Calgary just lost a 113-year-old building touted as 'rare'
As work moves ahead on the Green Line LRT in Calgary, a historic building is being demolished, following attempts at relocation.
The Ogden Block Building, also known as Hong Lee Laundry and Ogden Laundry, was a 113-year-old building that stood as a rare example of a Chinese-owned building located outside Calgary’s historic Chinatown.
In May, the City of Calgary made an effort to find someone willing to relocate the building, offering it for just $1 along with up to $50,000 to help cover relocation costs.
Anyone interested had until June 23 to submit proposals, with the City indicating that the building would otherwise need to be demolished to keep the Green Line project on schedule.
City of Calgary
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The Ogden Block is now being demolished to make way for a future CTrain station as part of the Green Line’s southeast extension through Ogden.
Built in 1913, the building served a variety of purposes, including originally housing Hong Lee Laundry, operating as a boarding house for Chinese immigrants, and later being used for residential and rental spaces.
According to the City of Calgary’s Green Line LRT Current Construction website, the demolition started on Nov. 2 and will take up to three weeks to complete.
Residents can expect increased noise and dust, construction vehicles and equipment in the area, temporary sidewalk closure on the east side of Ogden Road S.E., as well as temporary restricted on-street parking.