The Guardian, Calgary's tallest condo towers to date, has officially begun occupation. Finishing touches have now been applied to the massive 44-storey twin-tower development that's located at the border between downtown and East Village. Steps away from the Calgary Stampede Grounds and the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Hon Developments-built, IBI Group-designed development has brought a considerable amount of density to the area, with more than 600 units set to come online over the next few weeks. 

The Guardian, looking up from street level, image by Forum contributor Surrealplaces

Standing tall above a common multi-storey podium, the twin residential towers of The Guardian will be home to approximately 800 residents, with the base of the development occupied by a series of live-work units at ground level in place of retail.

Live-work units at the base of The Guardian, image by Forum contributor Surrealplaces

While the lack of ground level retail will inevitably impact the development's sizeable street presence, the tower will boast incredible views of the city and nearby Rocky Mountains. 

Best view in town, The Guardian (centre) and its surroundings, image by Forum contributor Surrealplaces

Residents will more than likely be drawn to The Guardian's prime downtown location, which is close to transit, as well as to many of the city's most famous sports and entertainment complexes. 

Main entrance and lobby, image by Forum contributor Surrealplaces

With the balance of the towers' amenities sharing the top floors with the penthouse suites, those at the top of Calgary's tallest condo development are sure to have unbeatable views. Enclosed in wall of glass, the development will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, taking advantage of the abundance of natural light that such a design allows. 

The view of the top, image by Forum contributor Surrealplaces

Now all but complete, The Guardian represents the ongoing evolution of downtown Calgary as a dense urban environment. Close to major attractions and within a brisk walk of the city centre, The Guardian will surely be a quick sell due to its location smack dab in the heart of the action. 

For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.