well i thought we could devote a thread to calgary construction
post renderings, news articles etc. anything pertaining to development in calgary
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/joshwhit/development/centennialplace.jpg

Well, might as well kick this thread off:

Development Summary (thanks to Doug from SSP for maintaining this up to now):
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/2918/calgarydevsum7vn.jpg

Centrium Place (U/C):
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/2578/ggcentriumplace8rj.jpg

Livingston Place (U/C):
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3086/gglivingstonplace3nn.jpg
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5728/livingstonplazarendering5by.jpg

Sheldon Chumir Health Centre (U/C):
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/8973/ggsheldonchumir5hx.jpg

Southland Park (U/C):
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/7197/ggsouthlandpark4qo.jpg

Palliser Square (Approved):
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/7259/ggpallisersquare9gf.jpg

Centennial Place (Proposed):
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1234/ggcentennialplace4hi.jpg

Chocolate (U/C):
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/9532/chocolate6cy.jpg

Princeton Phase II (U/C):
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/665/princeton20gy.jpg

Five West (U/C):
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/8232/fivewest8ux.jpg

Stella (U/C):
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/3392/stella9gs.jpg
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5720/stella1pk.jpg

Stella Nova:
(no rendering available)

More:

Sasso & Vetro (U/C):
(Sasso)
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/9144/sasso4gh.jpg
(Vetro)
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/2084/vetrolevels3zu.jpg

Colours (Approved):
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/8639/colours26fq.jpg

Skytower (Approved):
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/4079/skytower21lg.jpg

Union Square (Approved):
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/2284/towerslg2ei.jpg

Opus (U/C):
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/1531/opus8nightfinal3et.jpg

Calgary Courts Centre (U/C):
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/4153/aerialview3qs.jpg

Calgary Water Centre (U/C):
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/2150/watercentre035dp.jpg

Penny Lane (resubmitting for approval with greater height):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/677/pennylane16gj.jpg

Bankers Court (Approved):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/3812/bankerscourt7bf.jpg

Vantage Pointe (U/C):
(Thankfully turning out much better than this rendering)
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/5315/midtown038pn.jpg

Castello (U/C):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/1144/castello27qf.jpg

Renoir Suites (Approved):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/7842/building0018tb.gif

Rockyview Hospital Expansion (U/C):
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/6365/cpvrockyviewhospital7ov.jpg

that is the first time i have seen the rockyview expansion!
bankers court is a great design too, albeit boxy.
chocolate is now topped out!

And more:

National Condos (Approved):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/8706/national9ln.jpg

Xenex (Proposed):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/8422/xenex8tt.jpg

Kai Mortensen (Proposed):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/2752/homburg11and118fh.jpg

Midtown Towers (Approved):
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/4151/midtownrendering3wt.jpg

Stampede Expansion (Supposed to start construction this year):
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/3599/calgarystampedeexpansion4ss.png

Montana (Approved):
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/1653/montana4im1if.jpg

Brava (1 of 3 U/C, rest Approved):
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4259/westgatebrava1vm.jpg

Homburg-Harris (U/C):
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/6502/postoffice1fq.jpg

Riverfront Pointe (going to City Planning Commission for approval):
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/922/riverpointe3hv.jpg

My internet connection crashed earlier so I'm just going to post one more tonight and won't push my luck by adding more.

Certainly one of the best developments going up right now, and will contain Alberta's tallest residential towers.

Arriva I - 38 stories (U/C):
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4350/picturetwotowers25jt.jpg

Arriva 42 (II and III) (Approved):
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9182/arriva3hm.jpg

And of course everyone here is waiting eagerly in anticipation of Encana's tower which is currently being worked on by Norman Foster, Jeremy Sturgess, and the Zeidler Partnership. The day the design is released, Skyscraperpage will probably crash from all us hyper Calgarians.

homburg-harris looks to be where bankers court is proposed?

homburg-harris looks to be where bankers court is proposed?

Homburg-Harris is the Post Office Development, right across the street from the Palliser Hotel. Bankers Court is going to be adjacent to Bankers Hall I think.

BORRIS
I want to say thank you .
the renderings you have supplyed us with are ausome and everything you say and write I believe is valuable . You and other ALBERTA formers will insure the success of each individule thread ! Thanks.

no worries.

Rhino: Thank you very much. :)

w00t. Time for some more RENDERINGS!

Westmount Corporate Campus (U/C):
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/1299/buildingphoto7wz.jpg

Glenmore Professional Centre (Approved):
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/5765/58l5dx.jpg

Collonade (U/C):
(new design, old developer went bankrupt in the middle of construction)
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/1613/collonade29dk.jpg

7th Ave Redevelopments:
(One of the new C-Train stations has already been built)
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/3199/7thaverev18ga.jpg
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/2051/7thaverev20rh.jpg
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/8463/7thaverev31cv.jpg
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/1166/7thaverev43ut.jpg

Rivers District Revitalization:
(Science Centre is currently the Telus World of Science in the west end of Downtown, Zoo developments include a new arctic exhibit and such, etc)
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/7864/riversdistrictrev7we.jpg

East Village ARP:
(Yes, the redevelopment of Calgary's worst area has been in planning for a very, very long time and it doesn't look like it could start for several more years)
http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/8847/eastvillagearp9fs.jpg


Area A: The riverfront lands include a Riverfront Promenade/Plaza for informal and formal public activities, i.e. a place of rest and reflection to festival and markets and accommodates the Regional Pathway system.

Area B: The Residential Area includes a variety of building forms accommodating residential, public, Live/Work, commercial and service uses contributing to a vibrant mix of street level activities. A Central Square at the core of the community with a retail focus consisting of restaurants and shops, and a 5th Street Neighbourhood Square also characterizes this area.

Area C: The Transition Area becomes the link between downtown and East Village allowing for larger mixed use buildings and Campus Calgary. The Transition Area includes a new park adjacent to the Salvation Army Centre of Hope.

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1417/eastvillagerev17sy.jpg

(Before)
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5522/eastvillagerev214ej.jpg
(After)
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5339/eastvillagerev227wi.jpg

Wow... Calgary is looking awesome! All (excpet for Chocolate) are extremely nice... Especially Penny Lane, Calgary Courts Center, Centennial Place, Centrium Place and Livingston Place.

Keep up the good work & can't wait for EnCana.

But Chocolate is everyone's fav project right now! (that is nearly finished) :(

It's so sexy

Taken by me in December 2005 (glass is all the way to the top now).

http://img283.imageshack.us/img283/447/chocolate123vd.jpg

Oh well in that pic it looks great. The render makes it look like a commie tower with a brown box on top.

if your interested in seeing some defunct projects.
there are about 20 or so major 400 plus footers here
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=98555

I've been quite interested in what is going to be going on in the EastVillage/Bridgeland etc but one question........when is construction/redevelopment in this area going to start or has it already?

I've been quite interested in what is going to be going on in the EastVillage/Bridgeland etc but one question........when is construction/redevelopment in this area going to start or has it already?

The Bridges is currently going into its second phase of development. That is across the Bow at Bridgeland/Memorial.

As for the East Village, last I heard the city has been arguing over the TIF boundaries, which IIRC Bronco wanted to expand all the way to Center Street, which would include Encana. Some of the work should start pretty soon though. One thing that is encouraging is that Riverfronte Pointe has been approved and will start construction soon.

Here is an article from Feb7:

East Village going condo
Four-tower residential project vital step to reviving depressed area

By MICHAEL PLATT, CALGARY SUN

The promise of a city-backed rejuvenation is starting to lure private investors back into the East Village, with a four-tower condominium tower ready for approval.

Mayor Dave Bronconnier says a number of other residential and commercial projects are "in the hopper," and he welcomes the first, a proposal by Pointe of View Developments to build a 721 unit condo project at 336 4 Ave. S.E.

"It speaks to the private sector's willingness -- some pioneers are willing to put their own risk capital up, and that's very positive," said Bronconnier.

Bronconnier said the development, and others which are in the planning stages, shows city council's push to rebuild the area, using a system called Tax Increment Financing, is working.

"They see the city is committed to moving forward on the East Village," he said.

Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, will see the city borrow money to rebuild the East Village's infrastructure, and then pay back the cash through the property taxes of developers who move in.

Work will start this year on infrastructure such as sewers and sidewalks in the run-down area, where little new building activity has taken place in decades.


It seems Calgarians are willing to support the East Village's promise of shops, homes and an urban campus too, with the larger of Pointe of View's initial towers already sold out.

The first phase of the project, 250 condominium units housed in two towers standing 20 and 10 storeys tall, goes to the city's Planning Commission for approval on Thursday.

The entire project will span the length of 4 Ave. and feature three towers between 20 and 28 storeys high, with a 10-storey tower along 3 St., with retail space at ground level.

Ald. Druh Farrell said the arrival of developers willing to rebuild the East Village will be a turning point for downtown Calgary.

"We're seeing a lot of optimism around the East Village," said Farrell.

"People are very excited about the potential of the area -- there's a sense this is going to be the place to be."

One other newer development in the area, an apartment condo complex at 8 Ave. and 5 St. S.E., was built several years ago.

EDIT: Here's a map of the TIF area.

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/2885/2005maytheriversdistric5px.jpg

Wow Calgary's using a TIF (Tax-incremental Fund). I'm impressed!

that area has so much potential!

The Bridges again amaze me- was there today, checked out new Heartland Cafe, there's now a great brand new access from memorial (or the LRT station) on foot right into the community. Starbucks was packed, Heartland was packed, Zipang is a great new sushi place.

The Bridges is going to leapfrog over Marda Loop, which is REALLY slow in its retail strip development... bridges did the right thing, building live-work and mixed use. Marda Loop isn't the new Kensington: Bridges/Bridgeland is. It's a beautiful thing to witness.

yeah, especially with all the new development which is planned for there. it is one of the best locations. and i think that inglewood will make some noise aswell

Has there been any more news on the Encana Tower?

nope not yet. some of the guys on ssp have some info, but as far as the overall design goes that wont be released till the spring.
and i cant freakin wait

Cool thread, I'm excited!

You know what? I am going to post some more stuff, just because I feel like it.

1. So you guys know what the Arriva towers are gonna look like (go look at page 1 if you missed 'em). Let's take a peek at the ground level.

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7476/arrivaolympicway2ts.jpg
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1073/arriva3rdst9zu.jpg
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7825/arrivavillage3ir.jpg

The Arriva towers happen to be located in a particularly run-down Beltline hood of Victoria Park (east of Macleod Trail, north of the Stampede grounds, south of the tracks, and west of the Elbow River). Now, this particular section of Vic Park also has the dubious distinction of being Calgary's warehouse district, so there are a bunch of brick buildings, which is reflected in the design of the Arriva podium.

The whole development also incorporates the historic Victoria School, which will sit in the center of the site.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Moving on, I have more stuff on the Bridges for you guys.

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2928/bridges0zi.gif
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/2515/bridges24dl.gif
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/8376/bridges30co.gif

Cool, eh? Let's just rewind a bit and review one of the comments by Furry
The Bridges again amaze me- was there today, checked out new Heartland Cafe, there's now a great brand new access from memorial (or the LRT station) on foot right into the community. Starbucks was packed, Heartland was packed, Zipang is a great new sushi place.

The Bridges is going to leapfrog over Marda Loop, which is REALLY slow in its retail strip development... bridges did the right thing, building live-work and mixed use. Marda Loop isn't the new Kensington: Bridges/Bridgeland is. It's a beautiful thing to witness.
As I mentioned before, the Bridges is now moving into Phase 2! Awesome.
-------------------------------------------------------------

3. South Health Campus

This one is still years off, but I might as well post some of the stuff.

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/9217/south1jm.jpg
Project Highlights:
-Approximately 350 beds will be added to the Region’s health care system.
-Teaching and research facilities will help train future health care professionals.
-Other services such as a wellness centre, ambulatory facilities and a joint Calgary Health Region-Southern Alberta Institute of Technology are being considered.
-Design plans will allow for future expansion and development on the site

Construction Details
The future site of the South Health Campus is located at Deerfoot Trail and 196th Ave SE. Calgary firm Kasian Architecture and U.S. firm HDR are working with the Calgary Health Region to plan and design a “health campus for the 21st century”. Completion of the initial phase is tentatively scheduled for 2010.

Costs
The project will cost an estimated $550 million, which was funded by the Government of Alberta in 2005.
Basically it's way out near the city limits.
-----------------------------------------------------------

4. Child Development Centre (U/C)

This thing is going up right across from the new Children's Hospital.
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/1099/cdc4rz.jpg
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/2121/cdc22as.jpg
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/2229/cdc37ng.jpg
The CDC is a proposed two building, 185,000 square foot project consisting of office, laboratory and child care space. The CDC project anticipates the achievement of significant synergies by creating an integrated, collaborative and innovative environment for a multidisciplinary team of child development clinicians, researchers, educators and policy makers. The CDC facilities will be located on the Southwest corner of the University of Calgary campus, immediately adjacent to the Physical Plant.

