Carya signs on to develop plans for East Village Place community space

Not-for-profit service provider Carya Society of Calgary is joining with Calgary Housing Company (CHC) and The City of Calgary to develop a community space within East Village Place.

Carya signed a letter of intent with CHC to develop the first two floors of the building. CHC sent out a Request for Information earlier this year to qualified public and private non-profit parties to submit proposals for developing and leasing the space.

“The loss of community space left residents without a valuable community hub. I am excited to have Carya as a partner in the development of a new space that will provide services and supports benefitting everyone in the East Village,” says Ward 7 councillor Druh Farrell.

In signing the letter of intent, Carya will now work to identify an architect to create a design for the space. They can also pursue potential sublease opportunities within the two floors.

“We know how important this space is to the people who live in East Village Place and are looking forward to using it to deliver programs for clients that will have a positive impact on the community,” says Sue Mallon, Carya’s chief executive officer. Carya offers support services and counselling, including some programming targeted specifically to older adults.

Demolition of the interior was completed by CHC earlier this year, clearing the way for architectural design and future development.

“We were very pleased that Carya responded to the Request for Information and agreed to move this project forward. Today’s announcement paves the way for us to proceed together with detailed planning and development for the site prior to construction and opening of the new space in 2018,” says Sarah Woodgate, president of CHC.

CHC announced the acquisition of the 163-unit downtown residential building in July 2016. Consultations with the community about the space were led by The City including engagement events, one-on-one conversations, and online feedback opportunities. An information session with community members and key stakeholders is anticipated in the coming months.

Any future development will need to be self-sustaining. The costs to operate the space and services are not subsidized by East Village Place tenants.

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