Ogden Block offered for relocation to make room for Ogden station

What is the Ogden Block?
The Ogden Block (also known as the Hong Lee Laundry) is a historic two-storey building located at 7044 Ogden Road S.E. in Calgary.

Why is The City offering the building for donation?
The site is required for construction of the Green Line LRT – SE Project, specifically the future Ogden LRT station.

What is being offered?
The City is offering to donate the building (not the land) to a qualified party that can relocate it.

Who can apply?
Any individual or organization that can meet the requirements, including demonstrating the financial and logistical capacity to relocate the building.

How do interested parties apply?
Applicants must submit a Purchaser Application Form through The City’s Listings website. 

Is there a cost to acquire the building?
The building will be transferred for a nominal fee of $1.

Are there any financial supports available?
Yes. The City will contribute $50,000 toward relocation costs for the successful applicant. 

What must applicants include in their submission?

• Contact information
• Intended future use of the building
• Proof of funds to relocate the structure 
• A completed Purchaser Application Form

What are the key dates?

• Listing posted on May 22, 2026
• Application Process starts: May 26, 2026
• Application Process ends on: Jun 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM

What happens if no suitable applicant is found?
The building will be demolished by November 30, 2026, to meet project timelines.

What is the current condition of the building?
The building is vacant, boarded up, and not suitable for occupancy. Major systems have been removed, and significant upgrades would be required to make it usable.

Has the building been structurally compromised?
Despite vandalism, the structural integrity remains intact.

What are the size and features of the building?

• Approx. 3,240 sq. ft.
• Two storeys plus full-height basement
• Wood structure with brick exterior
• Historic architectural features (stepped parapet, symmetrical windows)

Who is responsible for relocating the building?
The successful applicant is fully responsible for relocating the building.

Are permits required?
Yes. A demolition permit is required to move the building, and obtaining it is the responsibility of the successful bidder.

What costs must the bidder cover?
All relocation-related costs, including planning, permits, transport, and reinstallation.

What will The City cover?

• Up to $50,000 contribution toward relocation
• Demolition of the building’s foundations
• Any required environmental remediation on the original site

How are applicants selected?
Applications are reviewed by Real Estate & Development Services (RE&DS), and a preferred proponent is selected based on qualifications and feasibility.

Is this a traditional sale process?
No. The City does not operate on an offer-and-acceptance basis. Selection is based on application criteria.

What approvals are required before the transfer is finalized?
The transaction must be approved through internal City processes, including the Management Real Estate Review Committee (MRER).

What is the history of the Ogden Block? 
Built in 1913, it is a rare example of a Chinese-owned business outside Chinatown and reflects early immigrant history in Calgary.

What has the building been used for?

• Laundry business (Hong Lee Laundry)
• Possibly a veterans’ hospital (1916–1918)
• Boarding house
• Residence and rental property

What studies have been completed on the site?
An Historical Resources Act (HRA) application was submitted in 2017, and an Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA) was completed in 2022.

Were there any conditions placed on the site?
Yes. The main condition required that the building be fully documented according to provincial standards for historic structures.

Has the documentation requirement been met?
Yes. The building has been fully recorded according to HRA requirements. In addition, a “digital twin” of the structure was created using LiDAR scanning in 2022.

What is a “digital twin,” and why was it created?
A “digital twin” is a highly detailed 3D scan of the building. It preserves a digital record of the structure, reducing the need for further documentation before relocation or demolition.

How was this 3D scan completed?
The building was digitally recorded over two days by the University of Calgary in partnership with The City of Calgary and Bison Historical Services Ltd. in September 2022 using laser scanners to capture the interior and exterior. Nearly 100 scans were taken, covering every room and all sides of the building to create a complete 3D model.

How did the team ensure the digital model was accurate?
The team used multiple scanners, overlapping scan points, and included exterior reference scans on each floor. They also scanned rooms from multiple positions to ensure all areas were fully captured and aligned into one detailed point cloud.

Are there any remaining heritage requirements?
No. The Government of Alberta confirmed that all historical resource requirements have been satisfied, and no further work is needed.

Why was a second assessment required?
A follow-up assessment was completed as part of broader Ogden revision work related to the Green Line LRT project. This ensured all historical impacts were properly evaluated.

Why is relocation or demolition allowed if the building is historically significant?
Although the building has heritage value, the required documentation has been completed, and approvals were granted under the HRA. This means regulatory requirements have been fulfilled.