The Child Development Centre is aiming at a LEED Platinum certification.

In the lands east of arriva including a fair chunk of the CPR yards, which will be closed, there will be a massive development by one developer who owns all that land on a scale larger than East Village. The developer is talking about 9500 residents over about 10-12 years of development. That number includes the lands where the Victoria bus barns being redeveloped by the city as well. We will hear a lot about this in the next couple of years once the plans for the 4th street E underpass are finalized.

Hey, I know. Since I'm bored, how about I devote an entire post to the master plans for Calgary's largest hospital?

That would be the Foothills Hospital.

Format will be: pictures above, captions below. Both provided by the Calgary Health Region.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/8888/20020rp.jpg

The current Foothills Medical Centre is the largest health facility in the Calgary Health Region, with 763 hospital beds, 135 long-term care beds and 7,200 employees serving up to 500,000 patients each year. The Foothills Medical Centre is busy due to the increased demand for specialized on-site services. Some of these services include Trauma, Neurosurgery, Burn Unit, Oncology, Cardiology, Open Heart Surgery, Organ and Bone Marrow Transplantation, High Risk Maternity and Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit, 21 operating theatres, a 22-bed Intensive Care Unit, and a 24-bed Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/4172/20047cw.jpg
This phase involves major upgrades to the Special Services Building to convert the inpatient units from continuing care to acute care. Infrastructure will be upgraded throughout the building to accommodate this conversion. It also includes the development of additional parking facilities on site. These are needed to address the current shortage of parking at peak times, and to add parking that will be needed for future developments such as the University of Calgary’s Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC). A number of stalls will be lost when the 37th Street interchange is built over 16th Avenue, and they need to be replaced prior to the beginning of construction.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/4060/20069ua.jpg
This phase includes the addition of a five-storey podium behind the current Main Building, to accommodate a larger Intensive Care Unit, with 14 additional beds. Lab facilities will be consolidated and replaced, operating rooms will be added and replaced and Diagnostic Imaging (DI) will be expanded in a more convenient location. This phase also anticipates the completion of the 37th Street interchange at the west corner of the site, and a new ring road around the Foothills Medical Centre.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/2184/20169an.jpg
This phase of development would mirror Phase 2, with an additional five-storey podium, housing a new emergency department and additional clinical supports and ambulatory services, with a six-story tower housing further inpatient units. This addition will replace any remaining services located within the Main Building, South tower, Grace Women's Health Centre and North Tower.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/8245/20202kq.jpg
Completion of phase three will allow removal of the Main Building with replacement to allow connections between the new facilities, the SSB Cancer Centre and the University facilities.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5042/20221qp.jpg
Phase anticipates the removal of the South Tower, North Tower and Grace Women's Health Centre and the potential addition of some small buildings on-site that would be the maximum development that the site could accommodate. These additional buildings might provide additional space for the Cancer Centre, University or private partnerships, but are not required as a part of the program of services to be provided by the Region as described in the Master Program for the Foothills Master Plan.

http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/fmc/project/fmcmasterplan.htm

In the lands east of arriva including a fair chunk of the CPR yards, which will be closed, there will be a massive development by one developer who owns all that land on a scale larger than East Village. The developer is talking about 9500 residents over about 10-12 years of development. That number includes the lands where the Victoria bus barns being redeveloped by the city as well. We will hear a lot about this in the next couple of years once the plans for the 4th street E underpass are finalized.

Wow, I didn't know about that one. Or I'd forgotten... whichever. I was starting to wonder myself if those yards would ever dissappear.

EDIT: BTW, could a mod please sticky this thread?

Holy shit. I didn't know that the main hospital building that is there now will be gone eventually. thanks for the great post.

yeah ditto that!

Of particular interest to Calgarians should be the new Science Centre (Telus World of Science). The site was down all last night and I finally got to the PDF for the development.

http://www.calgaryscience.ca/organization/expansion/WorkingPaper2005.pdf

The whole thing is supposed to be completed by 2010, but I don't know if that is still true.

Anyways, there are conceptual renderings in the PDF. That means, NONE of these are official renderings, just ideas.

1. Mathematics:
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/4108/sciencecentre35lh.jpg

2. Geology:
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5397/sciencecentre44bw.jpg

3. Biology:
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2736/sciencecentre51ae.jpg
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2919/sciencecentre61qk.jpg

4. European Model:
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8783/sciencecentre71ia.jpg
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2985/sciencecentre7bz.jpg

Other (I'm not sure which idea this rendering applies to, if any):
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/4359/sciencecentre29bb.jpg

I personally like #3 the most.

wow those look great! hope you dont mind boris, but im gonna show this to the guys over at ssp, these are some great designs!
any more details on these?

^^ I'd actually like to see a structure that is more reflective of the immediate environment in the area, IE the creek, hills and valley. Several of the conceptual drawings stick-out too much. That's not to say the building should be overly humble ... I'm just hoping that it doesn't try to compete with the lands and instead works with them.

This site has excellent visibility, and its great that it is in the proximity of the zoo.

Are the Bridgelands and EastVillage REALLY underway right now or just sort of getting their acts together and progressing slowly. IOW, are any people actually moving into these areas yet and have any cafe's etc gone up in the neighbourhood?

Are the Bridgelands and EastVillage REALLY underway right now or just sort of getting their acts together and progressing slowly. IOW, are any people actually moving into these areas yet and have any cafe's etc gone up in the neighbourhood?
The Bridges (I think that is what you are referring to as Bridgeland) as stated before are moving into phase II now. There are cafes, people moved in, a community centre, park, etc.

As for the East Village (now the Rivers District), no digging has started yet. However since Riverfronte Pointe is now approved, and should start construction by the spring, the whole process is just about to begin.

This site has excellent visibility, and its great that it is in the proximity of the zoo.
Indeed, it is a much better location than where it is right now.

I disagree about the location. Although not bad, and has some opportunities to work well with the Zoo, it is actually quite far from the LRT stop. It is quite a treck across that big zoo parking lot.

I'd prefer to see a downtown location.

I disagree about the location. Although not bad, and has some opportunities to work well with the Zoo, it is actually quite far from the LRT stop. It is quite a trek across that big zoo barking lot.

I'd prefer to see a downtown location.

Maybe they should run a tram through the parking lot, like the one at Heritage park?

Some of the designs for the science museum are wicked! My favorite was the fourth on down.

WOW--things sure have changed since I left Calgary three years ago. Holy f*ck! This city will not be recognizable in another year or two!

I disagree about the location. Although not bad, and has some opportunities to work well with the Zoo, it is actually quite far from the LRT stop. It is quite a treck across that big zoo parking lot.

If it actually was a little further North, it could have been serviced by the first station North of the zoo on the planned North LRT line. If the main entrance is actually planned for the North side, is it far enough now for a station? Its the same distance as between Stampede and Earlton stations. Another possibility is a station that some trains skip over, e.g. the ones between 5:30am and 8:30am. Yet another possibility is that the North line not stop at zoo and skip straight to science centre (yes there are issues with that, but it's just brainstorming)

This might actually give the North line a bit of a push.

The tram idea is insteresting, but to be quite honest, more Calgarians (including me) need to increase their walking anyway. [okay, I admit this last comment contradicts by prior LRT comments]

wow The Arriva podium looks fantastic. I think it will realy complement the older structures in the area. I was born in the General hospital and spent a good part of my child yrs in bridgeland, so its nice to see the devalopment there as well. good work boris.

city centre
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e232/johnman69/citycentre.jpg

very nice , still know word out on the big one yet though , wonder why its taking so long ...

Rhino, that's "lose," not "loose," and it would apply to everyone, not just Muslims. I am married to a Muslim and don't like to see this directed at him. People stop evolving when they make group-based claims.

i hear that!

I work at the city of Calgary in the Development department. So far, no conceptual drawings have been submitted, but an email was sent from the higher powers above explaining a little bit about the project (how our department will co-ordinate with the project). Usually, there will be some sort of preliminary meeting that is held (along with conceptual drawings) between the principle planner and any members of the CPAG team. It looks like thus far, an experienced Lead Planner has been assigned to co-ordinate with the Foster group. Usually, on a project such as this one, many planners can get involved and work as a team, but I think they are only assigning the one as to get all his focus on the project.

This is exciting for all of us in the department, as this will probably be the most expensive building permit to come in in a long time... the conceptual drawings will probably be coming in soon. They are probably still trying to secure any land that they can possibly aquire for the final design, and probably are working on what to do with the heritage buildings.

Personally, I feel the City would allow them to take down those sites, as they do not have historical value, but that would also mean critisism from the public. At the same time, keeping the fasades to the buildings is an option like what they did with the Telus Convention Centre on 8th avenue. I truly feel the development will be alot nicer without the hertiage buildings in my opionion... And just from my gut instincts, I dont believe they will end up taking the police building in the deal, although I would love to have them do so to make the most of the development.

On a side note, the zoo came in not too long ago, and Im pretty impressed with that. It'll look and feel more complete like a zoo... eventually, the dinosaur park will be phased out from the looks of things.

And it looks like the towers at the Calgary Tower and the Penny Lane Towers are good to go... assuming funding is there.. This is the second time Penny Lane has come in due to a change in the development... apparently, there's insufficient parking for the project, and the City may work with them to expand the Centennial Parkade across the street by two floors.

Welcome to the forum and thanks for your comments. I hope oyu can keep us up to date with some of the big donwtown projects. It would be a shame on this city if it let EnCana demolish a lot of these buildings. I do think buildings such as the Northwest Travellers Building, the Old Firehall, The York do have historical value. Why tear them down when there seems to be an abundance of vacant space to build on across the two sites. At the very, very least, incorporate them into the development. I was under the impression they were using the York for density transfers to the main site. I have a hunch they will preserve most of the buildings in question. Foster and Sturgess are just way too good of architects to be so insensitive to the context of this development. I guess only time will tell.

You shoud consider going and joining forum.skyscraperpage.com It's Western Canada and Calgary sections are extremely active. Someone already quoted your post here over there.

Cheers

Thanks. I'll be sure to check out the other page. Do to the FOIP act, we cannot comment much in terms inquiries and such. However, the moment it comes in on a Development Permit (and they all do) information can be released, as it is now public knowledge.

Just looking at the type of designs Foster comes out with, it's no doubt the building will have some kind of funky design to it. If you look at say, the Gerhkin and say, the building they built for the hong kong bank, the buildings almost have a subreal feel to them... being that it blends with nature, or somewhat industrial. I have a feeling that it wont be reflective of any 'cowboy' themes or anything like that... afterall, gibbs gage was inspired by the mountains from what I hear for the penny lane design.

I think if they do establish a set theme, the york, fire hall, travellers, legion, and regis buildings would somewhat stick out like a sore thumb should they have a design that has a lot of glass/steel work. The Telus Convention Centre pulled it off, as all the fasades saved were all interconnected, and on the same street... allowing them to create the theme on one side, and a completely new look on the other.. I just dont see them keeping all those buildings, and somehow implementing it into a steel/glass design... being that all those buildings are facing different directions, and are located all over the place...

It'll be quite some time before a new Police HQ would be established should Encana decide that they would like to aquire the Davidson building as well. Unless the building (or portion of the building) is slated to be built after the main tower goes up.

At this point, the City and the lone planner (and he's a pretty respected city planner that deals with lots of large projects) is engaging on talks with the Foster Group. It was suggested to us by email that we have a look at the Foster page, and appreciate the possibility of a project like this come to fruitation in Calgary.

Im sure the City wants this project (as much as Bronco would want to add this to his repetoire..) So there might be some leeway in terms of building design the City might relax. Just looking at some of the projects Foster has come up with in the past, there might be some things (design wise) that just wont allow in our bylaw, let alone Alberta Building code.. albeit the code they cannot alter, the bylaw could be relaxed - with some restrictions of course.

But at the end of the day, this project looks very promising (and attractive), and building lovers alike hope not to be dissapointed.

Downtown is always problematic with density in most cases anyway.. I dont see them purchasing two lots as a way to transfer density, as one lot is clearly larger than the other anyway (and they're gonna build on both lots regardless.. unless if one lot is gonna be a park).. If they dont build a tower there, someone else will. It's more or less the parking situation the city will look at down the road. So depending on the size of the building, they will need to come up with a creative solution for parking.

The Penny Lane towers will mean an end to Penny Lane Mall... from the plans, it looks like there will only be a couple service tenants (from the looks of things, there will be about 6 or 7 kiosks for food in the food court, one larger restaurant, and two or three retail shops (ie. convenience store) in the first two floors... there is an open atrium with what looks to be a waterfall... the floorplates are ALOT smaller than what I expected when I first saw the concept drawings... I cant remember, but I do believe it is one podium with the two towers on it (or something to that liking).

There is also a concern with the Science Centre project as well... as there seems to be some concern with parking shared with the zoo, and people using the parking as a park and ride. There is talks that they may impliment a charge and park there to ease off the parking, and what a hotel near that site may do for the area. St.George's drive may need to be upgraded.

