Overview
The Lakeview Automotive Service & Performance Centre project transformed an aging industrial building in Calgary's Manchester Industrial district into a modern automotive service and performance facility. The scope included a new two-storey addition of approximately 3,000 square feet to the north of the existing building, paired with a comprehensive exterior renovation of the existing structure to support a new Auto Service – Major use with an accompanying Vehicle Sales – Minor use.
Design Challenge
The key challenge was modernizing an aging industrial building while meeting the City of Calgary's requirements for a change of use to Auto Service – Major with Vehicle Sales – Minor under I-G (Industrial – General) land use — including Development Permit approval, fire access route design to NFPA standards, and a complete exterior envelope redesign that would give the business a competitive presence on 1 Street SE.
Design Response
The design re-clads the existing building and addition in a unified contemporary palette of dark vertical corrugated metal panels, faux brick cladding, and black metal trim, anchored by a bold corner signage element that gives the business a strong street presence. New storefront glazing, upgraded fenestration, and five new overhead garage doors modernize the building's function and image while accommodating the workflow of a high-performance automotive shop. Site improvements included reconfigured customer and display parking, a new accessible stall, fire access route design to NFPA 1901 loading requirements, waste and recycling enclosures, and new pedestrian connections.