Nexen Building
Claim This PageShare:
Nexen Building is a high-rise commercial development completed in 1982. This project is 37 storeys tall, located at 801 7th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta.
The Nexen Building, located at 801 7th Avenue SW in Calgary, Alberta, stands as a prominent example of late-modernist architecture in the city's downtown core. Originally completed in 1982, this 37-storey skyscraper reaches a height of 152 meters (499 feet) and was designed by CPV Group Architects and Engineers Ltd. The main contractor for its construction was CANA Construction Company.
Known for its unique blade-like form and diagonal orientation, the Nexen Building was developed as the headquarters for NOVA Corporation, an influential player in Alberta's natural gas and chemical industries. The building's design minimizes shadowing on the adjacent Century Gardens, a notable public space in Calgary.
Architecturally, the building features a streamlined aesthetic with stainless steel and curtain wall facades. The innovative stub-girder system used in its construction was the first of its kind in Canada, providing an open floor plan free of intrusive structural columns. This allowed for more flexible and spacious interior layouts.
Over the years, the Nexen Building has undergone several renovations to modernize its facilities. In 2014, upgrades were made to the main floor lobby and the +15 level, enhancing public areas with new finishes, furnishings, and integrated seating areas. These updates aimed to create inviting and functional spaces for both office tenants and the public.
Despite its initial prominence, the building's occupancy has fluctuated. Nexen, the building's namesake and former main tenant, relocated its headquarters in 2019 to the Bow Tower, leaving the Nexen Building vacant. This move marked the building as the largest-ever completely vacant office tower in Calgary's history.
Today, the Nexen Building remains a significant part of Calgary's architectural heritage, reflecting the city's economic shifts and the evolution of its urban landscape. Its distinctive design and historical importance continue to make it a notable landmark in Calgary's downtown area.
Public discussion
Share your insights, thoughts, or ask questions about this project. Your comment not only drives discussion but also showcases your care for Calgary's community. Professionals, seize the opportunity to freely promote your business by engaging in conversations, while residents can influence the future of local neighbourhoods. Let's make a difference together!