I think because of the type of climate we have, using full glass and not having anyone do a LEED project would be somewhat silly.. seeing that it's supposed to be state of the art, and leading the way.

Just wait till you guys see the proposed development for Eau Claire Market... it looks like a large indoor stadium with towers to the side... somewhat silly... but hey, it's only conceptual anyway.

Just wait till you guys see the proposed development for Eau Claire Market... it looks like a large indoor stadium with towers to the side... somewhat silly... but hey, it's only conceptual anyway.

Some of us from the Calgary Urban Initiative have seen the plans, at least as of a few months ago. We're looking forward to seeing more.

BTW, speaking of park n' rides, there's something that really bugs me. Did nobody ever think of building parkades, overground or underground, at places like Anderson? Cause right now there are a huge amount of ugly surface lots that could be used for TOD's if they just built some parkades to make up for the loss.

If there is anything online I'd certainly be interested in seeing it :)

nothing published yet, but the eau claire isnt that hype.. if anything, I think it looks a little too heavy for the area... and doesnt fit in very well...

one of the things that kinda would have been cool was if the bank of montreal went ahead and built the other twin.

when the tower was first built, they left room on the easterly side to build another tower that was to mirror the current tower... they either ran out of money, or felt it wasnt worth it to build it. at the present moment, that space is occupied by a small park and the plus 15 tunnel. down 7th ave, there's also another open space that looks funny downtown... (I think it's next to the John Haddon building? (or the old land titles?) it's just a patch of grass in the middle of nowhere it seems, and there's a picnic table on it.. you'd think they'd want to pave it and have some parking on it at least.

One thing everyone seems to have on the radar is the old greyhound bus barns down in eau claire... everyone wants it and wants to have it rezoned for a multicondo/home office.. but it looks to me that in order for the eau claire development to be built, they will aquire that land too.

I saw concepts during the mayor awards of the downtown area in that area.. and there seems to be some future towers that relate to the livingston towers.. at the time (early last year) the pictures depicted four identical towers there with a connected area that had colored glass like the Aberdeen Mall in Richmond, BC... and also a public park space..

It might just be conceptual planning ahead by the artist.. but that would definately be a nice development should it happen..

The Livingston towers look nice, but the colors look so bland... it's too dark.. looks like the building down the street from it.

when the tower was first built, they left room on the easterly side to build another tower that was to mirror the current tower... they either ran out of money, or felt it wasnt worth it to build it. at the present moment, that space is occupied by a small park and the plus 15 tunnel.
Apparently the foundations for the large tower are still there, and they might put a redesigned tower up on it.
One thing everyone seems to have on the radar is the old greyhound bus barns down in eau claire... everyone wants it and wants to have it rezoned for a multicondo/home office.. but it looks to me that in order for the eau claire development to be built, they will aquire that land too.

I saw concepts during the mayor awards of the downtown area in that area.. and there seems to be some future towers that relate to the livingston towers.. at the time (early last year) the pictures depicted four identical towers there with a connected area that had colored glass like the Aberdeen Mall in Richmond, BC... and also a public park space..
Have heard about this one from wildwildwest (also works in the municipal building). Haven't seen anything myself but it always sounds interesting.

my comments are towords thoughs in the muslim communitee that spread Fear and hate ( a portion on them ) not all of them . those who follow the teaching of Qaron and its true meaning are wonderfull. Like any faction of people , this particular branch of believers has swayed from the qarons true teching , ask you husband he will tell you . these people need to know what they are doing is WRONG , just like the Germans did in the mid 40's . not to the scale of course . but its still wrong.

I'm lost........
What is CityCentre? Also I thought PennyLane was dead.

Therefore a couple of questions about "lanes" in downtown Calgary.
First, what is PennyLane? Is it a little shopping street or just a glorified alleyway?
Second, what is BarcleyLane? Is there shopping along the street like StephenAve?

Actually, while I'm at it, is there any intersting areas to shop on CentreSt on the other side of the bridge?

I'm lost........
What is CityCentre? Also I thought PennyLane was dead.

Therefore a couple of questions about "lanes" in downtown Calgary.
First, what is PennyLane? Is it a little shopping street or just a glorified alleyway?
Second, what is BarcleyLane? Is there shopping along the street like StephenAve?

Actually, while I'm at it, is there any intersting areas to shop on CentreSt on the other side of the bridge?

City Centre is a revived proposal with that awesome new design. It used to look like a few stubby Chrysler towers.

Penny Lane is a small building between 8th Ave and 9th Ave to the west of Banker's Hall. The Penny Lane proposal is not dead and went through a recent re-approval for greater height. The new proposal also is rumored to have another color added to the glass, but nobody has a copy of the rendering.

Penny Lane as it is now:
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/3343/picture809yc.jpg

Barclay Mall is a North-South street (4th I believe) in downtown which has some interesting stone carvings on it and some nice buildings (including Centrium), but otherwise is like most other downtown streets but with wide sidewalks. It terminates in Eau Claire.

I'm not sure of what's on the other side of the Bridge. I think there are some restaurants over there but...

EDIT: I should also mention that City Centre (office) is supposedly at 215m, making it 1m taller than PetroCan, our current tallest.

Thanks for the info.
PennyLane looks kind of nice, I hope they don't ruin the little street for some ugly glass box.

Another question............How do I register for skyscraperpage.com ?????? The Cal/Edm sections seem to be more interesting and informative but for some unknown reason I can't seem to be able to register and its starting to piss me off.
I have 3 different email addresses and have tried registering with all three and still no luck.
I would appreciate some help, thanks Shane

We are waiting to see how the new design treats the street. Currently it is pretty nice there, but Penny Lane can get very empty.

Everyone seems to have difficulty registering there. I would try sending a message to M II A II R II K, who is the admin over there and also a user here.

Interesting... That's the first time I've seen/heard of the City Centre project.. any idea where it's supposed to go? It looks like a mixed use project... one tower for residential, and one tower office?

I was just reading that other skyscraper site, and they were talking about the London condos... I've seen the colored renderings and plans for it... but I just cant see myself purchasing one of those.. I mean, no matter what side of the building(s) I'd buy, I wouldnt have a "great" view... I mean, that site is surrounded by the rail yards, mac trail, and some other odd industrial buildings... it wouldnt be my first choice of a condo... but I guess if you're in it for the quick ctrain access, it wouldnt be bad.

But apparently there's some problems with the intersection there... Looks like there's going to be some major upgrades, and whether it's tax payer's dollars, or a collaboration between the city and the developer, looks like a new interchange will need to be built there to support the development. They're discussing it right now.

Interesting... That's the first time I've seen/heard of the City Centre project.. any idea where it's supposed to go? It looks like a mixed use project... one tower for residential, and one tower office?

I was just reading that other skyscraper site, and they were talking about the London condos... I've seen the colored renderings and plans for it... but I just cant see myself purchasing one of those.. I mean, no matter what side of the building(s) I'd buy, I wouldnt have a "great" view... I mean, that site is surrounded by the rail yards, mac trail, and some other odd industrial buildings... it wouldnt be my first choice of a condo... but I guess if you're in it for the quick ctrain access, it wouldnt be bad.

But apparently there's some problems with the intersection there... Looks like there's going to be some major upgrades, and whether it's tax payer's dollars, or a collaboration between the city and the developer, looks like a new interchange will need to be built there to support the development. They're discussing it right now.

As far as City Centre goes... between 2nd and 3rd Ave, on the lot where The Old Spaghetti factory now sits. (across from Livingston Place)

And yeah, London is now U/C. It's main asset is of course the C-train station.

EDIT: Isn't there some sort of planned interchange for Heritage/Macleod?

There's some sort of change for that intersection, but "someone" wants "someone" to break out the cheque book to pay for it... especially if it's going to cost quite a bit... like when new subdivisions are planned, the City usually gets the developer to cough up some money to help with the roads/services etc etc... but in this situation, there's going to be a change that accomodates just the development itself... I mean, it'll have change for the rest of the area too.. but there's something more specific that's going into the development (probably some kind of on ramp or something??).

anyone know what the city makes a year in taxes ? Im curious about in comparison with other cities its size...

being in "oil rich" alberta, i think that has some bearing on this figure as well. but ill se if i can get some info for you

cool , Ive wondered why the taxes would be raised in a plce that does have access to some Oil money I would imagine . It would be neat to find out tax rate too .

I don't know the tax rate, but I know for sure that the city has no access to oil money whatsoever. The city has been forced to raise taxes to pay for infrastructure that should have been built throughout the 1990's. That's why Bronco has been fighting the upper levels of government for some damn money, in order to avoiding having to raise property taxes more while the province get's a $7.4 Billion surplus and the Federal government gets their own.

New renderings from SSP.

Final Design for London (at Heritage) U/C
http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/5852/2006londonsmall1vl.jpg
This is a Transit Oriented Development on the south LRT route.

Final Design for the Collonade U/C
http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/9235/4thstreet21stave9rv.jpg
This one is on 4th Street and 21st Ave. It reached ground level and then sat like that for around a year (over over a year?) because the developer went bankrupt. It's been picked up again by another firm and BKDI gave it a redesign.

If you do title searches at the present moment, The City still owns the parking lot next to the York, the Andrew Davidson Building, the Legion, and the firehall. A private company still owns the Trader building, and CUPS still owns theirs. Looks like Encana has already purchased the Regis though. Unless they are fairly confident that the rest will be purchased, this could affect the overall design at this point.

The Calgary Police owns a whole city block down by riverfront avenue, and there's talk that this is a possible site to bring all three police divisions together that are currently spread out into three buildings at the moment. A new Police HQ could be built there (as this is also where the Police Union offices reside at the moment). <--- union offices taking up a whole block?? something doesnt sound right here!!

If Encana were to take the Davidson building as well, they would also have to wait for the Police to build their own new building and move first before doing any demo work, but seeing as they are building two buildings, it can be phased in, and the southernly building will be built last.

Looks like Penny Lane will lose it's facias on the stephen avenue mall side, It seems very unlikely that this project will keep them at this point. This Project looks like it will also revamp the 9th avenue bridge, and I believe it's 4th St on the other side? If anything this project should include restaurants/stores/cafes (white keeping the fasades) on the Stephen Avenue side... extending the Stephen Avenue Mall down towards this direction would be a big bonus for the area as there is already established restaurants, theatres and new development here. Otherwise, Stephen Avenue Mall really ends at the Trees.

the Centennial and City Centre Projects are at a standstill, probably due to transportation concerns. I dont think they want to encourage parkade traffic on 2ST. I believe the Centennial has retail tenants located inside the building on the second floor, and planners want them streetside to promote pedestrian traffic in Eau Claire.

That colonade looks way different than what it used to look like. it's nice to finally see them do work on it instead of leaving it as a hole in the ground. I knew there was trouble when Graham construction started taking away the cranes. No more residential from the looks of things? the project next to it (Lebeau) has alot of green glass and white concrete (very mtech ish?) I wonder how they'll match together...

Ingersoll10 also had another project on the go right behind the colonade. I think it was called 21street or something like that.. that one looked huge. I wonder what's become of that.

That colonade looks way different than what it used to look like. it's nice to finally see them do work on it instead of leaving it as a hole in the ground. I knew there was trouble when Graham construction started taking away the cranes. No more residential from the looks of things? the project next to it (Lebeau) has alot of green glass and white concrete (very mtech ish?) I wonder how they'll match together...

Ingersoll10 also had another project on the go right behind the colonade. I think it was called 21street or something like that.. that one looked huge. I wonder what's become of that.

You are correct, there is no more residential in the Collonade.

Man, we have to get you on SSP saying all this stuff about Encana. The best I can do right now is quote your posts, and that only gets limited amounts of discussion going...

I tried signing up, but I couldnt for some reason.

There's only certain information I can talk about.. and only when they are submitted on a dp. Everything else is just speculation.

You'd be amazed at how many proposals we get, and people spend like, $10,000 on permits, and dont even build anything.

Encana will be coming soon... we dont normally get emails telling us certain planners are not to be disturbed because they are working with just one Company..

SSP sign up is a joke it doesnt work with out help from a mod on that site .

You guys just keep trying, all the fun is going on in the Calgary thread over there! Paaaaaarty!

No , I dont want too ! Besides Im using a new un speakable site that ends with .net and its new and stuff and yeah ...

this site is easy to sign up,(but slower load up) SSP is over moderated, but there are more people in the know on it.

thats true

Some pictures of Calgary 2010 (hopefully):
North view
http://img306.imageshack.us/img306/6088/northview18og.jpg
South view
http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/6271/panoday18th.jpg
Night view (just the proposed biggies)
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1773/skyline19kn.jpg

The photo illistration of 2010 is great. I'd like to use it - but want to clear copyright first - Does anyone know where these photo's originated? I am a TV reporter researching a piece on Calgary's future skyline
Thanks in advance for any help

The photo illistration of 2010 is great. I'd like to use it - but want to clear copyright first - Does anyone know where these photo's originated? I am a TV reporter researching a piece on Calgary's future skyline
Thanks in advance for any help

The original pictures were taken by (in order) Josh White, RWin, and ViewCalgary.com. The first two are active forumers on skyscraperpage.com. The photos were photoshopped by CtrlAltDel, also a skyscraperpage forumer.

