True Wild, Calgary – Canada

True Wild Distilling transforms a century-old industrial landmark into a bold new space for social gathering, craft distilling, and immersive hospitality. Originally built in 1911 as Calgary Power’s first substation, the building has evolved through time as an auto body shop, film set, and underground nightclub. Now, over a hundred years later, True Wild continues the site’s legacy of energy and innovation- bringing new life to a historic structure with a vibrant, modern experience.
HERITAGE MEETS CONTEMPORARY EDGE
True Wild’s design draws from the industrial past of the building while weaving in refined Art Deco influences. Every intervention was thoughtfully considered to maintain the integrity of the original architecture while creating a distinctive identity for the distillery. The result is a space where raw concrete, aged steel, and historic elements meet rich wood tones, sophisticated detailing, and warm lighting. The distillery’s layout fosters connection and engagement, with three oversized windows carved into the thick concrete walls to provide guests with a direct view of the distilling process. These rugged openings are framed with stepped wood surrounds- juxtaposing industrial rawness with Art Deco refinement. The second-level event space introduces further layers of sophistication, with opulent chandeliers and a custom-designed stained-glass backbar featuring a ‘prairie style’ motif from the era.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
The distilling area itself is designed to be fully immersive- clad in charred wood to evoke the feeling of stepping inside a whiskey barrel. Accessible only from the second level, this unique vantage point allows guests to experience the art of distillation from above, offering a perspective rarely seen in Canada. Throughout the space, original architectural elements are celebrated as design features. The cast-iron spiral staircase remains a striking focal point, connecting guests to the history of the building. A historic ‘follow me’ crane, once used to hoist materials on the second level, has been repositioned at the main entry- serving as both an industrial relic and a statement piece.