SkyriseCalgary

Pastel Morning

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Today's Daily Photo comes from forum contributor Chinese_T, this time with a photo capturing the colorful morning light on Calgary's skyline. To see more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread, or be sure to check out our Battle of the Photos threads.

Image via forum contributor Chinese_T

Want to see your work featured in our Daily Photo? You can submit your images to your local Forum section, the SkyriseCities Flickr Pool or the SkyriseCities Instagram for your chance to be featured on our Front Page!

A Message to Our Readers

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 09:12:30 -0600

For over three years, SkyriseCalgary has brought its readers informative updates on the region's prosperous urban development and real estate industries. A constant flow of photo updates and reports from community meetings, courtesy our loyal Forum members, supported fresh content on a daily basis. But the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty to a number of businesses, and our operations have likewise been greatly impacted.

Image via form contributor Surrealplaces

As the construction and development industry continues to grapple with the effects of the virus, SkyriseCalgary can no longer continue to operate as normal. It is unfortunate but necessary to announce that going forward, all front-page content will cease publication for the foreseeable future.

Our Forum will remain open and we encourage all readers who are interested in urban issues, planning, development, architecture and transit to contribute to the discourse. Calgary has a strong future and we still want to play a role in informing you about the issues you care about.

We would like to thank our readers and contributors for generating content and participating in our online community. We wish you all the very best. Stay safe and be well.

Soon to be Gone

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0600

This photo of Calgary's skyline and the soon to be demolished Saddledome by forum contributor Always_biking is the subject of today's Daily Photo. You can find more photos like this by Always_biking and others in the Calgary Photo thread, or the Calgary Skyline thread.

Image by Forum contributor Always_Biking

Topping Off March 2020: What's Hot on SkyriseCalgary

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0600

With another busy month of proposals, construction and public realm improvements behind us, we round up SkyriseCalgary's most popular stories, Projects, and Forum threads of March 2020.

Our Top Ten News Stories

1. Calgary's Never Built Skyscrapers

Scanned image via forum contributor FCC1982

A look back at Calgary's never built skyscrapers, followed by the news of Place 10 resuming construction and the unveiling of new bridge and station designs for the Green line and others make up the top 10 stories for the month of March.

2. Place 10 Set to Resume Construction

3. City Unveils Proposed Bridge and Station Designs for Green Line's North Central Section

4. Sola Gears Up

5. Glass Installation Begins at Stephen Place Revitalization

6. Cladding Installation Begins on The Hub

7. 11th + 11th Rises Above Grade

8. Cladding Continues on Cancer Centre

9. New Proposal Unveiled for Lower Mount Royal

10. Platform Levels Up

Our Top Ten Database Files

1. Place 10

Place 10, image via Centron

Jemm Properties' The Bridge took spot in February, followed by TELUS sky and and The Hub.

2. Park Central

3. Curtis Block

4. Arris - 5th and Third

5. The Hub

6. TELUS Sky

7. 11th + 11th

8. Redstone

9 The Hat Elbow River

10. One Tower

Our Top Ten Forum Threads

1. West Village Towers

West Village Towers, image via Cidex

West Village Towers, buoyed by rapid progress on its second tower was the top forum thread for March followed by 5th and Third, and The Hub, and for the second month in a row an infrastructure project made the list as the Green Line LRT showed up in the top 10.

3. The Hub

5. The Fifth

8. The Dorian

9. Place 10

10. 5th & Macleod

We will be back at the beginning of May for a recap of April's top news stories, Database files, and Forum threads!

Calgary News Roundup for April 1, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0600

City of Calgary says layoffs affect 1,200 employees; Calgary law firm offering free legal information during COVID-19 pandemic; COVID-19: Modelling shows Alberta's trajectory similar to western Europe; Health officials field nearly 4,300 complaints of COVID-19 violations and more news:

City of Calgary says layoffs affect 1,200 employees (CBC News)

Calgary law firm offering free legal information during COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

COVID-19: Modelling shows Alberta's trajectory similar to western Europe (Calgary Herald)

Health officials field nearly 4,300 complaints of COVID-19 violations (Calgary Herald)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

New Rezoning Proposed for St. John's School Site in Oliver

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Lotus Capital Proposes Mid-Rise Condominium on East Broadway

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

Mass Timber Supportive Housing Tower Proposed for LA's Skid Row

Calgary at Dusk

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Today's Daily Photo from forum contributor Tarsus captures the blue and gold hues of the evening sky just after sunset. For more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread.

