Mailing Address
Calgary Housing
Wood Centre
200, 2535 3rd Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2A 7W5
Contact Us
- (587) 390-1200
- calgary-housing.org
The elevator lobby of the parkade in Baker House was looking worse for wear. The walls were bare, and the space wasn’t welcoming at all. Claire Jackson noticed every time she passed through.
That sentiment was echoed by residents of Baker House, a downtown residential highrise operated by Calgary Housing (CH). The lobby was described as plain, boring, dreary, and depressing.
Jackson, a CH Housing Support Specialist, had experience leading mural projects at other CH locations and thought a resident-led mural at Baker House could refresh the space and change the tone.
“It's cheerful, not so depressing as before”.
The idea generated a lot of enthusiasm. Funding was secured through CH’s Resident Empowerment Fund and 10 residents came together to help design the mural. This core group participated in a mural art workshop and the project gathered steam.
Calgary Housing engaged Tiffany Lynn Cuffley, a multidisciplinary artist specializing in murals and contemporary artwork, to support the initiative.
Ideas for the mural poured in. Linette suggested a theme including a purple butterfly. Sharon proposed a bird be incorporated as part of the design. Over 75 residents voted on their favourite mural design, which was then finalized by Cuffley.
The mural was finished December 2025 and has created a completely new atmosphere. An explosion of colour has replaced the former institutional walls. Walking through the space today is about creativity and energy – a total departure from the olde environment.
The mural was finished December 2025 and has created a completely new atmosphere. An explosion of colour has replaced the former institutional walls. Walking through the space today is about creativity and energy – a total departure from the olde environment.
“The mood is like ‘welcome home,” says Bukola, a resident at Baker House.
“It’s cheerful, not so depressing as before,” Linnette says.
“[Now] you think you might be coming into an art studio,” says Sharon.
What was once a plain and uninviting space is now a reflection of collaboration, creativity, and community pride. The Baker House mural stands as a colourful welcome home moment – proof that art, shaped by resident voices can transform both a space and the way people feel within it.
"The mood is like 'welcome home'”.
Calgary Housing
Wood Centre
200, 2535 3rd Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2A 7W5