True Wild Distillery: A Bold Revival of Calgary’s Industrial Past

True Wild Distillery breathes new life into a century-old industrial landmark, transforming it into a vibrant hub for social gathering, craft distilling, and immersive hospitality. Originally built in 1911 as Calgary Power’s first substation, the building has taken on many identities over the years—from an auto body shop to a film set and even an underground nightclub. Today, over a hundred years later, True Wild continues that spirit of innovation and energy, reimagining the site with bold vision and contemporary character.

HERITAGE WITH AN EDGE

The design of True Wild carefully balances respect for the building’s industrial heritage with refined Art Deco influences. Every intervention was approached with a light touch—preserving the integrity of the original architecture while introducing a distinctive, modern identity. Exposed concrete, aged steel, and authentic structural details meet warm wood finishes, elegant detailing, and atmospheric lighting. The space encourages interaction, with three large windows carved into the thick concrete walls offering direct views of the distillation process. These openings are framed in stepped wood surrounds, highlighting the contrast between raw industrial textures and Art Deco elegance. Upstairs, the event space adds another layer of sophistication, featuring statement chandeliers and a custom stained-glass backbar inspired by prairie-style motifs of the early 20th century.

AN IMMERSIVE DISTILLING JOURNEY

The distilling chamber is designed as a fully immersive experience—clad in charred wood that evokes the interior of a whiskey barrel. Accessible only from the second floor, this elevated vantage point allows guests to observe the craft of distillation from above—a rare perspective in Canada. Throughout the space, original architectural features are thoughtfully preserved and celebrated. A cast-iron spiral staircase serves as a dramatic sculptural element and connection to the building’s past. Near the entrance, a historic ‘follow me’ crane—once used to hoist materials to the upper level—has been repositioned as both an industrial artifact and bold entry statement.

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