In Edmonton, embracing the cold isn’t just a choice, it’s a way of life. Being a shapes the way we live, work, play and even how we build.
This includes one of Wîhkwêntôwin’s newest residential buildings, , located on 123 Street and 102 Avenue.
“Our architects did a really good job with how this space lives and breathes in four seasons,” says Katie Schneider, Development Manager at . “We’re a winter city through and through.”
Building for a winter city
Autograph received funding from the to help get The Mercury Block off the ground.
In a city that experiences snow for almost half of the year, the team at Autograph knew they needed to create spaces that are vibrant and inviting year-round.
“I think of it as a winter city move to experience our spaces in the winter the same as you would in the summer,” says Schneider.
Every unit in The Mercury Block has direct outdoor access for residents to enjoy. They even have their own backyard—a rooftop patio with fire tables, lawn games and an outdoor TV that can be enjoyed whether it’s a sunny day in July or a chilly evening in December.
For Jenn McLaughlin, a resident at the Mercury Block, it was important to have an apartment that was conveniently located near amenities and her downtown office, while also offering a luxury lifestyle.
“I love the gym and the roof top terrace,” says McLaughlin. “The roof is a perfect escape with barbecues, picnic tables and gathering spaces when we have friends over.”
One of the most unique features of the building is the public courtyard, which connects 102 Avenue to 123 Street. The space was designed to be warm and inviting with intentional lighting, seasonal events and pop-up shops to keep the space active, making it a destination rather than just a walkway.
The building’s innovative approach to design was so well-received that it earned a for Excellence in Housing Innovation.
Wîhkwêntôwin as home
Located in Wîhkwêntôwin (formerly Oliver), a residential hub close to the heart of our city, The Mercury Block keeps residents connected to the vibrant downtown community. With transit routes and bike lanes within steps from the front door, it’s easy for residents to commute and run errands.
The team at Autograph recognized the importance of winter biking by including a bike wash station in the parkade—a small but essential amenity for many folks who live in central Edmonton.
“I think it’s probably one of the most important amenities you can put in a building, is somewhere for people to rinse their bikes off after winter riding. We have a lot of cyclists that live here. The bike storage is full,” says Schneider.
Not only do residents have easy access to transportation, but they also have access to retail and commercial spaces without leaving the building.
With 10 retail bays, The Mercury Block strengthens the 124 Street community by providing more opportunities for small and local businesses. Schneider emphasizes the importance of ensuring their retail tenants align with their residents’ needs, seeing success with their two current tenants: and the .
“Built-in clientele is nice, but the biggest benefit is being in a building that is active from morning to night. This creates a great sense of vitality,” says Peter West, owner of Coffee Bureau.
It’s the mantra of Autograph that you sleep in your unit but you live in the building. So it was important that everything from the ground up could be included as a space that becomes part of each resident’s home.
Residents are encouraged to embrace the entire space, from grabbing a smoothie at kb&co after a workout to walking downstairs in slippers for a morning coffee at the Coffee Bureau.
“I love knowing I can grab a healthy meal or one of the best cups of coffee in the city just by walking downstairs,” says McLaughlin.
The 2021 Edmonton Economic Incentive Construction Grant helped Autograph create a building that doesn’t just provide shelter but that fosters a sense of community, no matter the season. Projects like this help shape what it means to build in a winter city, while bringing creativity and vibrancy to the surrounding downtown area.
Article featured on City of Edmonton's Transforming Edmonton blog.