Image via forum contributor Tarsus

Eisenberg Unveiled

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

Calgary's Kensington area just got a bit sharper as the tarps have come of Eisenberg, and the building's exterior is now open for all to see. Despite being only three stories tall, the NORR Architects designed building has been a highly anticipated project due to its open, sharp modern look. The exterior of the building has been covered in tarp for the last few months causing many to wait in anticipation for tarps to come down.

Front view, image by Kevin Cappis

Recent photos show a building with large open glass walls on all three levels, giving a feeling that the building is open to its surroundings. The second and third floors have slight horizontal angles which give the uniform square windows a quirky rebellious look - which fits nicely into the neighborhood.

Front view, image by Kevin Cappis

Exterior work is mostly complete, and interior work appears to be well advanced, promising a building opening in the near future. Once open, the main level will be home to a new Royal Bank branch, which will replace the branch going away due to the new Theodore development a couple of blocks north.

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. 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.

Calgary News Roundup for March 31, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Calgary not planning enforcement of COVID-19 emergency orders; temporary layoffs coming; Calgary’s Heritage Park lays off staff to reduce costs during COVID-19 outbreak; Calgary airport announces partial terminal closures amid COVID-19 pandemic; Calgary blocks traffic lanes to help pathway users maintain two-metre separation and more news:

Calgary not planning enforcement of COVID-19 emergency orders; temporary layoffs coming (Global News)

Calgary’s Heritage Park lays off staff to reduce costs during COVID-19 outbreak (Global News)

Calgary airport announces partial terminal closures amid COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

Calgary blocks traffic lanes to help pathway users maintain two-metre separation (The Star)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Cladding Underway at Southpark on Whyte

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Phase B of King George Hub Rising High in Surrey

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

Inside X Miami: An Amenity-Filled Social Apartment Community

Cluster of Towers

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

This photo Calgary's downtown tower clusters in black and white that makes up Today's Daily Photo comes from forum contributor Stephen Ave. You can find more photos from Stephen Ave and others in the Photos and Videos section of the forum.

Image by forum contributor Stephen Ave

New Hotel Proposed for Downtown Calgary

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

Downtown Calgary has been on quite the run when it comes to new hotel development, with three new hotels opening in the last two years, and a fourth hotel currently under construction. The streak doesn't appear to be ending anytime soon as yet another hotel has been proposed for downtown Calgary.

Rendering of project, image via Triple One Properties

Calgary based Triple One Properties recently unveiled plans for a new high-rise hotel in the heart of Calgary's core. The proposal calls for a 17 storey tower with 151 hotel units. Dubbed 'Hampton Inn by Hilton', the project is slated for 614 - 6th Ave SW, directly north of Calgary's Court House complex.

Plans show a slender high-rise structure using a combination of light gray, dark gray, and gold colored aluminum paneling, with vision glass for the windows. The hotel will feature two level of retail facing onto 6th Avenue, totaling 2,327 square feet, and the underground parking will utilize a combination of valet parking with an automated car lift stacking system.

Aerial location of project, image via Google Earth

The proposal is still in the early stages of development, with the permit needing full approval, however the project is off to a good start with the city's administration recommending the city's Planning Commission approve the development at their next meeting.

With plenty yet to come on this project, SkyriseCalgary will continue to follow its progress. For more information check out the project's database related file, for photo updates or discussion check out our forum related thread, and as always, feel free to leave comments in the comment section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 30, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Prolonged pandemic restrictions threaten the Calgary Stampede; COVID-19 pandemic limits Calgary malls to essential services only; Calgary shuts down multiple major routes temporarily for social distancing; Big Oil's interest in renewable energy investments expected to waverand more news:

Prolonged pandemic restrictions threaten the Calgary Stampede (Globe and Mail)

COVID-19 pandemic limits Calgary malls to essential services only (Global News)

Calgary shuts down multiple major routes temporarily for social distancing (CTV News)

Big Oil's interest in renewable energy investments expected to waver (CTV News)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Construction Progressing on Inglewood Intersection 123

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Amazon Site in New Westminster to Undergo Multi-Tower Redevelopment

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

Inside X Miami: An Amenity-Filled Social Apartment Community

Last Remnants of Winter

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Today's Daily Photo taken by forum contributor UrbanWarrior, captures the last remnants of a spring snow dump in Central Memorial Park in Calgary's Beltline neighborhood. To check out more photos from UrbanWarrior check out his Daily Photo Dose, and to check out pics from other forum contributors check out the General Photos thread.

Image by forum contributor UrbanWarrior

Redstone Makes Significant Progress

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

It's been a few months since SkyriseCalgary last checked up on Redstone's progress. Back in December construction at Redstone was approaching grade, as workers prepared for the Christmas break. Fast forward to mid March and Redstone is well on its way to reaching its way into the skyline.

