A rare 113-year-old Calgary building may be on the move soon

A piece of history could soon be on the move in Calgary, as construction on the Green Line LRT SE project continues in the Ogden area. 

The City of Calgary is offering to donate the Ogden Block Building, also known as Hong Lee Laundry and Ogden Laundry, to anyone willing to relocate the structure from its current site at 7044 Ogden Rd. SE by Nov. 15, 2026.

The building was constructed in 1913 and now stands as a rare example of a Chinese-owned building located outside Calgary’s historic Chinatown.

Over its lifetime, it has served a variety of purposes, including originally housing Hong Lee Laundry, operated as a boarding house for Chinese immigrants, and later being used for residential and rental spaces.

The building currently sits on land needed for a future CTrain station as part of the Green Line LRT SE project in Ogden. If no one steps forward with a plan to move it, the building will be demolished. 

City of Calgary

“This is a unique chance for the community or an interested organization to step forward and give new life to a building that reflects Ogden’s diverse and layered past,” said Ward 9 Councillor Harrison Clark, in a release. 

The City of Calgary is offering to contribute $50,000 to help cover the costs for anyone willing to relocate the building.

For anyone interested in taking on the project, you must submit a purchaser application form through the City of Calgary’s website. Applications must include a proposed use of the building, demonstrated ability and financial capacity to relocate the structure, agreement to transaction terms and conditions, and a nominal offer of $1.