The 2010 pic looks amazing!

Calgary's prime office rents on the rise: survey


TORONTO -- Demand for industrial real estate in Calgary jumped significantly in 2005, pushing up rents and propelling the city higher in a worldwide ranking, according to a study released Wednesday by consultancy Cushman & Wakefield.

The city moved up nine places to 23rd in the ranking of the world's 122 most expensive cities for industrial and warehouse space.

Average gross rents were $10.14 per square foot per year in Canada's oil and gas capital.

"Rising oil and gas prices are behind a city-wide boom and have led to greater demand for industrial space,'' said Chris Anderson, vice-president and general manager of Cushman's Calgary office.

"Calgary's vacancy rate for prime industrial space fell to 3.5 per cent by the end of last year,'' he added. "This is a very strong market that is undergoing dramatic growth. With this kind of momentum, we expect that rents will continue to move upwards.''

London's Heathrow area is the most expensive location in the world for industrial and warehouse space, the study found, with total occupancy costs for one square foot of space hovering at $31.27.

Tokyo ranked second, with occupancy costs of $20.06 a square foot. Dublin and Moscow came third and fourth.

Calgary tied Hong Kong for the title of top gainer, with each rising nine places in the rankings. Hong Kong now ranks 11th.

The figures were released on the same day as statistics from the Institute of Canadian Real Estate Investment Managers, showing that investment returns on industrial properties in Calgary were 21.3 per cent in 2005.

That compares with an average return of 17.6 per cent across the country, and to 16.8 per cent in Toronto, 15.3 per cent in Ottawa and 13.8 per cent in Montreal.
© Canadian Press 2006

anyone know what the city makes a year in taxes ? Im curious about in comparison with other cities its size...


Last time I checked, I think the city's revenue was around 1.4 to 1.7 billion. The City of Calgary website would have that info.

2010 skyline. What a Sexy Sexy Bitch!

the bow valley college project looks like it's in full bloom... they'll be knocking down the courts building, and building a new lowrise tower as well as adding a few floors, and remodelling the interior and exterior(pretty much gut out) the existing bow valley college across the street, and connect the two via plus 15 and plus 30.

it'll be very attractive driving into the core from the east. The theme is very "green" similar to the calgary courts, but because this project falls on projects directly across the street from one another, and connected via the plus15 system, it'll create a 'gateway' into town. DEFINATELY an upgrade to what is there now.

After that, I hope the Worker's Compensation board, Public Liabrary, Rocky Mountain House (very unlikely) and the Calgary Board of Education would get some sort of facelift... it'll look really weird to get impressed by Bow Valley, then feel depressed, and then impressed again by Encana while driving on 6th.

oh, and the style is pretty modern looking.. exposed steel columns, lots and lots of green/blue glass, simplified walls with horizontal lines carved out of it... They went after the "clean" look.

Skytower will be starting soon.. although the permits arnt ready for them to begin the excavation, they will be starting the shoring soon.

Bow Valley College Expansion

http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/8797/lg2buildings8vp.gif
http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/8247/lgredevelop9ae.jpg
http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/7075/lgnewbuilding6jl.jpg
http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/9881/lgfinished8zd.jpg
http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/6011/lgprominence2gt.jpg

nice. Where are you getting those from? All I got to see was the street elevations and working drawings, nothing to rave home about though. :) What those pictures dont show is the ugliness the public library looks sitting next to this new building.

it's like they built the library, worker's comp and cbe at the same time. bleh

nice. Where are you getting those from? All I got to see was the street elevations and working drawings, nothing to rave home about though. :) What those pictures dont show is the ugliness the public library looks sitting next to this new building.

it's like they built the library, worker's comp and cbe at the same time. bleh

I got them off of Bow Valley College's website. They have a section called expansion info or whatnot...

DFresh-CtrlAltDel one and the same. I post mostly on Skyscraperpage.

The Bow Valley College expansion plans sure beat the heck out of the existing structure, especially at street level.

looks to me the penny lane towers will be good to go soon. plans are under way to add to the centennial parkade downtown to accomodate the lack of parking the penny lane towers will need..

Penny Lane (resubmitting for approval with greater height):
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/677/pennylane16gj.jpg


Good... I hope it goes up; it's one of my favorite proposals.

Unibrain, has Penny Lane submitted a new DP, or do they need a new land use to add density? Will this have to go to CPC?

The DP is well into it's second read, and because of new height they requested (more offices) the density required more parking. So the City and the developer are working together to add two more floors to the centennial parkade accross the street to make up for it. The pictures make the buildings so massive in size.. but in reality, the floor plates that make up each tower is PUNY!! You dont have very many offices on each floor at all.

It looks like the Centennial and City Centre projects are somewhat ongoing though... If they dont meet the criteria the City is looking for (in this case, mostly due to traffic flow - parking/loading entry of the parkade and retail on the outside ground level instead of inside the lobby) the projects might not be reality. Just some minor quirks here and there the developer has to work out. And as far as FCC2 goes, the DP from back in the 80's does call for a second tower.. but because it's been over 20 years, a new anylization of the site will be required before they go ahead.. but so far, it's still just speculation, there's not reality to this project as of yet.

Unibrain - what is the configuration of the retail in the complex? Surely the city is demanding that there is groundlevel retail on 8th ave. It is just a poor location for such as massive building. It will have the same sterilizing effect that Bankers Hall with its ominous shadowing onto Stephen Ave. It would be a travesty if they did not for one of our most important commercial streets. I have a feeling this will go ahead with the severe crunch for space. It does have the advantage of being closer to the LRT over either City Centre or Centennial though.

FCC is ideal because it is right on 7th and is in a great place in the skyline for a really tall building.

Josh,

From the last time I saw the plans (im not working on the project myself, but did manage to discuss the plans with one of the guys working on the project), there doesnt seem to be any street appeal -retail wise. the podium is very Petro Canada/Gulf Canada -ish. It's basically a two or three level atrium when you walk in, and there is a granite waterfall of some sort, with a lot of shrubbery here and there. There looks to be a proposed restaurant on the ground floor (with a patio perhaps) and nothing more than maybe 3 retail shops (on on the main, and two on the second floor) as well as a food court that would hold probably 8-10 vendors. Of those retail shops, one could be a relocation of the hair salon, or maybe a smoke shop.

The last I saw the plans (roughly 2 months ago), it was proposed with pretty much no interaction with the penny lane strip (or 8th ave). I dont know if the City will make them resubmit with amended drawings to show interaction with the street... but to be honest, it looks like they wont even keep the fasades.

I know the Opus building accross the street has applied for a change of use -retail to office on the plus 15 level. It's a City policy that we keep retail on the plus 15 level to preserve interest in the plus 15 program. However, it is possible that you can apply for a change of use, should the scenario allow for it.

There isnt anything proposed for the FCC2 yet. I dont even know where all the hype came from. I mean, it's potential that it can be built there (and obviously, with our hot market right now) but there isnt anything proposed or decided on yet.

I myself would love to see that building go up, simply because it's right in the heart of downtown, strategically, it's got all the lrt access it wants (especially when the TD station gets torn down, and rebuilt to have a "central grand station", double side load station to be built there (im believing that the plus 15 will have to be renovated too). However, I cant be sure the parking underneath the current FCC will support a 64 storey building without adding to it, or neighboring parkades.

The Centrium doesnt look like it makes good use with the plus15 system... it looks somewhat out of the way, or isolated the way it connects to the system.

I strongly feel that the future of the LRT would cause it's demise should they leave 7th Ave as the only LRT artery into downtown. Imagine three more routes that have to use 7th Ave as the transit lines. Then imagine something happens (ie. traffic accident) on one of the intersections... how many people would it affect? what about the traffic intersections that cut accross 7th ave? Right now, trains arrive at each station every 5 minutes. Imagine cutting that down to every 2-3 minutes for three more lines. Then traffic gridlock will happen because the intersections will be timed in such a way that not enough cars can get accross before the light turns red. If they build Banker's Court (and with the new Homburg-Harris set to be ready) 9th ave and 2 st would be quite busy... and people turning from 9th ave to 2 st would be piling up should the LRT hold up the traffic.

thanks for the info

Our main retail street downtown and no retail at grade where there curently is. I am sorry, but that is an absolute disgrace. I am disgusted.

Thanks for the info though. FCC2 is apparently in the design phase according to David Parker. IT has yet to be submitted to the city, so that is maybe why you haven't seen or heard about it yet.

usually, there is some kind of submittal of some sorts between the city and potential developments (ESPECIALLY when it comes to building something as large as a tower).

Like, it'd be crazy to get all the hype, media, and architects involved when in the end, there isnt enough infrastructure to cover the project.

They almost ALWAYS talk to the city first. There isnt an official submit to the city for Encana.. but I can bet you they've talked about it behind closed doors.. we've got some of the best people, and one of the most experienced downtown planners on the project.

but yes, unfortunately, it doesnt look like Penny Lane will have any interaction with the street. At least that's what I saw and interpreted when they submitted. Like I said before, the city might have other ideas though. I would have loved to see them keep the fasades, and use them as independent stores/shop fronts.. but we'll have to wait and see.

Is it Rob Graham doing EnCana?

...unfortunately, it doesnt look like Penny Lane will have any interaction with the street. At least that's what I saw and interpreted when they submitted. Like I said before, the city might have other ideas though. I would have loved to see them keep the fasades, and use them as independent stores/shop fronts.. but we'll have to wait and see.

Wow, that is unforunate. I never really noticed how much Bankers Hall cuts off that pedestrian flow (and looks absolutely cold) from the east, until a few weekends ago (while it was nice out on a weekend). This will be more of the same I guess.

I suppose the other loss is another rooftop patio..

If they would shut down the 8th avenue along penny lane, and continue the Stephen avenue mall theme, I think it would be super busy during the summers... it'd be one continuous stretch of mall all the way to City Hall. I never got quite a good look at the elevations, but the plans I looked at (I was really interested in the floorplates - especially as to the building's unique shape).. and from what I desiphered at that point, it doesnt look like it has any interaction, or hints that they will be keeping the Faces of the buildings.

I mean, I would LOVE for the city to extend the Stephen Avenue walk through this block, and make it a pedestrian mall during the day, and close it down to a regular street at night. By having the new Opus tower and the Penny Lane tower there, it would be amazing to see all the people/shopping traffic out there during say, Stampede week.

The one thing that doesnt work with that idea is that the Sears Parkade entrance is right there, so the mall must end. This is the second time the DP has come in. I do believe it came in the first time, and the time had lapsed I think... so they had to resubmit.. this time, with a few changes. amended plans can be submitted should the planners decide they want them to keep the fasades, or improve interaction with the street... This could hold up the project a couple of months.

Someone from the Penny Lane group told me Cowboy's and Ceili's are staying put. They are looking forward to having "1000's of customers" above them.

redesigned Homburg-Harris Centre now under construction. A monumental improvement over the previous Reno, Nevada-esque piece of crap that was the original design.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/joshwhit/development/hoburg-harrisnew.jpg

Nothing has come in yet on the Homburg-Harris re-vamp - yet.

I tried checking with some people doing the Penny Lane, and it seems like the city and PLT group have come to an amends where they may be keeping some interaction with the street, however, everyone I talked with didnt think the fasades are staying, as none of them really hold any heritage value unlike further down stephen avenue mall.

It's very likely this project will go forward, it's just a matter of time. They were very impressed with the plus 15 aparently. No words on Cowboys and the other bars though. Everyone I talked to said they were gonna be gone. I know parkade entrance is off of 9th apparently. I dont see how cowboys will be there, since that corner is like, the pinnicle entry point to the building... one thing we dont see in those renderings is the 8th avenue side, and also the podium it sort of rests on.. all that is a mystery to me. Dont forget, the interiors of the building can be fiddled around with, and set by building permit. The DP only really covers the exteriors, traffic studies, how it blends with the surroundings etc. However, at DP, it's often recomended that they get all the retail/restaurant stuff settled for the bylaw checks. I really dont see the bars sticking with the building, and being on the 9th avenue streetside. If they were to stay, it's more likely that if they keep the interaction with the street, they have cowboys, belgo, and the other bars/restaurants on the 8th avenue side.. I wouldnt want to be a tenant of a nice new building, and have to walk through the party cowboy crowd to get to my office at night...

If they want street life on the stephen avenue mall strip, they need to move some of those bars on 9th avenue into 8th ave!! Im tired of dodging the taxi lane the Roadhouse creates every friday night.

I actually liked the original Homburg Harris building design.. it was different.. there's too many futuristic type buildings now. UC has a new building going up (something like, smart technology building or something like that... looks kinda mtech-bow valley square ish.. also done by GEC. Also, Mcmahon Stadium will get a little bit of a face lift in about two years... I think it only affects the ticket office/entrance side.. they are adding a second level to the concourse, so people can walk all the way around like commonwealth.

