AHC Communications
605 Studio West is now welcoming its first tenants — and it didn’t take years to get here.
This project attracted media attention last summer — and for good reason. Built in a factory and assembled on-site in just 13 days, it’s proof that modular construction can dramatically speed up housing delivery.
Why Modular?
Attainable Homes Calgary explored prefabricated modular construction before it became a national priority. Even before the federal government identified modular as a solution to Canada’s housing crisis, we were already testing how it could help us build faster and smarter in downtown Calgary.
In truth, this project started out of necessity.
The site is incredibly small. When AHC took control, it was just a parking lot — later used as a material staging area for a 70-unit apartment we built across the street using traditional construction methods. There was simply no space to store materials on this parcel.
Adding to the challenge, the site sits at the busy intersection of 9th Street and 6th Avenue SW, right along the C-Train line. Closing lanes for 18 months — the typical duration for conventional construction — wasn’t an option.
Partnering for Speed
Our then-Board Chair, John Kozole, suggested we investigate modular construction. After interviewing multiple builders, we selected @ATCO Structures and began a partnership we hope will last for years.
In April 2025, construction began in ATCO’s factory with 56 modules forming 84 studio homes. By early August, these modules were transported along Crowchild Trail and craned into place.
When the third floor was lifted, we invited media to witness the build and speak with AHC President & CEO Jaydan Tait and ATCO Structures President Adam Beattie.
Thirteen days later, the building was fully stacked.
Affordable Housing at Speed
Speed is one part of the story — affordability is the other. 605 Studio West received a $5.5 million grant from @The City of Calgary’s Housing Capital Initiative. These municipal dollars directly support rents at $1,050 per month for hardworking Calgarians earning at least $42,000 annually.
For comparison, the conventionally built building across the street took nearly two years to complete. This modular building, including six months of final wiring, plumbing, and finishing work, reached completion in just 10 months.
The Future of Modular Housing
With this successful first project, all future AHC apartment buildings will use modular construction.
If we can deliver 84 homes in 10 months on one of downtown Calgary’s tightest sites, imagine what’s possible at scale.
We’re proud to be part of the evolution of housing construction in Calgary — delivering homes faster, smarter, and affordably for the people who need them most.
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