26 February 2025
A multi-year, multi-phase renovation has begun at Silvera’s Shawnessy Commons to modernize and refresh the 30-year-old building.
“Shawnessy has reached the point where it needs some TLC and modernization,” says Garrett Newman, Senior Manager, Capital Development.
The renovation is funded and paid for through the City of Calgary’s Lodge Renewal program.
The project began three years ago with preliminary design. Since then, Silvera has hired interior designers to prepare plans for new flooring, lighting, paint, window coverings, various acoustical elements, and new furniture for common areas.
The renovation is divided into several phases, each focusing on different areas of the building. Phase 1 involves upgrading the flooring, paint, and cosmetic elements in the far northwest corner of the building. This phase also includes adding two additional studio suites for residents and redoing cosmetic elements in the far west corridor.
Phase 2 will include upgrades to the basement, developing a new staff wellness room, and installing new storage lockers in the locker room.
Future phases over the next few years include upgrades to and modernization of the following spaces:
- Phase 3 – central-east side of building – resident laundry, adjacent lounge area, connecting corridors
- Phase 4 – main floor staff room
- Phase 5 – north side of central core – lounge/common area, bar area, hair salon, common washrooms, commercial laundry
- Phase 6A and 6B – west lounge and bistro area/dining room/entry, mailboxes, reception and staff workspaces, front façade
- Phase 7 – multipurpose lounge/multipurpose kitchen, creation of a new meeting room
- Phase 8 – dining room, demonstration kitchen, commercial kitchen
One of the most significant cosmetic and functional changes will be in Phase 6 — the expansion of the front façade of the main entrance, which will be enlarged by about three metres (10 feet), creating a bigger entry and larger spaces in this portion of the building.
“When the renovation is finally complete, it will be a much more comfortable and functional space for residents, employees and visitors” says Garrett.