I'd really really like to see some sort of downtown tower implement a outdoor fountain of some sort. They already have the plaza, City Hall, and I believe 5th and 5th that has a water feature, but they need something that really has a park effect, and with a water feature to really "wow" people on their lunch break. Encana was supposed to have some sort of park in front of it's new project.. let's hope it has something unique, and not just a bunch of bushes and benches.

I actually liked the original Homburg Harris building design.. it was different.. there's too many futuristic type buildings now. UC has a new building going up (something like, smart technology building or something like that... looks kinda mtech-bow valley square ish.. also done by GEC. Also, Mcmahon Stadium will get a little bit of a face lift in about two years... I think it only affects the ticket office/entrance side.. they are adding a second level to the concourse, so people can walk all the way around like commonwealth.

What is UC? I just didn't like the faux columns at the top of the Homburg-Harris design. Looked like some sort of office version of Caesar's Palace or something. I also didn't like the colour choice. Just a preference.

Someone on SSP posted the Urban Design Panel's comments on the project.
Urban Design Review Committe Comment:

The use of tinted glass makes the
entire building appear opaque and
eliminates a strong connection with
the street

Response:

Dark tinted glass removed replaced with blue and light
blue glazing; podium level glass is transparent



I'd really really like to see some sort of downtown tower implement a outdoor fountain of some sort. They already have the plaza, City Hall, and I believe 5th and 5th that has a water feature, but they need something that really has a park effect, and with a water feature to really "wow" people on their lunch break. Encana was supposed to have some sort of park in front of it's new project.. let's hope it has something unique, and not just a bunch of bushes and benches.

I remember hearing the Sturgess wants to do somthing along the lines of Rockefeller Centre as far as public space at EnCana. Small, but a high quality public area that is a destination for people. One of my favourite water features is on the watermark tower. They did a fantastice job upgrading the groundlevel exterior of the building. I hope more office tower owners follow suit to help make downtown a bit more hospitable.

UofC... it's done by GEC.. nothing huge.. but it's really modern for the campus.. will fit in nicely with the other developments they have going on right now.

IBM has two towers being built in town.. I forget where they are, and it's not really that big or anything, but it's done by Gibbs Gage nonetheless...

I really liked the Homburg one.. it had distinctive qualities. And the renderings that came in with that had a really sharp, bronze/gold effect that doesnt look washed out like the rendering that's online. It's a shame to have that go. Like I said, nothing has come in yet to change it... YET... It's possible they are still discussing it, or maybe it's been taken in, but hasnt been circulated within the department yet. The project looked grande.. I think it would blend in rather well with Palliser and the entrance to the CP Exibit. having something too modern wouldnt blend in at all with the Paliser and the CP Exibit at all. Whatever they do, I really really hope the City does something with the train bridge... they need to paint it/clad it.. whatever.. and add more lighting.. it's so gloomy driving under that thing.

I heard about the park too.. they wanted a central place for people to go.. This building is for the people of Calgary.. not just for the workers of Encana.. they are building right smack in the middle of the city... I expect them to build some sort of trademark square for this project. It's rather hard to see them incorporating the heritage sites into the design though... I'd like to see something made of exposed glass and steel... a crazy shaped building, twisting into the sky... yet, when I think of Encana, I see a black, mystique looking building... (probably wouldnt go through, as that would be somewhat shocking for the middle of town)... but with this heritage sites there, I cant see how they'll incorporate them without having multiple buildings project, so they seem like they are their own entity. I want to see a huge water fountain that sprays water high into the air.

Josh- what Watermark reno also did was to close off any interaction with the street that the pre-reno version of the CAA offices had, and they said that they were going to put in street level retail (incl a coffee place). Not only did this not happen, but they ended up completely eliminating the entrances. I agree that it looks nice with the waterfall, but the way they reneged on the street level interaction was criminal. They lied.

I suppose I should update this thread with some more renderings:

Banker's Court
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/3314/bankerscourt22dz.jpg
http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/4079/bankerscourt33dy.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/8738/bankerscourt40in.jpg

Foothills
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4365/foothills84dl.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/3553/foothills91nq.jpg

Genco
http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/4331/genco8yw.jpg

SAIT Polytechnic
http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/3997/saitpoly4om.jpg
http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/6852/saitpoly26jl.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/8248/saitpoly39op.jpg

Zoo (arctic exhibit, I think)
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/7495/zoo8xs.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5941/zoo28oo.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1789/zoo32bm.jpg

Homburg-Harris
This design was totally changed. They really only released a black-and-white diagram, but I added what colours the towers might end up with in MS Paint based on the reported changes from their application.
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/4069/homburgharris221wa.jpg

not that i'm here to dash calgary's dreams of some seriously awesome developments. but i remember this book being publish about 20 years or so ago called Calgary Architecture: The Boom Years 1972 - 1982. a defineate must read for anyone interested in calgary development. it was mainly failed or stale proposal buildings

anyways, the reason i bring this up, is because i wouldn't mind seeing a sequel being published with all these amazing designs. maybe title it Calgary Architecture: The New Generation. and put in all the designs for these buildings.

Not all these will be built, but as long as another NEP doesn't happen or the price of oil does not plummet suddenly for some reason, we are not going to have the same devastating economic collapse that cancelled those buildings in the early 80's.

not that i'm here to dash calgary's dreams of some seriously awesome developments. but i remember this book being publish about 20 years or so ago called Calgary Architecture: The Boom Years 1972 - 1982. a defineate must read for anyone interested in calgary development. it was mainly failed or stale proposal buildings

anyways, the reason i bring this up, is because i wouldn't mind seeing a sequel being published with all these amazing designs. maybe title it Calgary Architecture: The New Generation. and put in all the designs for these buildings.

There's not likely to be a sequel or...."twin" for a while.

Actually, the new book of uncompleted projects is called "Calgary's Lost Dreams". and all the pages are white and blank. The Oil boom is just starting. :)

According to the last boom cycle of 1970-1983, we are currently in the 9th. year of the current boom/growth, with just the tip of the iceberg exposed.Politically, economically and investement wise, there is no end regarding Calgary's abilities and potenial right now. It will be very interesting to see what is to come.

Go Calgary!

now i don't disagree with the fact that calgary is in a boom that doesn't seem to have any end. i just don't think all these proposal's are going to get built. which is sad, because the city really should take lessons from Toronto and/or Vancouver start building upwards and not outwards.

Hey Palliser Square looks the most interesting to me.

Can someone offer some more info on this project?

:)

Hey Palliser Square looks the most interesting to me.

Can someone offer some more info on this project?

:)

The Palliser Square complex was purchased by Aspen Properties a few weeks ago, and they have it on their site:
http://www.consolidated.ca/properties/PSC.html

You can also see the design again on Gibbs Gage's website:
http://www.gibbsgage.com

i am liking the new genco design. far more so that the original

Hey guys,

I recently began getting really fascinated by Calgary... it's a world city in the making, or already, and it looks like it's turned from a medium-sized city to large city overnight... how exciting!

Although it's not known for its old architecture, it looks to be FULL of clean, sleek, attractice new architecture, and I am really excited for the city!!!

I just have a few questions:

1.) I always associated Calgary with sprawl and a dead, office-oriented downtown. From photos I look to be proved wrong, but is downtown Calgary busy with people? Do people go there to shop, and at Christmas time is it a shopping destination like downtown TO would be, etc?

2.) Are there many downtown condos going up? Does the development look to continue?

3.) Is it just me or are Calgary condos taking a page (new-urbanist, townhomes, style) from Vancouver condos? BTW, be honest, because if that's true, that's great news, but maybe it's been like that for awhile.

Thanks in advance.. I love your city and I hope that someone will help me out with these questions... as well, post more Calgary phototours!!!

-thryve

P.S.

Some pictures of Calgary 2010 (hopefully):
North view
http://img306.imageshack.us/img306/6088/northview18og.jpg
South view
http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/6271/panoday18th.jpg
Night view (just the proposed biggies)
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1773/skyline19kn.jpg

Our young country's cities are booming! *tear, tear* :)

-thryve

1.) I always associated Calgary with sprawl and a dead, office-oriented downtown. From photos I look to be proved wrong, but is downtown Calgary busy with people? Do people go there to shop, and at Christmas time is it a shopping destination like downtown TO would be, etc?
Yes and no. Although most of the 'premier' retailers are located in downtown Calgary, most of the city still shops in the suburbs. 17th Avenue is quickly becoming a trendy avenue for retailers, but it still lacks the critical mass and name brands to attract people like Queen West in Toronto or Robson in Vancouver does.

2.) Are there many downtown condos going up? Does the development look to continue?
Yes, in fact over the past 3 years downtown Calgary has really enjoyed an increase in the number and quality of condos going up and / or proposed.

3.) Is it just me or are Calgary condos taking a page (new-urbanist, townhomes, style) from Vancouver condos? BTW, be honest, because if that's true, that's great news, but maybe it's been like that for awhile.
This is true of most cities. The townhouse podium and point tower concept was primarily used and marketed in Vancouver with great success. This is something that many architects are attempting to replicate many other cities, Calgary being one of them.

Sure thing, downtown is busy, at least during the day. After all, it IS one of the most concentrated downtown workforces in North America. Still really only a 9-5 buzz though, until more condos downtown get completed and bring some people to downtown (and more shops with them).

As far as retail is concerned, the best places are sadly not downtown but actually in Chinook Centre, which I would consider to be just outside the inner-city. They've got a Pottery Barn, Cabans, William Sonomy, etc. The Core (Eaton's Centre, TD Square, Scotia Centre) shopping has to play catch-up. Chinook simply draws far more people, and has become increasingly upscale since it's renovations back in the mid-to-late 90's.

And yeah, the whole podium thing is on most of our new condos.

EDIT: Downtown is still pretty dead after office hours, but it is improving a lot. If you head over into the Beltline or Kensington it is still pretty active throughout the night.

^Chinook does unfortunately get most of the first chain stores in Calgary - as mentioned Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, FCUK, Quiksilver and soon Billabong.

But I do believe there is a growing high-end furniture and arts district on 11th ave, and a growing number of the cities best restaurants on 17th and 8th aves.

It would be great if the downtown/17th can lure some of the brand-name stores to mix (as it does in TO and Van). Unfortunately, Chinook is ready to expand yet again for new retailers (my guess would be other US chains Abercrombie, Lucky-brand jeans, etc) and a "lifestyle center" in the build phase at Deerfoot Meadows to attract high-end retailers.

As mentioned, the core area is dead after 6 almost anytime in the winter months - not as bad in the summer months though (again, because of restaurants on 8th)...but I found 17th to be lively enough considering the size of Calgary.

Calgary's CBD is no more dead than say Toronto's after hours. Most evening and weekend activity happens on the periphery of downtown. In Calgary this is the Beltline, Kensington, Mission, which are pretty active most of the time. Not as much as much bigger cities, but quite good.

Shopping is good downtown (Centre City) and you can generally find any store you can in a suburban mall with a few glaring exceptions such as Williams-Sonoma, Caban etc. On the otherhand though, you can't get Holt-Renfrew in the 'burbs. I think Downtown proper will become a much, much bigger shopping destination as Eau Clair Market redevelops. It has massive, ambitious plans and I believe they are aiming for big flagsihip brands. The inner city population is also exploding, and should give a big boost to downtown shopping.

IN terms of planning and design quality (such as new urban townhouse podiums) Calgary has recently turned the corner on this, and is well on its way to being amongst to most sophisticated as far as planning policy (Vancouver being a good example) Calgary is good how it is, but is on the cusp of something a lot better. There is soooo much evidence of this, that is why Calgarians are so optimistic about their city.

Thanks guys.

-thryve

Calgary's CBD is no more dead than say Toronto's after hours. Most evening and weekend activity happens on the periphery of downtown. In Calgary this is the Beltline, Kensington, Mission, which are pretty active most of the time. Not as much as much bigger cities, but quite good.

Shopping is good downtown (Centre City) and you can generally find any store you can in a suburban mall with a few glaring exceptions such as Williams-Sonoma, Caban etc. On the otherhand though, you can't get Holt-Renfrew in the 'burbs. I think Downtown proper will become a much, much bigger shopping destination as Eau Clair Market redevelops. It has massive, ambitious plans and I believe they are aiming for big flagsihip brands. The inner city population is also exploding, and should give a big boost to downtown shopping.

IN terms of planning and design quality (such as new urban townhouse podiums) Calgary has recently turned the corner on this, and is well on its way to being amongst to most sophisticated as far as planning policy (Vancouver being a good example) Calgary is good how it is, but is on the cusp of something a lot better. There is soooo much evidence of this, that is why Calgarians are so optimistic about their city.

From what I see I'm starting to get this sense too about Calgary. But there is one thing that Calgary needs to address if it is going to be great and that is urban sprawl.

