Forest Lawn Community Profile
Forest Lawn is one of Calgary’s most culturally vibrant communities, located in Ward 9 along International Avenue (17th Avenue SE). Originally a separate town established in 1910, it was annexed by Calgary in 1961. The community has approximately 5,500 homes and is undergoing significant revitalization.
Forest Lawn’s affordable pricing and proximity to downtown make it a hotspot for investment-focused basement development. Over 520 secondary suites are registered according to City of Calgary data. With homes priced from $300K to $500K based on current MLS data, the return on investment for legal suite conversion is among the highest in the city at $1,100-$1,600 per month rental income.
Why Forest Lawn Homeowners Choose OAF
Forest Lawn is one of Calgary’s most dynamic neighbourhoods for basement development. With homes built in 2018, the typical Forest Lawn property has an average of 750-1,100 sq ft of unfinished basement space-perfect for lifestyle renovations, legal suites, or recreational spaces.
- Matched expectations: Forest Lawn’s mix of mixed vintage (1950s-present with infills) means we’ve worked with similar home layouts and can set accurate timelines and budgets.
- Fixed-Price agreements: No surprises. We walk your space, set clear expectations, and deliver.
- Community relationships: We work with trusted trades in Forest Lawn and surrounding areas.
Services Available in Forest Lawn
Lifestyle Basement Development
Create the recreation space you’ve always wanted-home theatre, fitness area, wet bar, or family lounge. Typical cost: $40,000-$75,000.
Legal Secondary Suite
Earn rental income while adding value. Forest Lawn zoning permits secondary suites. We handle everything from design to permitting.
Garage Development
Whether new construction or renovation, we build garages that last. Protect your vehicles and add value to your home.
Forest Lawn: Neighbourhood Considerations
Forest Lawn basements sit on mixed clay and sandy loam, close to Bow River. This soil type generally excavates cleanly and compacts well, but site-specific surveys are always recommended to identify rock, water tables, or utilities.
Common Challenges
New area; some utility expansion ongoing
Contact OAF early in your ownership or before purchasing. We can assess your property, set budgets, and coordinate with City of Calgary before permitting begins.
Basement development costs vary based on scope. Here’s what to expect in Forest Lawn:
Contact us for a free in-home consultation in Forest Lawn.