View of construction site, image via forum contributor 1875

Recent photos show the 14 storey project is now at the 5th floor, and that the structure has been rising at approximately 3 floors a months since the time the main floor was completed. The tower would expect to be topped off sometime in late June, however depending on the current covid19 situation the topping off could be later than that.

Rendering of project, image via Amble Ventures

Designed by NORR Architects, the 137 purpose built rental tower is Amble Ventures' second Beltline tower project, after the completion of their inaugural project 1215. Amble chose to go with a proven format as both 1215 and Redstone look remarkably similar, having minor differences in the design. Amble Ventures also has a third project in the wings with the proposed Yellowstone development, also in the Beltline.

View of construction site, image via forum contributor 1875

With more progress yet ahead for this project, SkyriseCalgary will be sure to revisit this project and report on its status. For more information check out the associated database thread, for photo updates and discussion check out the associated forum thread, and as always, feel free to leave comments in the comment section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 27, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Price dips below 60 cent mark at select Calgary gas stations; A Calgary Tower-sized colouring contest during self-isolation; Calgary company says 3D printing could fill medical equipment gaps; Calgary design ideas help physical distance in high density areas during coronavirus and more news:

Price dips below 60 cent mark at select Calgary gas stations (CTV News)

A Calgary Tower-sized colouring contest during self-isolation (CTV News)

Calgary company says 3D printing could fill medical equipment gaps (Calgary Herald)

Calgary design ideas help physical distance in high density areas during coronavirus (Livewire Calgary)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Throwback Thursday: Capilano Library's Wood and Steel

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Second Phase of Galleria at Concord Gardens Now Underway

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

Berlin Industrial Park to be Transformed by David Chipperfield Architects

Mimicking the Rockies

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

This photo via forum contributor GoVertical, captures the angular rooftop of the West Village Tower mimicking the Rocky Mountains and makes up today's Daily Photo. To see more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread, or be sure to check out our Battle of the Photos threads

Image via forum contributor GoVertical

Revisiting the Residence Inn

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

Today's Throwback Thursday feature captures 5 years of change to the Calgary's most recent high-rise hotel, The Residence Inn by Marriott. Images from the same vantage point in 2014, 2016, 2017, and then 2019, highlight the Residence Inn's growth from an empty lot to a high rise tower.

This image from April of 2014 shows an empty lot with the former Alberta Boot building still on the premise. A little over a year later in November of 2015, the Alberta Boot building was demolished as the first step towards building the 300+ room hotel.

May 2014, image via Google Streetview

Drilling an pile installation began in January of 2016, with excavation shortly after that. Moving on to August of 2016, we see the project is not only well underway, but is already above grade.

Aug 2016, Image by Forum Member Surrealplaces

From that point on the tower would rise fast as the once the podium was complete, the repeating floors in the tower portion would be created at roughly a floor per week. In April of 2017, construction crews are already a little over halfway up to the final 36 floors, and glass and spandrel installation has begun.

Apr 2017, Image by Forum Member Beltline_b

A few months later in late August of 2017 the structure would reach it's final height and work would shift focus to the exterior cladding installation and interior work. In January of 2018 the exterior material installation would be completed, and the building would appear finished from the outside. The crane would later come down a month later in February, and then work would continue on the interior side. After approximately a year, and what seemed like a lengthy wait the Hotel opened to the public in early 2019.

Nov 2019, Image by Forum Member GoVertical

Designed by IBI Group, the final product turned out to be a striking addition to the Beltline's skyline, and the new hotel has added vibrancy to the 10th avenue streetscape.

Have an idea for a future Throwback Thursday? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Calgary News Roundup for March 26, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Coronavirus: Calgary Co-op announces enhanced measures to protect employees and shoppers; Calgary’s Philosafy Coffee offers free drinks for nurses, doctors, EMS amid COVID-19; Calgary medical students enlisted to track down potential carriers of COVID-19 and more news:

Coronavirus: Calgary Co-op announces enhanced measures to protect employees and shoppers (Global News)

Calgary’s Philosafy Coffee offers free drinks for nurses, doctors, EMS amid COVID-19 (Global News)

Calgary medical students enlisted to track down potential carriers of COVID-19 (Calgary Herald)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Artika Rises Above Grade

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

After Setbacks, Richmond International Trade Centre Nears Completion

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

OMA-Designed Department Store Features Mosaic Stone Facade

Prairie Metropolis

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

From the window of an airplane, this high up snapshot of Calgary's downtown core taken by forum contributor Potatopizzafan, makes up today's Daily Photo. To see more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread, or be sure to check out our Battle of the Photos threads

Photo via forum contributor Potatopizzafan

Affordable Housing Project on the Rise

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

Today SkyriseCalgary takes a look at the progress of 933 - 5th ave, HomeSpace's affordable housing project at downtown Calgary's west end. In our last follow up from November of 2019, workers were finishing up the installation a tower crane at site, and the building was preparing for it's vertical ascent.

