For about the last five months, activity at Arlington Street's The Windsor has been halted, and sitting at grade. Some may have been wondering what has been happening with the project due to the lack of activity, but while work at the site itself has been idle, the project in general is still very much active. NORR Architects recently submitted a Development Permit application for the building to be changed from office space to residential use.

Rendering of new design for The Windsor, image via Arlington Investments

The previous design called for a five-storey building with four floors of office space on top of main floor retail units. However, with the recent collapse of the office space market in Calgary, many office developments have been put on hold or scrapped altogether. 

Rendering of the Windsor's old design, image via NORR Architects

In the case of The Windsor, the answer was neither to put it on hold, nor to scrap it, but instead change the use to residential. The new design calls for a six-storey building with retail at base, and five floors above consisting of 104 rental one- and two-bedroom residential units. There will also be six townhouse units on the south side of the building.

The Calgary residential market, particularly the rental market, has experienced greater fortunes recently than the office market. Frank Lonardelli of Arlington Street Investments confirmed that the building will be rentals when first launched, with the possibility of converting the units to condominiums at a later date.

Photo of construction from October 2016, image via Forum contributor UrbanWarrior

Right now the new design is going through the usual permit process, and thus, the site will sit idle for a little longer. According to Lonardelli, construction should be starting up again sometime around Q3/Q4 2017. The new design will also include a grocer as Blush Lane Organics will anchor the retail portion, an amenity that is sure to benefit the neighbourhood.

We will continue to follow this project as it evolves. To follow the progress of the project, or to join in on any discussion, check out our Forum Thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.