The Edison Plaza

Client Aspen Properties
Location Calgary | Alberta | Canada

Aspen Properties acquired the former Encana Place building, located at 150 9th Avenue SW with a vision to renovate the podium and ground level landscape to better reflect the property’s strategic location, immediate adjacency to two of Calgary’s most luxurious hotels, and generate appeal to Aspen’s target market for this property.

Aspen engaged Gibbs Gage Architects to renovate the lobby of the existing building. The public plaza and streetscape were in a state of disrepair, and required a significant renovation to reflect Aspen’s vision and the architectural intervention by Gibbs Gage Architects.

The design of the plaza provides a high quality public space that serves as an extension of the interior building lobby, and enhances the entry condition into the main lobby. It activates the public realm with flexible event and gathering space, including restaurant patio terrace on the eastern frontage of 9th Avenue S. The plaza is further activated by an iconic public art installation that integrates seamlessly with the space. 

The design uses durable materials in innovative ways to achieve a unique sense of place. Different concrete finishes, colours, joint patterns create a liveliness that extends from building the curb, greatly enhancing the buildings street presence. The creative use of simple materials meant the design was less scrutinized during the approval process and it minimizes long-term maintenance costs, while at the same time creating a place that is memorable and identifiable.