Second life: reinvigorating a downtown landmark. September 3, 2026 Editor's note: This week's blog features the Spring 2026 issue's cover story. Read past issue's here: https://westernbuiltmagazine.ca/past-issues/ In the core of Edmonton's downtown, an aging residential building has been transformed into a modern example of sustainable urban renewal. The revamping of the SunRise Building, known formerly as Capital Tower, is the result of a deep energy retrofit designed for Avenue Living, a company that specializes in quality rental homes. The project, led by Chandos Construction, in partnership with Avenue Living, M.O. George Architect, Claroscuro Architecture, and Sunwise Engineering, demonstrates that existing buildings can be adapted to meet today's environmental and housing needs without having to start from scratch. Originally built in 1970, the 12-storey building had reached a point where significant intervention was required. Rather than pursuing demolition, the project team chose to reimagine the structure as a mixed-use building designed for affordable rental housing and improved environmental performance. The decision allowed the building's footprint and structure to be preserved, while dramatically upgrading its functionality and efficiency. For Chandos Construction, the project aligned closely with the company's values around sustainability and community impact. "Working within an existing structure forces you to be deliberate," says Dustin Tonsi, Project Manager at Chandos. "You're not just building something new. You're solving problems in real time and finding ways to make the building perform far better than it ever has before." A deep retrofit with a real impact. The scope of the work went well beyond surface-level improvements. The deep energy retrofit included full mechanical and electrical system replacements, extensive abatement and remediation, a modernized building envelope, and the complete redesign of 179 residential suites. Interior upgrades feature updated kitchens and bathrooms, LED lighting, and improved thermal comfort, while new amenity spaces were added to support resident well-being. One of the most defining elements of the project is its exterior. The revamped building incorporates Western Canada's largest building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) cladding system, making use of solar panels to serve as both an energy-generating system and the building's exterior skin. Combined with envelope and system upgrades, the BIPV installation - and a variety of other energy conservation measures - is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 64%. From a construction perspective, the integration of renewable energy directly into the façade added a level of complexity. "There's no playbook for something like this," Tonsi explains. "We had to coordinate closely with designers, suppliers, and various tradespeople to make sure performance, constructability, and aesthetics were all aligned." The BIPV panels also double as a form of public art, integrating into the façade an 85-foot mural titled, "The Land We Share" by local Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal. This integration of art and functionality earned a Guinness World Record for its unprecedented scale. Blending both Indigenous and Asian influences, the mural has become a striking visual landmark in the downtown core. Collaboration through complexity. The scope of the project expanded throughout its evolution, necessitating Claroscuro Architecture to be involved in the design of the second-floor amenity spaces. Community feedback played a role in shaping the second-floor amenity hub, which includes a fitness centre, yoga room, communal kitchen, games lounge, and golf simulator. The amenity spaces were developed through a collaborative design process led by Chandos, in partnership with Claroscuro, with Avenue Living contributing key feedback on layouts, materials, and finishes. Retrofit projects often present unknown conditions, and SunRise was no exception. Chandos prioritized communication to manage challenges related to structural discoveries, coordination, and material availability. The project team held regular coordination meetings, numerous trade-specific sessions, and frequent site walkthroughs to keep the project moving forward and on target. "Older buildings don't reveal everything on day one," says Tonsi. "The key was to create an environment where issues could be raised early and addressed collectively, in a prompt manner, as a team." Putting people first. The multilingual workforce that was employed added another layer of complexity. In response to this challenge, Chandos implemented measures to support clear communication and safety. Ukrainian subtitles were added to site orientations and translators were present when needed to ensure all workers could fully understand safety requirements. "These steps weren't just about compliance; they were primarily about respect and safety," Tonsi says. "Clear communication helps everyone work safely and confidently, and it shows in the quality of the final product." Those efforts paid off. The project exceeded airtightness targets and achieved partial occupancy ahead of schedule, allowing leasing to begin more than three months before final completion. A blueprint for urban renewal. The SunRise Building stands as an example that aging structures can be transformed through collaboration, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainability. Rather than replacing the building, the project enhanced the existing structure's performance, extending its lifespan, and adding much-needed affordable housing to Edmonton's downtown core. "This kind of work is about long-term value," Tonsi says. "When you invest in existing buildings, you're also investing in the neighbourhoods around them. The SunRise Building shows that with the right team and mindset, older buildings can play a meaningful role in the future of our cities." About Dustin Tonsi. Bringing nearly 12 years of construction experience across a variety of delivery methods and industry sectors, Dustin Tonsi offers strong adaptability, organization, and a collaborative team-first approach. These strengths have made him a key contributor on several successful project teams. He thrives in dynamic environments and consistently supports efficient project delivery through proactive coordination and clear communication. An incredible contributor to Chandos Construction, he is known for his curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement in construction and project management. About Chandos Construction. Established in 1980, Chandos Construction has become one of North America's most collaborative and innovative national technical builders. Employing more than 750 field and office staff in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Kelowna, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Chalk River - Chandos is 100 per cent employee owned. Chandos is a pioneer in integrated project delivery (IPD) and collaborative construction. Article tags.

New firehall gets greenlight after twists and turns. * RON SEYMOUR * Jun 11, 2026 Updated Jun 11, 2026 A contract has been awarded for the construction of a new $17.5 million firehall in Peachland, it was announced during the town's annual barbecue on Wednesday. The Peachland Lions Club served up 500 free hamburgers and 100 free hotdogs. * RON SEYMOUR A new firehall will be built in Peachland, for a maximum cost of $17.5 million, at the corner of 13th Street and San Clemente Avenue, just off Highway 97. The town announced the contract award Wednesday during Peachland's annual community barbecue. * Town of Peachland Nearly four years after Peachland voters approved plans for a new firehall, the town has awarded a construction contract. The 17,000 sq.-ft building, with room for eight trucks, will be constructed on town-owned land at the corner of 13th Street and San Clamente Avenue, just off Highway 97. "This long-awaited facility is one of council's top priorities and represents a significant investment in public safety and emergency preparedness for our community," Mayor Patrick Van Minsel said Wednesday at the town's annual free barbecue. Almost 10 per cent of Peachland's 6,400 residents turned out for the event, with the Peachland Lions Club serving 500 free hamburgers and 100 free hotdogs. As part of the 2022 civic election ballot, voters approved the town spending up to a maximum of $17.5 million for a new firehall. The initial proposal was for a larger building and might have included a commercial component. But the town was unable to buy a nearby church property, and construction costs rose sharply after the referendum, so the project had to be redesigned. After a request for proposal process, the town has awarded the design-build contract to Chandos Construction LP, working in partnership with Sahuri + Associates Architecture. Costs were kept down, the town says in a release, because bidders were encouraged to use "pre-engineered materials" and because the construction market is more favourable to the funders of projects than it has been in recent years. Construction is expected to start next year with the new firehall open by the end of 2028.