Calgary's Downtown Gets a Fresh Start: New Homes and Hope

Calgary’s Downtown West is buzzing with a major revitalization milestone: the Dominion Centre Apartments at 665 8 Street SW are officially opening their doors, adding 132 new homes to the core. Units become available October 1, 2025. This transformation of formerly vacant office space into energy-efficient residential suites is a key step in reimagining our downtown.

This project isn't just about new walls; it’s a big win for Calgarians grappling with rising housing costs. Calgary is facing a serious housing affordability crisis, with average rents increasing significantly and a substantial gap between households needing affordable options and available supply. At least 25% of the Dominion Centre’s 132 units will be offered at affordable rates, providing much-needed relief. The building also champions climate resilience, with energy-efficient designs promising lower utility bills and reduced emissions for residents. Its prime location adjacent to Century Gardens and easy transit access further enhance its appeal, connecting residents directly to downtown vibrancy.

The Dominion Centre is part of a larger, ambitious City of Calgary initiative to breathe new life into downtown. Calgary has one of the highest office vacancy rates in the country, peaking around 34% in 2021. To combat this, the city is actively converting over 2.68 million square feet of office space into 2,628 new homes, 226 hotel rooms, and a hostel across 21 approved projects. This concerted effort aims to diversify our core, increase foot traffic, and foster a more vibrant urban environment for everyone.