View of construction, image via forum contributor MichaelS

Over the past four months the project has made some decent headway. Though progress isn't as rapid as a typical highrise project which often rises at a floor per week, 933 -5th ave has risen up to the 6th level. Photos from February 4th show the building at the second level, and int e time since then, progress on the structure is roughly at a floor per two weeks. At that pace the building would be topped off around mid May, but with the recent covid19 situation it may take longer.

Rendering of project, image via Homespace

Designed by IBI Group, 933 - 5th will eventually be home to 74 new affordable housing units; something that will be a welcome addition to Calgary. aside from the units themselves, the location is solid, being right in the downtown core and short walk from Calgary's LRT corridor. It's also located a skip, hop and a jump from Calgary's bustling Bow River Walk, and just across the river from the Kensington entertainment area.

With more yet to come for 933 - 5th Ave, SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file, for photo updates and discussion check out the related Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 25, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Calgary Stampede still on — for now; COVID-19 empties out Calgary streets; Coronavirus: Calgary reducing numbers in homeless shelters; relocating to hotels; WestJet announces plans to cut 6,900 jobs, nearly half of total staff; and more news:

Calgary Stampede still on — for now (CTV News)

COVID-19 empties out Calgary streets (CBC News)

Coronavirus: Calgary reducing numbers in homeless shelters; relocating to hotels (Global News)

WestJet announces plans to cut 6,900 jobs, nearly half of total staff (CTV News)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

121 West Bulks Out

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Multi-Building ViewStar Development Altering Richmond's Riverfront

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

All-Wood Residential Tower Proposed for Cebu City

Bronze Sky

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

A photo looking straight up at the Bjarke Ingels designed Telus Sky tower via forum contributor Alex_yyc, makes up today's Daily Photo. To see more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread, or be sure to check out our Battle of the Photos threads

Photo via forum contributor Alex_yyc

Corten Steel Installation Underway on South Bank

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

It's been a while since we last followed up in Opus' mixed use Inglewood project, South Bank. Six months ago we reported on the cladding installation being well underway at South Bank, but things have been relatively quiet since then. There have been small advances here and there while the project progresses, but nothing major - until just now.

View of corten steel installation, image via Kevin Cappis

Recent photos show the installation of the highly anticipated Corten Steel panels are well underway on the South Bank's western facade. The project's renderings have shown Corten Steel on that side of the building and had looked promising, but until now there was way of knowing how it would look until it was installed.

Rendering of project, image via Opus

So far the feedback in the forum discussion thread has been positive, and with only a few more panels left to install we already have a good idea of how it will look when finished. Designed, but Kasian Architecture, the 5 storey building has been under construction for just over two years and is i the final stretch. With new residential units and office space in the upper floors and 12,000 Square feet of retail at grade, the project is sure to be a welcome addition to Inglewood and the 9th ave corridor.

View of corten steel installation, image via Kevin Cappis

With more to come yet for this South Bank, SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. 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.

Calgary News Roundup for March 24, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Calgary playgrounds closed amid COVID-19 pandemic; Calgary-based companies team up in battle against COVID-19 pandemic; Calgary Expo 2020 postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic; COVID-19: Locals in mountain towns want Calgarians to stay away; and more news:

Calgary playgrounds closed amid COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

Calgary-based companies team up in battle against COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

Calgary Expo 2020 postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

COVID-19: Locals in mountain towns want Calgarians to stay away (Calgary Sun)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Curvy Commercial Building Proposed for Jasper & 114 Street

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Second Phase of Pinnacle's Capstan Village Development Takes Shape

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

MVRDV Designs Sustainability-Focused Scheme for Shenzhen

Dharma Initiative

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Not exactly the Dharma Initiative, but this photo of Calgary's underground Westbrook LRT Station gives the feeling of an underground bunker. It also makes up Today's Daily Photo and comes from forum contributor Stephen Ave. You can find more photos from Stephen Ave and others in the Photos and Videos section of the forum.

