers living directly above or beside their storefronts, creating more consistent foot traffic and energy at street level.
The Role of Ground-Floor Retail
Ground-floor commercial units play a vital role in these conversions. By integrating cafés, restaurants, boutique fitness studios, salons, and professional services, these buildings transform into true mixed-use hubs. Retail spaces in converted properties are uniquely positioned to capture both daytime office workers and a growing base of downtown residents.
Our Experience: 708 11th Avenue SW and The Loft – 744 4th Avenue SW
At JR Mercantile, we’ve had the privilege of working on multiple office-to-residential conversions in Calgary’s core. One example is 708 11th Avenue SW, where we successfully leased ground-floor commercial space in a converted property, helping to bring new amenities and services to the area.
Building on that experience, we are proud to represent The Loft – 744 4th Avenue SW, a prime example of Calgary’s ongoing conversion trend. This property blends modern living with vibrant street-level opportunities, offering well-positioned ground-floor commercial space in the heart of the city.
These projects showcase how conversions can create more than just homes—they can build complete communities where residents, office workers, and visitors converge. With thoughtfully designed street frontage and central locations, these properties are ideal for tenants who want to be part of Calgary’s downtown revitalization.
Looking Ahead
As more projects like these come online, Calgary’s downtown is set to evolve into a mixed-use hub where people not only work but also live, shop, and play. For tenants, this is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a new era in the city’s urban story.
At JR Mercantile, we specialize in helping tenants and landlords find the right fit in this changing landscape. Whether you’re considering a move into a converted property or exploring opportunities across Calgary, our team is here to provide the expertise and advocacy you need.
👉 To learn more about The Loft – 744 4th Avenue SW or our other listings, contact JR Mercantile today.
