Calgary's Scrap Yard Arts District
Never heard of the Calgary’s Scrap Yard Arts District? You aren’t alone as it really doesn’t exist – YET! However, it could soon if Calgary actor and real estate entrepreneur Doug McKeag gets his way.
Recognizing the severe shortage of performance and rehearsal spaces that has existed in Calgary for 20+ years, Mckeag took the “bull by the horns” and purchases two former sheet metal buildings each with an accompanying vacant lot that he is converting into spaces for Calgary’s struggling performing art companies.
Seems to me “scrap yards” are the perfect place to inspire creativity.
Backstory
Calgary Arts Development has studies dating back to the ‘90s showing the lack of spaces for performing and visual art groups in the city. They have tried to address the shortage with initiatives like cSPACE Marda Loop (King Edward School), Beddington Theatre Arts Centre (converted Beddington Community Association building) and nvrlnd creative hub located in the old Shamrock Hotel annex space in Ramsay. But as Calgary grows so does the demand for affordable makerspaces for artists of all genres.
The demand for visual art studio space is currently at a critical point with the loss of Artpoint Space due to Green Line construction and the impending sale of the Burns Visual Arts Society building.
Scrap Yard District Story
Both of McKeag’s buildings are located off-the-beaten path in the no man’s land just east and north of Ogden Road in Highfield Industrial area. Perhaps the most recognizable structure are the Alberta Distillery concrete silos.
McKeag is excited by the potential of the Junk Yard Arts District.
One might be tempted to call it the Distillery District but the area is really dominated by huge scrap and recycling yards, hence the moniker Scrap Yard District or perhaps “Scrap Yard Arts District,” which are more unique. Lots of cities have a distillery district or brewery district, but I have never heard of a Scrap Yard Arts District.
McKeag has already converted one of his former sheet metal buildings into “Bonny Boom The Arts Uncommon” building a 7,200 square foot building on two floors that includes meeting spaces, galleries, a fully outfitted workshop and large rehearsal hall with sprung floor and mirrors and 10 studio/office spaces.
The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, Lunchbox Theatre and several other theatre groups are already making good use of the workshop space to build sets.
The building is filled with funky art by Lucas Gilbertson (brother of veteran Calgary actress Onalea Gilbertson) that makes it feel like a funky art gallery. And there is also a NASARIMA mural on the front façade of the building, that immediately tells you something different is happening here.
Mckeag has recently purchased a second sheet metal building a block away with plans to convert it to a home for Calgary’s Green Fool Theatre Society which would include a circus school. How cool is that? The building could also have space for other artist activities.
Parking Problems A Good Thing
Both buildings have vacant land next to them that would allow for future expansion, to accommodate more artists and art activities. He already has approached the city with expansion plans for the BonnyBoom building site, but the city is saying “No!” as the area has no sidewalks and according to them no parking - but Mckeag would beg to differ. There is a ton of street parking which is underutilized in the evenings and on weekends when his buildings get most of their use.
Why is parking always such an issue when it comes to urban renewal? Why can’t the city just let new developments happen and let the parking sort itself out? Nobody will ever be happy with parking, always too little for some and too much for others.
I am thinking a parking problem is a good thing as it means there are lots of people wanting to be there. Show me a vibrant street or neighbourhood and I will show you a parking problem.
McKeag is not alone in seeing the potential of the Scrap Yard District as a creative hub. Calgary artist/woodworker/carpenter Eric Sundstrom has had his workshop next door to Bonny Boom building for decades. And Gnu Craft Spirits is opening soon just across the street from the hopefully future Green Fools Building.
Need to get the city on board
Seem to me to having an entrepreneur willing to create more arts space at no cost to the city, should be a no brainer. Just say “Yes, how can we help you?” should be the response.
It is bit hypocritical for the city to encourage densification of inner city residential areas by reducing or eliminating parking requirements, but still requiring them in an industrial area. Having sidewalks would be nice, but not essential, walking on the road could work at least until there is sufficient development to warrant the City adding sidewalks.
In many cities, artists are the catalyst for urban revitalization and the transformation of old industrial areas into trendy neighbourhoods. Probably the most famous is New York City’s Meat Packing District, and in Canada it would be Toronto’s Distillery District. If other cities can do it, why not Calgary?
BonnyBoom “The Arts Uncommon” is a fun, funky art space.
Last Word
McKeag isn’t a philanthropist creating affordable artists spaces out of the goodness of his heart, rather he is doing so because there is a good business case for doing so in the right place, at the right price and with the City’s cooperation.
Hmmm…didn’t the City of Calgary’s demand for the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation to pay for sidewalk and roadway improvement kill the first arena deal. It would be shame for that to happen again in Calgary’s nascent Scrap Yard District.
If you like this blog, you might be interested in these links:
Artists Catalysts For Urban Revitalization