Joining a number of building transformations now taking place in the Old Strathcona historical district, another modest retail building on Whyte Avenue could soon have a new lease on life.

Rendering of rear addition to 10762 82 Ave., image courtesy 1644988 Alberta Inc.

The owners of 10762 82 Avenue presented to the Edmonton Design Committee on December 4, showing a conceptual three-storey extension of the existing building into the rear laneway, adding nearly 390 square metres (approximately 4,200 square-feet) of retail space to the property.

Existing building as seen in June 2018, image via Google Street View

The presentation also showed the addition of a rooftop patio, as well as a reclad of the front of the building with brick, anodized aluminum, and new windows and doors.

Rendering of facade reclad of 10762 82 Avenue, image courtesy 1644988 Alberta Inc.

Rendering of rooftop patio, image courtesy 1644988 Alberta Inc.

At the presentation, the development team spoke about the importance of creating a sense of safety in the alleyway through activating it with retail entrances, a trend that is taking off in other laneways along Whyte Avenue.

Though the proposal is in early stages and will likely undergo some refinement before being approved, the update of a fairly nondescript 1960s building will no doubt bring some renewed commercial interest to the block and to the western end of the popular shopping street.

Rendering of rear addition, image courtesy 1644988 Alberta Inc.

SkyriseEdmonton will be sure to revisit this project as it progresses. Check out the Database file for more details, and leave a comment below or in our Forum to let us know what you think.