Image via forum contributor Stephen Ave

Bridgeland Project Steps it up

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

Calgary's most beleaguered construction project appears to be beleaguered no more. The history of Steps, a multi-family project in Calgary's Bridgeland neighborhood is well known to those who follow the development and construction industry, and most likely anyone who lives in Bridgeland.

Back in November we reported that the halted Steps had re-commenced construction, and since that time, there has been construction activity at the site, but between the Christmas break and a couple of weather cold snaps, the project was seeing modest progress. Recent photos show Steps has been moving along at a good pace with a fair bit of progress over the past month.

View of construction, image via Kevin Cappis

Steps, for those who aren't familiar with its history, started construction in 2014 and has gone through periods of construction and times where it has been halted. Fast forward six years later to now, and it's still under construction under, but under the guidance of Centurion Asset Management has made more progress in the last 3 months, than it had in the previous 5+ years.

Rendering of project, image via Sturgess

Once built Steps will be part of a rapidly evolving area in Bridgeland that has seen recent completion of several developments such as Radius, as well as others like Dominion that are currently under construction. Designed by Sturgess Architecture, its funky, stylish low rise design should blend in nicely to the neighborhood. The development needs only to come to fruition.

View of construction, image via Kevin Cappis

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file, for photo updates and discussion check out our Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 23, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

COVID-19: Calgary company inundated with calls from around the world for modular structures; Calgary City Hall restricting access starting Monday; Calgary orders stricter self-isolation protocols for international travellers, regardless of how they arrived; SAIT students move out of student housing; and more news:

COVID-19: Calgary company inundated with calls from around the world for modular structures (Calgary Herald)

Calgary City Hall restricting access starting Monday (Global News)

Calgary orders stricter self-isolation protocols for international travellers, regardless of how they arrived (Global News)

SAIT students move out of student housing (CTV News)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Excavation of Westrich Pacific's The View Nearing Bottom

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Regan West Nears Exterior Completion in Coquitlam

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

Henning Larsen Wins Competition for Waterfront Tower in Sydney

Night Lights of the City

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Today's Daily Photo from forum contributor Bkha captures the night lights of Calgary skyline. For more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread.

Image by forum contributor Bkha

From Renderings to Reality

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

We all know that buildings don't always turn out like the renderings. Last-minute changes and real-life materials can all cause discrepancies between the vision and reality of a project. In our Flash Forward Friday feature, we take a look at how different projects stack up.

This Friday we take a look at the nearly completed Park Central in Calgary Beltline neighborhood. With the Hines' developed project nearing completion we have a good overall look of the building and can make a reasonable comparison to it's renders. A comparison of recent photo of the building's southeast corner to a rendering also of the building's southeast corner shows the final product is indeed very similar to original proposed vision.

Image via forum contributor Urban Warrior

The recent photo of Park Central above, shows the coloring of the glass, the aluminum panels, and the wood style composite paneling are spot on to those in the rendering. Vertical white trim on the balconies of the tower has only begun installation and cannot be fully compared, but looking at the vertical balcony trim on the podium, we see that it matches well against the rendering.

Rendering of project, image via Hines

Looking at the general massing of the structure and it's context we see it again matches up well. In conclusion the Solomon Cordwell Buenz designed tower's real life edition is a strong match to its original rendered vision, and is one of the better matches that we've seen at SkyriseCalgary.

Though Park Central has topped out, there is still more to follow and SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file, for photo updates and discussion check out the Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 20, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Calgary businesses adapt amid COVID-19 pandemic; Calgary's outskirts hardest hit by COVID-19: AHS data; COVID-19 online shaming drives some businesses to shut their doors; and more news:

Calgary businesses adapt amid COVID-19 pandemic (Global News)

Calgary's outskirts hardest hit by COVID-19: AHS data (CTV News)

COVID-19 online shaming drives some businesses to shut their doors (Calgary Herald)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Throwback Thursday: WSP Place Transformation

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Anthem Properties Redeveloping North Vancouver Site with 13-Storey Rental

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

New Miami Project Targets Booming Homeshare Market

Beltline Metropolis II

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

This shot, capturing the rising residential towers of Calgary's Beltline neighborhood by forum contributor Surrealplaces makes up Today's Daily Photo. For more photos like this check out our general photo thread or the Skyline Photo thread.

Image by forum contributor Surrealplaces

11th + 11th Rises Above Grade

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

Another project in Calgary's Beltline neighborhood has broken grade shortly after Redstone, which also rose above grade recently. 11th + 11th has been flying under the radar at SkyriseCalgary since last September when we covered the installation of the site's tower crane, but recent photos reveal the site is ready to make its mark, as it is now above grade.