I seriously think the "core" mall downtown needs a remakeover.. the WHOLE mall needs to be renovated together, to make it a consistant flow. right now, it's three malls stuck together, and it looks like junk. people dont feel like it's a mall at all.. it's nothing more than just a stop over. If they renovated it, and touched up devonian gardens, they could sign another flagship retailer such as Lululemon, Aritzia, or whatever to bring in some youth. Scotia Centre is a dissaster. How can that mall have three dollar stores (and two of them side by side) that's just junk.

Agreed, Unibrain, but even agreeing I must say that I love to shop downtown on weekends- it's not at all crowded (vs the can't-move-for-all-the-people there on weekday lunch hours) but not so empty that you feel creeped out, all the stores are open, parking is ample, you can get dim sum, see an afternoon flick at the Uptown, don't have to wait in a long line at Falafel King... We were DT Saturday and the crowds were quite respectable, in Eaton Centre and on Stephen Ave; then we went over to MEC and my GOD it was packed.

Haha you guys named a few clothing brands I'm not familiar with... I guess out west there are some different popular stores?

Haha you guys keep naming all these clothing brands I have never heard of as the popular ones, and the youthful ones. I guess out west there are some different popular stores? I AM in the Calgary section, right? :P

-thryve

Most of the brands mentioned can be found in Toronto. ;)

Calgary's CBD is no more dead than say Toronto's after hours.

Shopping is good downtown (Centre City) and you can generally find any store you can in a suburban mall with a few glaring exceptions such as Williams-Sonoma, Caban etc. On the otherhand though, you can't get Holt-Renfrew in the 'burbs. I think Downtown proper will become a much, much bigger shopping destination as Eau Clair Market redevelops. It has massive, ambitious plans and I believe they are aiming for big flagsihip brands.


For sure - TO's and Vancouver's CBD are just as dead. Thankfully we have 8th Ave that isn't dead during the daytime hours on the weekend, and during the summer is alive after-hours for a while.

I hope you are correct about the shopping - I hate having to go to Chinook. But, the last openings at Chinook and the continued rumours suggest Chinook and possibly Deerfoot Meadows will be the shopping destinations (at least for big brand stores). Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn (and Caban to a lesser extent) are HUGE glaring exceptions...these SHOULD'VE opened in the downtown/beltline area. As well, FCUK, (QuikSilver and Billabong as well) were lured to Chinook, and there is now talk of the Apple store and Crate and Barrel (first in Canada I believe) also wanting into Chinook. I'm sure Restoration Hardware, and Bose will be coming along soon too.

Have you heard rumours of other big flagship brands looking at downtown? Currently, Holt is the only major store we go to downtown for (which is quite nice, and nothing compares in Calgary).

Calgary's CBD is no more dead than say Toronto's after hours.

Isn't the Eaton Centre part of the CBD? That place is always busy, and with the New Ryerson Business School, there'll be a spillover of students from east of Yonge.

I thought Calgary had a dowentown Bay?????

I thought Calgary had a dowentown Bay?????

Mmmmhmmmm... indeed we do.
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6606/dscn0050we2vj.jpg

... but so does every suburban mall...

the mall is a lost cause when compared to Chinook and Marketmall on weekends. If it wasnt for Holt Renfrew, Eaton's Centre wouldnt get half of the people it has today. Nobody is gonna go downtown to shop at Sears or the Bay (mind you have to pay $2 or $3 for parking in the parkade if you dont find parking on the street). They just dont have any other stores that really bring people downtown. They've got a Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Esprit, and a Gap (that downsized half of it's store a few years ago).. not to mention a store vacancy rate higher than most other malls in the city. This should be a great place for people to go, but people make it out of their way to go to other malls because there's a serious lack of good stores downtown. Good shopping, maybe, but no good stores. In the "Core" mall, it's the only place you'll still find a dollar store.. and there's two of them side by side. Who's ever heard of a clothing store called Ibambini? The mall itself is basically only busiest on the second floor (plus15). The TD Square and Scotia Centre portions of the mall on the 3rd floor is a lost cause.

The mall isnt continuous enough.. A couple of years ago, they proposed to widen the plus 15 at TD and Scotia (stores on either side like Eaton's)... but wernt allowed to because they wernt allowed to touch the Landcaster building. That would have ben a big plus for them if they did that, as the mall would have been a lot bigger.

^I do like some shops on 8th as well...Bang & Olufsen (nice to look at :-), the Cellar, and McNally Robinson.

And the downtown doesn't necessarily need different brand stores to what exists in Chinook - but they need to be larger variations, just as the Banana Republic on Robson is larger than any mall store in Vancouver for example...as is HMV (former Virgin MegaStore). They are - as pointed out about the Gap - much smaller than Chinooks.

BTW - does anyone have any idea what is happening in the old A&B Sound on 8th? Or the Palace? It's kinda sad seeing those empty.

BTW - does anyone have any idea what is happening in the old A&B Sound on 8th? Or the Palace? It's kinda sad seeing those empty.

David Parker reports in the Herald, February 16, 2006, that the Palace Theatre on Stephen Avenue has been purchased by a group including well-known night club owners and restauranteurs Victor and Jim Choy.
They "are finalizing a concept in partnership with a national organization."

From the news section of www.calgaryheritage.org

the mall is a lost cause when compared to Chinook and Marketmall on weekends. If it wasnt for Holt Renfrew, Eaton's Centre wouldnt get half of the people it has today. Nobody is gonna go downtown to shop at Sears or the Bay (mind you have to pay $2 or $3 for parking in the parkade if you dont find parking on the street). They just dont have any other stores that really bring people downtown. They've got a Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Esprit, and a Gap (that downsized half of it's store a few years ago).. not to mention a store vacancy rate higher than most other malls in the city. This should be a great place for people to go, but people make it out of their way to go to other malls because there's a serious lack of good stores downtown. Good shopping, maybe, but no good stores. In the "Core" mall, it's the only place you'll still find a dollar store.. and there's two of them side by side. Who's ever heard of a clothing store called Ibambini? The mall itself is basically only busiest on the second floor (plus15). The TD Square and Scotia Centre portions of the mall on the 3rd floor is a lost cause.

The mall isnt continuous enough.. A couple of years ago, they proposed to widen the plus 15 at TD and Scotia (stores on either side like Eaton's)... but wernt allowed to because they wernt allowed to touch the Landcaster building. That would have ben a big plus for them if they did that, as the mall would have been a lot bigger.

Uni, I usually agree with your posts but I gotta say you are full of it here- there are almost zero vacancies in the downtown malls- they are thriving; look at Bankers Hall... additionally, there are plenty of people who go downtown to shop. I am one of them.

Uni, I usually agree with your posts but I gotta say you are full of it here- there are almost zero vacancies in the downtown malls- they are thriving; look at Bankers Hall... additionally, there are plenty of people who go downtown to shop. I am one of them.

It depends on the part of the mall you go to.. The vacancies are there, but just not obvious (theyre not boarded up).. rather cleverly hidden away... There arnt any vacancies on the second floor of the mall besides the old Rogers cell phone place in scotia centre and what used to be the AGT store.. on the main, the old Baguette restaurant, and on the third, there's the old Video Rental (yes, a video rental place in a shopping mall) and I believe a place that sold skin lotions and herbal stuff. In TD square, there's a vacancy on the 3rd floor where Rafter's recently moved out, the old Gap Kids, and the Loonie Store.. on main, there's a place that used to sell clothes next to eddie bauer. in Eaton's Centre, The only ones I can think of at the moment are the old Aluminum planet, and the old Frame store on the fourth floor.

I have a friend that manages Oxford properties in that mall.. and he's said it's really hard to draw tenants into the mall. They pretty much let Holt Renfrew do whatever they want (they recently just added more to the store - took over the old footlocker location.. which was vacant for nearly 4 years).

Some pictures of Calgary 2010 (hopefully):
North view
http://img306.imageshack.us/img306/6088/northview18og.jpg
South view
http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/6271/panoday18th.jpg
Night view (just the proposed biggies)
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1773/skyline19kn.jpg

Hi, I'm new here -- so go easy on me :)

I was just wondering, have all of these "proposed biggies" been approved and prepared for construction, or are those pictures just wishful thinking? Man, I'd love to see Calgary looking like that by 2010! Thanks.

Hi, I'm new here -- so go easy on me :)

I was just wondering, have all of these "proposed biggies" been approved and prepared for construction, or are those pictures just wishful thinking? Man, I'd love to see Calgary looking like that by 2010! Thanks.

Nope. The only one that's been approved is Penny Lane. The others (Encana, FCC2, City Centre, Centennial) are all just proposals... Encana and FCC2 don't even have renderings yet.

EDIT: BTW, welcome to the forum. You from Calgary?

Yup, I'm from Calgary.

I live in the SW, close to westhills. I had no idea so many proposals etc... were going up though, and I've been a skyline nut for a long time, so it's extra exciting to see large "possible" developments coming to Calgary.

Yup, I'm from Calgary.

I live in the SW, close to westhills. I had no idea so many proposals etc... were going up though, and I've been a skyline nut for a long time, so it's extra exciting to see large "possible" developments coming to Calgary.

Man, you haven't seen anything yet. The Calgary Construction thread on Skyscraperpage has a bunch more of us Calgarian forumers and a ton more proposals.

This thread is pretty much "Calgary Construction - Light" because there are hardly any regular Calgary forumers on Skyscrapercity... myself being one of the few. I can't be bothered to keep this thread constantly updated.

Well, I'm really looking forward to monitoring this site for updates. The city is looking great, and I really hope it starts to challenge some of the bigger cities (i.e: Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle) for higher regards on the skyline map.

I would love for nothing more than to see Calgary turn into the next Chicago (although that'd take a while) -- a skyline that blew me away when I first saw it; Chicago truly is America's best kept secret.

This forum is s-l-o-w. I can check in this forum once a week and be caught up in a couple minutes. I have to check on SSP twice a day just to keep up.

yeah well , really thats all I got...

heres this thing.
http://worthington.ca/images/ad_two_towers.gif

Is that thing for real, or just a pipe dream?

heres this thing.
http://worthington.ca/images/ad_two_towers.gif

holy crap...what the hell is this?! Is this real...im finding it very hard to believe if it is!

I would pretty much dismiss it until we hear something more concrete. Consensus on SSP is that it is a joke or some sort. Certainly strange.

It makes me laugh because it is so ridiculous.

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

ok, ive looked at the site...worthing.ca
So i guess its not a joke, but...you would think they would post a little more than a picture with dick all for info on it!
And since its mixed use it will most likely use a residential floor height meaning at 80 story's it would most likely still be shorter then Encana (saphire tower in Toronto was proposed at 94 story's and was still shorter then trump (roof hight).

Since Trump is 72 story's and 1066 feet, 325m (with spire), we can almost be gaurenteed Encana will go over 1000 feet roof height...and if they cheat with a spire like Trump then it would easily be over 1100 feet!

yeah , I went there and it was some guys web site .
http://search.prumax.ca/Images/Logo.gif from ottawa

holy crap...what the hell is this?! Is this real...im finding it very hard to believe if it is!
Well, sorry to bust anyones bubble, but the company that is proposing this (Worthington) has experiences some issues here in Edmonton. These issues include not paying contractors, selling off assets to increase cash flow, etc.

You're not bursting anyone's bubble. Nobody is taking it seriously.

My question is when can we expect some sort of official drawing or design from the Fosters people on Encana? What kind of timeline are we looking at?

My question is when can we expect some sort of official drawing or design from the Fosters people on Encana? What kind of timeline are we looking at?

Sometime in the next two months.

Is that a guess, or is that for sure?

Is that a guess, or is that for sure?

More or less for sure. The tentative release date is June 21st, but it could come before or after that.

There are some really great projects:D:D

Project for the Beltline, previously nicknamed the "Twin Sisters"

Montreux
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/1363/montreux3js5rr.jpg

For more on this project as well as others, see this thread:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=100921

^^ boris, that is a great SSP link. I was wondering about the type of residential buildings more prevalent in Calgary: are developments more geared towards condo/urban lifestyle or is it more single homes in the suburbs? Since we never hear about the latter, it is fair to assume that Calgary is also booming outwards and not just upwards?

^^ boris, that is a great SSP link. I was wondering about the type of residential buildings more prevalent in Calgary: are developments more geared towards condo/urban lifestyle or is it more single homes in the suburbs? Since we never hear about the latter, it is fair to assume that Calgary is also booming outwards and not just upwards?

Right now, the split is 60% single-family and 40% multi-family. This split is actually quite visible in newer suburbs, which are a mix of traditional single family (80's, 90's) townhouses, and 3-6 storey condos. In the innercity you get mostly condos but there are some infill single-family homes in places like West Kensington.

EDIT: I guess you are right about Calgary also booming outwards, however there are a few things to take into consideration: 1. Suburban density standards have been raised drastically throughout Bronconnier's term as mayor; 2. Master-planned communities such as Mackenzie Towne are becoming very popular; 3. Condo living has really taken off now and downtown developments are growing rapidly; 4. Like all areas of Alberta, shortages of labour are quite prevalent in the construction industry, and it is impossible for any projects to go ahead at a faster pace than they already are, including suburban developments.

