The first of its kind for Calgary, the upcoming King Edward School art incubator by cSPACE has made significant progress since our last update. Designed by Nyhoff Architecture, the 47,500 square-foot facility will soon open as a hub for local artists and other creatives to work and share ideas with one another in a beautifully re-imagined space.

Restored 1913 King Edward School with modern addition, image by Forum contributor UrbanWarrior

Closed since 2000, the former King Edward School has been creatively readapted and repurposed, the original structure restored with a handful of historic details. Chalkboards and oversized windows have been kept in order to give the project a certain degree of heritage charm, not to mention ample natural light for future projects.

Close-up view of the western addition, image by Forum contributor UrbanWarrior

Supported by the Calgary Foundation and Calgary Arts Development, the project has already signed on an impressive list of tenants, including the Alberta Craft Council, Quest Theatre, RANDM Collective, and many others. Viewed in close-up above and below, the western addition features a mix of glass, panelling, and aluminum louvres, all with an eye towards providing as much natural light as possible.

Close-up view of the western addition, image by Forum contributor UrbanWarrior

Beyond the work now nearing completion at the main school building, progress is also moving along at the adjacent 95-unit assisted living complex which will take up the eastern end of the site. Across to the west, an additional townhouse complex is also under construction.

Future townhouse development, image by Forum contributor UrbanWarrior

Once complete, the King Edward School art incubator will become host to a 123-seat studio theatre, classrooms, labs, and co-working spaces, all geared towards creative industries and projects.

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.