Concrete pillars rising above grade, image via forum contributor 1875

Over the past several months all of the work at 11th + 11th has been on the underground parkade portion of the project, with no noticeable change to the casual passerby. Now with the project above grade, the structure's progress will be seen by many, and eventually the 44 storey tower will make its way into the skyline and will be noticeable from most parts of the city. Developed by Vancouver based Intergulf Development Group, the building will be home to 369 units as well as retail space at ground level facing 12th Avenue. With the development eventually becoming home to approximately 500 people, 11th + 11th will be a significant density boost to the area and Calgary's core in general.

Rendering of project, image via Intergulf

Designed by Ramsay Worden Architects, the tower will be tall and slender, with glass making up the majority of the exterior. One of the notable features of the design, is the south face of the building being angled rather than parallel to the street. This should give the building some interesting reflections for those looking at it from the southwest.

With plenty yet to come for 11th + 11th, SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to to this project as progress continues. 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

Calgary News Roundup for March 19, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Calgary distillers, brewer shift to producing hand sanitizer during outbreak; Calgary says it's now an order: international travellers must self-isolate; Calgary launches 9 Block initiative; and more news:

Calgary distillers, brewer shift to producing hand sanitizer during outbreak (CBC News)

Calgary says it's now an order: international travellers must self-isolate (CBC News)

Calgary launches 9 Block initiative (REMI)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Excavation Begins on Holyrood Gardens

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Mixed-Use Paramount Project in Richmond Rises Above Grade

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

Crane Erected for Boutique Chicago Office Building

Downtown Rainbow

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 22:00:00 -0600

Here, forum contributor Govertical's photo of a 9th ave +15 section lit up like a colorful rainbow is the subject of today's Daily Photo. You can find more photos from Govertical and other photos of Calgary in the Calgary Photo thread, or the Calgary Skyline thread.

Image via forum contributor GoVertical

University District Hotel Continues to Rise

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

In our last follow up on the new Alt Hotel underway in Calgary's University District, the building was only just beginning its ascent into the University District landscape. The podium section of the tower was constructed and the hotel room floors were set to rise.

View of construction activity, image via Kevin Cappis

In the past six weeks the project has seen rapid progress with recent photos showing construction now hovering around the 8th floor. Given the timeline that's about a floor a week, and if the pace continues the 15 storey tower would be expected to top off sometime in early May.

Rendering of Hotel, image via Groupe Germain

The 156 room hotel is Groupe Germain's second ALT Hotel project in the city of Calgary, having completed their East Village ALT Hotel, a a little over a year ago. The new ALT hotel is one of the key parts of the burgeoning University District, a master planned neighborhood that began development back in 2018. The neighborhood has several residential projects, multiple parks and an abundance of planned retail. Across the street from the ALT hotel in the Rhapsody development, there will be a Save-On-Foods grocery store, while a short hop away, Block 23 will feature retail outlet's, restaurants, and even a Cineplex VIP Theatre with 5 cinemas.

View of construction activity, image via Kevin Cappis

With more yet to come for the ALT Hotel, there will be plenty more to follow up on as the project progresses. Skyrisecities Calgary will be sure to return to this development. For more information, check out the associated Database file, for discussion ad photo updates check out the Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 18, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0600

Calgary Stampede announces mass layoffs amid COVID-19 outbreak; Several Calgary restaurants close, despite province okaying them for limited operation; Calgary Tower, Calgary Shelters Brace For Coronavirus; Calgary, Edmonton drive-thru testing for COVID-19 by AHS referral only; and more news:

Calgary Stampede announces mass layoffs amid COVID-19 outbreak (Calgary Sun)

Several Calgary restaurants close, despite province okaying them for limited operation (CTV News)

Calgary Shelters Brace For Coronavirus (The Sprawl)

Calgary, Edmonton drive-thru testing for COVID-19 by AHS referral only (Global News)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Pagaro Building Rising Quickly on Gateway Boulevard

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

North Vancouver Rental Project by Domus Homes Nears Grade

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

Spiral Tower in Bahrain Closer to Construction with Contract Signing

Night Beat

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Today's Daily Photo taken by forum contributor UrbanWarrior, captures the night lights of Calgary's Studio Bell (National Music Centre). To check out more photos from UrbanWarrior check out his Daily Photo Dose, and to check out pics from other forum contributors check out the General Photos thread.