Not bad....the balconies give the buildings a chunky look, while I prefer sleek, but I guess they are part of marketing to a percentage of buyers who want a balcony.

Will the "twin" mentality ever cease? I suppose in the beltline area, building up the density is preferred right now, but I would like to see single condo towers in the 60 storey range.

Will the "twin" mentality ever cease? I suppose in the beltline area, building up the density is preferred right now, but I would like to see single condo towers in the 60 storey range.

Maybe if the condo boom is seen as undergoing stable growth (not boom-bust) then the mentality will change. It is a practical thing for companies to develop in twins and triplets though, because it is a lot safer to market and build a bunch of smaller towers than one large one. Just look at the immense trouble Trump Tower is undergoing in Toronto.

There are also density restrictions in the Beltline that any taller towers can work around through various boosts (preserving historic buildings, contributing to the public realm etc.)

EDIT: BTW, it looks like Arriva III will have it's height increased, possibly as high as 57 or 58 storeys.

Wow! The Twin Sisters took my breath away.

For me the development of the downtown core and innercity areas is going nicely and it's exciting to imagine what it'll be like in 10 years from now. I have a comment though... Unfortunately some of the most beautiful lands around the innercity core have the most hideous structures on them. I'm referring to (forgive me if my description of the area is wrong; I moved away from there over 15 years ago) the "packers" section is it??-- the southeastern area where all the industrial manufacturing buildings are. When was the last time you have driven through there? It is the ugliest, most depressing site in all of Calgary, and should, in my opinion, all be relocated somewhere in the northeast. They could then redevelop all that land into parks, housing, etc. Is that idea preposterous?

Wow! The Twin Sisters took my breath away.

For me the development of the downtown core and innercity areas is going nicely and it's exciting to imagine what it'll be like in 10 years from now. I have a comment though... Unfortunately some of the most beautiful lands around the innercity core have the most hideous structures on them. I'm referring to (forgive me if my description of the area is wrong; I moved away from there over 15 years ago) the "packers" section is it??-- the southeastern area where all the industrial manufacturing buildings are. When was the last time you have driven through there? It is the ugliest, most depressing site in all of Calgary, and should, in my opinion, all be relocated somewhere in the northeast. They could then redevelop all that land into parks, housing, etc. Is that idea preposterous?

Ah, you mean the Manchester Industrial Yards I would guess. Right now the Water Centre is under construction (a fantastic building) there at Ramsay Crossing and I'm hoping for further redevelopment of the area. Most Calgarians probably don't even know the area exists.

Right now, the split is 60% single-family and 40% multi-family. This split is actually quite visible in newer suburbs, which are a mix of traditional single family (80's, 90's) townhouses, and 3-6 storey condos. In the innercity you get mostly condos but there are some infill single-family homes in places like West Kensington.

EDIT: I guess you are right about Calgary also booming outwards, however there are a few things to take into consideration: 1. Suburban density standards have been raised drastically throughout Bronconnier's term as mayor; 2. Master-planned communities such as Mackenzie Towne are becoming very popular; 3. Condo living has really taken off now and downtown developments are growing rapidly; 4. Like all areas of Alberta, shortages of labour are quite prevalent in the construction industry, and it is impossible for any projects to go ahead at a faster pace than they already are, including suburban developments.

Thanks for replying.

By outwards growth I meant suburbs really. Everyone misses Montreal's housing boom because so much of the growth has been concentrated in the oulying regions that most of you have never heard of (unless you have already lived in Greater Mtl). One of the negative consequences of this (besides urban spawl of course) is the fact that what happens in downtown is frankly not that impressive cause it lowers the housing demand. Is the similar problem present in Calgary with suburbs siphoning some of the growth away from the core?

Thanks for replying.

By outwards growth I meant suburbs really. Everyone misses Montreal's housing boom because so much of the growth has been concentrated in the oulying regions that most of you have never heard of (unless you have already lived in Greater Mtl). One of the negative consequences of this (besides urban spawl of course) is the fact that what happens in downtown is frankly not that impressive cause it lowers the housing demand. Is the similar problem present in Calgary with suburbs siphoning some of the growth away from the core?

I would say that they are generally different markets. In fact I would say that downtown is starting to siphon off traditionally suburban groups.

Being a unicity, all the suburbs are of course within the city, and thus there is uniform taxation policy (although there are some grumblings that property taxes currently favour the outer burbs, though the differences aren't really all that much). To avoid the city's increasing taxation problem, you would have to move out to Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, or other places like that. Problem is, you would immediately lose access to "big-city" amenities and services.

Maybe if the condo boom is seen as undergoing stable growth (not boom-bust) then the mentality will change. It is a practical thing for companies to develop in twins and triplets though, because it is a lot safer to market and build a bunch of smaller towers than one large one. Just look at the immense trouble Trump Tower is undergoing in Toronto.

There are also density restrictions in the Beltline that any taller towers can work around through various boosts (preserving historic buildings, contributing to the public realm etc.)

EDIT: BTW, it looks like Arriva III will have it's height increased, possibly as high as 57 or 58 storeys.

I understand that, so perhaps a 70 storey mixed-use tower would be in order...

Arriva III increasing in height you say? Is this more than likely, or speculation?

I understand that, so perhaps a 70 storey mixed-use tower would be in order...

Arriva III increasing in height you say? Is this more than likely, or speculation?

Somewhere in between, but quite likely IMHO. This is according to some Calgary forumers who have bought units in Arriva and are in contact with the company.

Fortunately for us, Mixed-use towers are really starting to catch on in Calgary.

Ah, you mean the Manchester Industrial Yards I would guess. Right now the Water Centre is under construction (a fantastic building) there at Ramsay Crossing and I'm hoping for further redevelopment of the area. Most Calgarians probably don't even know the area exists.

Precisely my point; most Calgarians don't even know the area exists. Some of the best innercity land is completely overlooked due to the industry that is currently located there. I'm not sure it's "Manchester Industrial Yards" or not because there are other industrial areas around there, but it's what you see when you look northerly toward downtown from the Deerfoot from the bridge over the Bow. Obviously there was a time that all that industry was well situated there, but now, probably 50 years and 800,000 people later, it's time for it to be relocated. Most of the major cities I've seen don't have their ugliest industrial factories within a two mile radius of the downtown core.

Project for the Beltline, previously nicknamed the "Twin Sisters"

Montreux
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/1363/montreux3js5rr.jpg

this tower definitely has a nice look to it. very nice. :D:D:D

I like that they are tall, and they are kind of monolithic, but as many have stated; the balconies are way out-dated. hey that rhyms lol.

Those twins are cool, I like that style.

Maybe they'll turn it into one tower, and it'll be, like, the tallest in Canada? And shaped like a uh.. BOOMERANG!! :D

Eight days and NOTHING?!

Wow.

^ Like I said, I don't bother updating this thread regularly.

Ok, ok, here are 2 new renderings.

Former Co-op site in the Beltline
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/3678/coopsitejpeg2kh.jpg

Former Greyhound bus barns in Eau Claire
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4126/greyhound7vx.jpg

Project for the Beltline, previously nicknamed the "Twin Sisters"

Montreux
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/1363/montreux3js5rr.jpg

For more on this project as well as others, see this thread:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=100921

I love them! How tall are they?

^ Approximately 45 stories. I'm going to take a guess here... about 155m.

wow wow wow , holly crap bat man !

You're the only one that can update it? :P The one over at SSP has grown a few pages in the same time period. You guys are missing out. :P

I update the main page on the SSP thread.

However, I also am working on some stuff for the CUI, trying to get a summer job, and studying for my HTST213 final tomorrow at the same time. SSC is low, low, low on my priorities. :)

Ah, at least I have you here vid, to try and get renderings out of me once in a while. :tongue3:

Where's that EnCana rendering??? :crazy:

LOL

I think all of us Calgary forumers are starting to go nuts. It really is agitating having to wait. :crazy2:

Well it comes out in what, May? June? July at the latest.

May is only 5 days away. :) Who knows, maybe they'll release it tomorrow..

:hyper:

*Looks through thread* *smack self*

I can't believe I didn't post this one here yet. We obtained this rendering of City Centre weeks ago. It weighs in at 216m, 1m taller than Petro Canada Centre. It would be bordering 2nd Ave, at the edge of the Eau Claire District.
http://i3.tinypic.com/vwz9m0.jpg

There are, of course, tons of projects in Calgary, but I'll give you guys some more of the big ones.

Being kind of new to these forums, I have a few questions that maybe someone can answer. What is:

1. Nimby?
2. FCC2?
3. Why this forum is so less active than SSP?
4. Any other forum acronyms that one should know.

1. NIMBY=not in my back yard. NIMBYs are sad, evil people who hate awesome things
2. FCP? First Canadian Place
3. What can I say?
4. MYOB. (JK) lol.

Being kind of new to these forums, I have a few questions that maybe someone can answer. What is:

1. Nimby?
2. FCC2?
3. Why this forum is so less active than SSP?
4. Any other forum acronyms that one should know.

1. NIMBY = Not In My Back Yard. Refers to those who are anti-development.

2. FCC2 = First Canadian Centre 2. The first tower was completed in 1983 and is occupied by BMO. The second was never built, in fact the underground parking and foundations were built but construction was halted for unknown reasons, leaving a barely-disguised park with the foundations sticking out of the ground. In recent months, there have been calls to complete the approximately 60-storey tower, and a competition has been started for the redesign of FCC2.

3. If you are referring to the Western Canada section... there are simply less forumers here. SSC's Canadian boards are mostly populated by those from the Greater Toronto Area and Vancouver. On SSP, there are several hundred Western Canadian forumers, with over 65 from Calgary alone.

4. I don't know. Maybe basic internet terminology like LOL (laugh out loud), IIRC (If I recall correctly), etc. I have no idea how much you have forumed though, and how much you take part in online culture.

I love nimbys:crazy2:

:deadthrea

There's just no discussion here. All the action is at SSP.

Then go there! SSP sucks!

some of topic news. my good friend, and fellow stucco contractor has taken stucco into the space age. he has been key in devaloping a new space panal . . his name is billy beck. i have worked with him on this project. and many other of his wild ideas lol. looks like this one is not so crazy. here is the linkhttp://www.calgaryspaceworkers.com

Then go there! SSP sucks!

I am there. Being there isn't anything against this forum, but the reality is that there's 500X the discussion there. I'm looking for discussion. Why would you say it sucks over there? I love to learn significant things; is there something I should know, or learn about, that makes SSP "suck?"

Then go there! SSP sucks!
AGREED !

I enjoy both. ssp hasent the same skyline rating chart as ssc, so in that regard ssp is better. if you are looking for imfo on calgary, well ssp is the place. I have found that ssp is much more controled by its administration. im not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. In the whole they are both great places to talk about cities and their issues.

SSC has more morons than SSP. This place has really gone to hell in the past 3 months or so. I think it's because of what Justin did to the photo thread. We can't compose ourselves in a civil manner without seeing faces of gay guys in the sky bar.

SSC has more morons than SSP. This place has really gone to hell in the past 3 months or so. I think it's because of what Justin did to the photo thread. We can't compose ourselves in a civil manner without seeing faces of gay guys in the sky bar.
gay guys? ssc ? Bawhahahahahah.

vid maby its our calling to update this thred,and as soon as i learn how to post pics and stuff thats what i will do. im here every day anyhow. boris told me how once but i couldent figure it out.:dunno:

The mods at SSP are grade A twats who side with certain individuals whenever conflict arises.

I still peruse the pages, but have no use for its mods.

I love grade a twat. lol

I love grade a pecker!

gimme a snatch

Oh boy, this can go on...:o

New proposal for 4th Avenue. Seeing as this is Bentall, this is likely to go ahead on spec so it is very likely to be built.

Bentall 4th Avenue - Proposed
Developer: Bentall Real Estate Services & bcIMC
Architect: Gibbs Gage
Location: 302 - 4th Avenue S.W.
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/7656/bentall4thave0ib6zs.jpg

EDIT: BTW, it's 38 storeys at 500+ feet.

At least SSP doesn't have pathetic squabbles like that^. The Calgary Construction thread over there is miles ahead of this one.

thats because they are no to many Calgary people in this forum...

Use some comman sense.

if you people are so pissed by the lack of conversation here then why dont you get a shitload of info from SSP and bring it all over here including pics and so on. Im sure people here would love to talk about all the stuff going on in calgary, but if you dont post any info in the first place there wont be much discussion about it...makes sense to me.
I for one have a question..

What are the up to date official heights of these towers?
- Penny lane towers
- City centre tower

and whats this about a competition to re-design the FCC2?! thats great news to my ears.
Any more news on Encana?

if you people are so pissed by the lack of conversation here then why dont you get a shitload of info from SSP and bring it all over here including pics and so on. Im sure people here would love to talk about all the stuff going on in calgary, but if you dont post any info in the first place there wont be much discussion about it...makes sense to me.
I for one have a question..

What are the up to date official heights of these towers?
- Penny lane towers
- City centre tower

and whats this about a competition to re-design the FCC2?! thats great news to my ears.
Any more news on Encana?
very true.
not sure the the official highths although the city center will be slightly taller than the petro canada center. the penny lane highth has also been increased. the fcc2 is rumored to exceed 60 flrs and i presume it will be the first out of the ground because it has foundations in place. also, no new news as of yet on encana, anything you have herd is speculation. Imperial Oil has been waiting for the releas, word is they want to top encana in thier effort. I just cant see anyone toping Sir Norman Foster, so good luck on that. it sounds like a classic scraper war to me though. :cheers:

Ok, most of these heights I have no way to confirm, we have recieved them one way or another.

City Centre 1 (Condos) - ~38 Floors @ ?m
City Centre 2 (Office) - ~53 Floors @ 216m
First Canadian Centre 2 (Office) - ~60Floors @ ?m
Imperial Oil (Office) - ?Floors @ ?m
Penny Lane 1 (Office) - 40 Floors @ ?m
Penny Lane 2 (Office) - 49 Floors @ ?m

Now, given modern floor-to-ceiling heights, Penny Lane 2 will be taller than 200m but not as tall as Petro Canada. FCC2 will be taller than Petro Canada, and Imperial is rumoured to be out to beat Encana's height, whenever such information is realeased.

Ok, most of these heights I have no way to confirm, we have recieved them one way or another.

City Centre 1 (Condos) - ~38 Floors @ ?m
City Centre 2 (Office) - ~53 Floors @ 216m
First Canadian Centre 2 (Office) - ~60Floors @ ?m
Imperial Oil (Office) - ?Floors @ ?m
Penny Lane 1 (Office) - 40 Floors @ ?m
Penny Lane 2 (Office) - 49 Floors @ ?m

Now, given modern floor-to-ceiling heights, Penny Lane 2 will be taller than 200m but not as tall as Petro Canada. FCC2 will be taller than Petro Canada, and Imperial is rumoured to be out to beat Encana's height, whenever such information is realeased.

Awsome, thanx Boris.
Im wondering where all these rumours about Imperial are comming from, the first time i saw it mentioned was over on SSP when someone said "Imperial Oil, mark my words" and everyone went crazy talking about it then and i was left clueless as to whether or not people in the company have actually stated that they plan to go higher then Encana or not or if its just a silly rumour.

I know the media has picked up on Encana awhile ago but ive heard nothing from the media regarding imperial oil.

Well, we've known about their leases expiring in 2011, as well as which lot they own, for quite a while. We've been quietly musing about a possible rival to Encana. Then, a short news article came out a few months ago saying that Imperial Oil was considering a new tower. A forumer on SSP has a friend working in an architectural firm which is supposedly one of four selected by Imperial, and they are rumoured to be waiting to see how tall Encana's tower is before going into design mode.

:) thanks borris for your knowlage of Calgarys proposals, your knowlage is critical to this thread, as well as many on ssp.

LOL, no problem. It comes from being obsessive and having nothing better to do than to scour the internet for information. I must have spent 1/4 of my internet time in the last week reviewing some old Development Permits and Land Use Amendments on the city's website.

I've also been working on the Development Inventory for the Calgary Urban Initiative, so that helps as far as research goes.

I've got some newer numbers for you guys, from Bokimon on SSP:

Penny Lane 1 (Office) - 40 Floors @ 203m
Penny Lane 2 (Office) - 49 Floors @ 183m

I've got some newer numbers for you guys, from Bokimon on SSP:

Penny Lane 1 (Office) - 40 Floors @ 203m
Penny Lane 2 (Office) - 49 Floors @ 183m

I think you got it backwards, it should be 40 floors at 183 m and 49 at 203 :)

^ Yeah, you are correct. Damn, I must have been tired this morning...

Brava tower 1 is just about complete and Tower 2 is just being started. I think there are going to be about 4 towers in total in the Brava complex at Westgate park. They are some of the nicest looking buildings outside of downtown.

Oh and what is the complex that is going up east of MRC? Whatever it is they sure are building it fast.

the veiws should be spectacular from up there. to the east the city to the west the mountains. wow.

encana should be presenting some plans within the next day, or so. that is the word over at ssp. they seem to know whats up, so im holding my breath. :crazy2:

niceee to see the developments outside toronto

Palliser Square is real nice.........too bad they arent tall though

some of the them are very tall. city center, pennylane for instance. encana may be canada's tallest. we will just have to wait and see about that. i sure hope it is. being a foster building i have no doubt it will be canada's premier skyscraper. ;)
it will be one of foster and partners largest projects to date. news is soon to be released. i hope withen days cuz i cants wait no longer. :nuts:

some of the them are very tall. city center, pennylane for instance. encana may be canada's tallest. we will just have to wait and see about that. i sure hope it is. being a foster building i have no doubt it will be canada's premier skyscraper. ;)
it will be one of foster and partners largest projects to date. news is soon to be released. i hope withen days cuz i cants wait no longer. :nuts:
It's been reported at SSP that no renderings will be released until possibly the end of the year. Go figure. :ohno:

Renderings won't be released until mid September. Be patient,This project was 4 years in the making. It will come. EnCana had plans for a tower project from the beginning, since amalgamation. Where as' Imperial does not.

Big projects take lots of time. Ex Trump Toronto

I figured a while back this would be the issue.

Surprising.
Considering the non-existent amount of office space available in Calgary I'm surprised EnCana doesn't move as fast as possible as labour/land costs are soaring in Calgary.

Where did you hear this? From EnCana themselves?

Renderings won't be released until mid September. Be patient,This project was 4 years in the making. It will come. EnCana had plans for a tower project from the beginning, since amalgamation. Where as' Imperial does not.

Brava 1 construction is completed, the basement for Brava 2 is being poured, and Brava 3 is currently a pile of dirt.

Also on the Glenmore project, the bridge and extention over the resevoir is well under construction aswell (despite the traffic nightmare its causing)

Where did you hear this? From EnCana themselves?
Yes, The info comes from the facilities management team and Fosters is only one of four concepts on the drawing board, whereas Foster is the prefereable designer by contract. EnCana awared the project design to Foster but others were submitted in the bid process. Changes still remain based off of all concepts and the chief Architectual firm will acommodate them in the final stages in September, possibly sooner.

EnCana is unaware of a possible development regarding Imperial Oil. But they do know of a potenial major bank project/relocation in the works, which can not be confirmed.

I wonder what that bank/relocation project is??? Could be interesting if they want to build a tower too. Bank towers tend to be very cool.

From Toronto Star
Oxford plans an addition to Calgary office skyline.

Toronto-based Oxford Properties Group says it plans to build a 1.2 million square foot, 40 storey office tower in downtown Calgary, which also boast the Calgary tower.

Construction will start in September and the building is slated for completion in the fall of 2009. Financial details of the project was not revealed.

Oxford has developed other commercial projects in Calgary, including TD Square, Canterra Tower, TD Canada Trust Tower and Ernst & Young Tower.

Oxford, a major North American commercial real estate company, is 100 percent owned by the Ontario municipal employees' pension fund.

My Question is what is the name of this building ?

^ Centennial Place

Old
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/joshwhit/development/centennialplace.jpg

New
http://i3.tinypic.com/vwzbxh.jpg

Thanks :)

isn't that an older rendering? - thought it was revised to meet the street better

isn't that an older rendering? - thought it was revised to meet the street better

Thats correct, some major revisions were made, but I don't believe an updated rendering has been released.

Actually, that IS the newer rendering. Compare it to the original...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/joshwhit/development/centennialplace.jpg

As you can see, there are some changes. For one the roof elements are different. The curtain wall glass on the side has been broken up a little and no longer reaches the ground, to avoid having a glass wall meeting the small plaza. There were also some more (less visible) changes such as relocating the loading bays and parking entrances.

The newer rendering looks better

i have been waaay to busy doing stucco to visit ssc lately but it looks like not to much has changed. and still no encana render? jeez. too bad, but i guess thats how it goes with such a big progect. i cant believe the amount of work that is going on. i had to import 5 more men from sask just to keep up with my main devalopers. i have also started to do alot of landscape work and that is just as crazy. Calgary is truely growing like mad.

Here you go guys, I'll throw you some bones. That is, two renderings and their respective states... just a tiny, itsy-bitsy bit of all the info we have on SSP...

Centennial Place I, II
Floors: 40, 23
Approved
Developer: Oxford Properties
Architect: WZMH & Gibbs Gage
Location: 555 - 2nd Avenue S.W.
Construction to Start - September 2006
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8115/centennialplace5kj8.jpg

Penny Lane I, II
Floors: 49, 40
Approved
Developer: Penny Lane Developments
Architect: Gibbs Gage
Location: 507 to 535 – 8th Avenue S.W., 510 to 528 – 9th Avenue S.W., 826 – 5th Street S.W.
Construction to start - Winter/Spring 2007
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6765/pennylane2ad2hc9.jpg

On both projects, the taller towers will be constructed first.

As for our other big skyscraper office projects...

First Canadian Centre II - Land Use Amendment has been submitted
Encana - Tour given to Calgary Heritage Authority today by Encana... no other news
City Centre - No news

i would like to mention the new 50 or more floor twin res towers slated for calgary. where is the batmobile? bawhahhah I realy love this plan.
here is the link.
http://montreuxcalgary.com/montreux.htm

thats it i want to buy into one of these. they just scream, ME!

holy crap thats masive.
intesting concept on the guest rooms too

ya i love it ill send a link of what it will look like in the skyline as well.

New renderings of Penny Lane:

www.pennylanedevelopment.com

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9961/pennylane3hl9.jpg http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3182/pennylane6os8.jpg
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7794/pennylane4bi6.jpg
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8373/pennylane5bd7.jpg

Heights are now confirmed as
East Tower : 49 Stories - 202.5m/664ft
West Tower : 40 Stories - 183m/600ft

Although we will lose some older historic (questionable) buildings, I think the penny lane towers are going to be Calgary’s nicest. Until we get the EnCana of course. I hope that the ground level is welcoming and has some public use such as expanding the currant indoor out door mall theme. over all it will look great. i only wish it had been slightly taller than the Petrocanada tower.

I noticed today that they are painting the condo tower by Brava at westgate, a deep red colour. i'll try and get a pic when its done.

The concrete of the first floor of Encore (Brava's bigger twin) started pouring on monday. I'll keep your posed about progress since my bus route goes past there every day.

Also U of C announced 1.5 billion dollars in capital building projects, and had a tree planting/ ground breaking ceromony on monday, compleate with fireworks, politicians, and free food.

I took a few pics today while i was waiting for my bus home. I'm still working on getting the Encore shots, and it looks like people are taking up residence in Brava. Also the first floor of Five West east tower is being poured.

Courts Center from 6th ave
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9372/sspx0008mi7.jpg

TD Canada Trust Tower and Bankers Hall West
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1349/sspx0009tg5.jpg

There are rumors that Encana is going to release their design tommorrow around 10am, see SSP for more details.

ya we know!!!!

http://www.globalphotos.org/calgary/20060924/IMG_1960.jpg

Encore has moved on to the second story now, hopefully it will start picking up the pace skywards. Also the old tower near the Westgate Park complex is being remodled, and painted red. Personaly i would have gone for a less shocking, more neutral colour.

Hopefully i'll be able to get a pic from the bus one day.

Encore's second story is almost done. I promise i will eventually get a picture, though the tower may be built by then...

Klein's old watering hole shutting its doors for good
City of Calgary purchases building

Sun Nov 5 2006




Leah Hennel / Canadian Press
Ralph Klein takes a few moments out of his busy day to reflect on some past memories at the St. Louis Hotel.


CALGARY --After weeks of speculation, the official end of the St. Louis Hotel has been set in stone -- sort of.
On Dec. 2, if all goes to plan, the doors of the venerable downtown watering hole and hotel will shut for good, says owner Morris Blitt.

"I'll be happy and sad, but because of what's happened to the area, it's turned into a pretty tough atmosphere to work in," Blitt said Saturday. He's run the Louis for the past 30 years.

Blitt said drug-related crime has flourished in the area in recent years, intimidating both staff and patrons and transforming the once-lovable tavern into an unsettling meeting point. As a result, in September he announced he was selling the building to the City of Calgary.

The city takes possession of the property Dec. 15, but Blitt said the paperwork could continue into early next year.

Blitt is holding at least two parties prior to closing down, including a Nov. 24 public fundraiser set to be attended by Premier Ralph Klein, the tavern's most famous alumni. Klein was a regular during his years as a Calgary TV reporter and later as mayor. City hall is just a block away.

By coincidence, the fundraiser takes place the night before voting begins for Klein's successor.

A second party, to be held Dec. 1, will be for longtime patrons.

Wow not alot of activity on here...

Anyways, i have those promised construction shots of Encore, i think it was on floor 3 or 4 when i took this last week.

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/2351/sspx0020hn6.jpg

And the ugly building next to it that is undergoing renos to make it (a bit) less ugly

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/6544/sspx0021kt2.jpg

Just got confirmation that 5 Suites will be converted to a Crowne Plaza, and get a $12 renovation!