Image by forum contributor UrbanWarrior

New Proposal Unveiled for Lower Mount Royal

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:30:00 -0600

Western Securities has been considering a new proposal for Calgary's Lower Mount Royal district. Recent renderings show a six storey multifamily project currently dubbed Lynbrooke Manor, be located near the corner of Royal Avenue and 8th Street SW. Designed by Hindle Architects, the building's design is modern and simplistic. The general shape of the building having a boxy like massing and large windows which give somewhat of an older warehouse/loft type look while its simplicity gives it a stylish, elegant look

Rendering of project, image via Hindle Architects

The proposal is slightly larger than the typical multifamily project in Lower Mount Royal, most of which are 3 and 4 storey walkups, however given it is only a couple of floors taller than most, it still fits into its surroundings.

Location of proposal, image via Google Maps

At the moment, the project is in its early stages and there is a fair distance to go before we see Lynbrooke Manor start construction. A development permit has been submitted to the City of Calgary, and it will go through the usual permit process. In the meantime SkyriseCalgary will continue to follow the progress of this project. For updates and discussion about the project, check out our forum thread, or as always, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 17, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

City of Calgary declares state of local emergency over COVID-19; COVID-19 Updates: WestJet to suspend international flights | St. Patrick's Day 'cancelled'; Calgary Tower, Heritage Park, closed due to COVID-19 pandemic; Calgary bus, train drivers concerned with COVID-19 exposure: union president; and more news:

City of Calgary declares state of local emergency over COVID-19 (CTV News)

COVID-19 Updates: WestJet to suspend international flights | St. Patrick's Day 'cancelled' (Calgary Herald)

Calgary Tower, Heritage Park, closed due to COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

Calgary bus, train drivers concerned with COVID-19 exposure: union president (Calgary Herald)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Cladding Underway on @81

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Mid-Rise Rental Development Proposed at 1265-1281 Kingsway

World news from SkyriseCities.com:

MVRDV-Designed Urban Lagoon Replaces Taiwan Shopping Centre

Winter in the City III

Kevin Cappis — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Today's Daily Photo comes via forum contributor Bkha, this time with a photo capturing the essence of winter's final days. To see more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread, or be sure to check out our Battle of the Photos threads

Image via forum contributor Bkha

Rhapsody Cladding Installation Well Underway

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

It's been a while since we last caught up with Gracorp's Rhapsody in Calgary's University District. The last write up for the project came just over 7 months ago, back in July of 2019, when at the time Rhapsody's west side of the structure had topped off, and the east side of the structure was beginning to rise.

In the time since then, the NORR designed project has seen steady growth with the east side structure topping off and cladding installation commencing. Recent photos show the building has a number of various materials installed and the look of the building is taking shape.

Image by Forum Member Surrealplaces

Materials on the lower level are mostly masonry finishes, with a couple of different styles of brick, along with a grey stone finish. The upper five residential floors are being finished with beige, taupe and burgundy composite panels. The central entrance for the residential portion has a the storey glass covered lobby area. Most of the windows are installed, and with spring coming up work with progress a little quicker as Rhapsody enters the home stretch of its project run.

Rendering of project, image via Gracorp

Located right in the heart of the fast evolving University District, Rhapsody's residential units will sit atop retail located in the base of the building, with tenants including a Save-On-Foods grocery store and an Analog Coffee outlet. In addition to retail at the base of the building, there will be retail across the street, located in August, as well in Block23, a retail complex that will be adjacent to Rhapsody on its east side.

Image by Forum Member Surrealplaces

With more yet to come for Rhapsody, SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database files and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 16, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

City of Calgary declares state of local emergency in response to COVID-19 pandemic; City closes rec centres, libraries; Alberta shuts down schools, daycares; Cochrane a poster child for innovation as Alberta targets tech sector; Calgary plans to expand Plus-15 network despite economic downturn and more.

City of Calgary declares state of local emergency in response to COVID-19 pandemic (CBC News)

City closes rec centres, libraries; Alberta shuts down schools, daycares (Calgary Herald)

Cochrane a poster child for innovation as Alberta targets tech sector (Calgary Herald)

Calgary plans to expand Plus-15 network despite economic downturn (Globe & Mail)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

CNIB Excavation Reaching Bottom

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver:

102 East 4th Avenue Office Project Now Visible at Grade

World news from SkyriseCities:

Aman-Branded Buildings Coming to Faena District in Miami Beach

Going Viral

Kevin Cappis — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Calgary's Core Mall is usually bustling with people, especially on a Friday afternoon just after lunch, but this photo captures the affect the recent Corona Virus has had on daily life. It's the subject of Today's Daily Photo and comes from forum contributor Stephen Ave. You can find more photos from Stephen Ave and others in the Photos and Videos section of the forum.

Image by forum contributor Stephen Ave

Glass Installation Begins at Stephen Place Revitalization

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

It's been quite some time since we last checked up on the Stephen Avenue Place Revitalization project. We last followed up on it back in June of 2019 when work on the project was beginning. To be honest there hasn't been much to report over the past 7 months, as the facade was taken down quickly, and with the building being exposed to the elements, tarps were put up, covering the ongoing work on the interior side, while a tall construction fence covered a good part of the exterior work.

View of southwest corner, image via forum contributor Potatopizzafan

Recent photos however, show the first real visible signs of the plaza's new look. Tall vision glass panels have been installed on exterior of the first level. From what we can see the panels will be highly transparent, with a slight green tint. Other work on the interior is still concealed by tarps in behind the glass. Although it doesn't seem like much of a change, it's a milestone for anyone following the project, and now creates more intrigue into how the building will look when the construction fencing is down.

Rendering of project, image via Slate

Owned by Slate Asset Management, the three storey plaza, once completed will be host to restaurants and shops, with a ground floor restaurant expected to have a patio fronting onto Stephen Ave. Connected to The Core Shopping Centre and Brookfield Place via the Plus 15, there is convenient access to an abundance of restaurants and shopping. Aside from being located in the heart of Stephen Avenue Walk, the plaza is also adjacent to the C-train and major bus routes, as well as to the 875-stall Bow Parkade.

Rendering of project, image via Slate

Calgary News Roundup for March 13, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Anything but business as usual as Calgary companies deal with COVID-19; Calgary prepares for snow-covered roads amid snowfall warning; Calgary doctor on consumption site review panel says he's sorry it fuelled fears around sites' future; Contemporary Calgary sells out premier fundraiser and more.

Anything but business as usual as Calgary companies deal with COVID-19 (Calgary Herald)

Calgary prepares for snow-covered roads amid snowfall warning (Global News)

Calgary doctor on consumption site review panel says he's sorry it fuelled fears around sites' future (CTV News)

Contemporary Calgary sells out premier fundraiser (Global Newswire)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

Throwback Thursday: Mechanized River Valley Access Project

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver:

Capilano Residences Adds to North Vancouver's Rental Stock

World news from SkyriseCities:

Highest Outdoor Observation Deck in Western Hemisphere Opens in NYC

Beltline Metropolis

Kevin Cappis — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0600

Taken from the penthouse of The Royal, this high up snapshot of Calgary's dense Beltline neighborhood from forum contributor Zoom, makes up today's Daily Photo. To see more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread, or be sure to check out our Battle of the Photos threads

Image by forum contributor Zoom

Curtis Block Makes Steady Progress

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

It's been a couple of months since our last write up on Curtis Block. Back in early January the two tower development hit a new milestone when cladding installation began. Since that time progress has been steady if not rapid, with the north tower climbing approximately a floor a week going from 18 to 27 floors, and the south tower rising from 12 floors, to 20 floors.

Aerial view, image via forum contributor Potatopizzafan

Aerial shots show the towers are now a fixture in the the Beltline's east Skyline, even though they still have many floors to go before completion. The north tower still has 11 more floors to go until it levels off on the 37th floor. Recent photos also show exterior cladding installation is making great progress, with cladding fished up to the 8th level.

Rendering of project, image via One Properties

Developed by One Properties, the two towers under construction make up the first phase, while a third tower is to be constructed later in the second phase. Once completed the three tower project, designed by Arquitectonica, and Dialog will boast 958 purpose built rental units, andf street level retail. All those extra units, combined with the new retail on both 12th and 13th avenues, will provide a nice addition to area that has been steadily improving and evolving.

Rising towers off in the distance, image via forum contributor UrbanWarrior

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file, for photo updates and discussion check out the related Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

Calgary News Roundup for March 12, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Gas prices flirt with 80 cent mark at stations around Calgary; Calgary artists question city's public art strategy; University of Calgary asks professors, students to be prepared for potential suspension of classes; 42 Avenue SE multi-use pathway ‘checks all the boxes’ and more.

Gas prices flirt with 80 cent mark at stations around Calgary (CTV News)

Calgary artists question city's public art strategy (CBC News)

University of Calgary asks professors, students to be prepared for potential suspension of classes (CTV News)

42 Avenue SE multi-use pathway ‘checks all the boxes’ (Livewire Calgary)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

25-Unit Residential Project Proposed for Westmount

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver:

New Westminster Skyline Getting a Boost with 32-Storey Ovation

World news from SkyriseCities:

Grand Hyatt Hotel Brand Coming to Mecca

Night Train

Kevin Cappis — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0600

Today's Daily Photo comes once again from forum contributor Bkha, this time with a photo capturing the colorful streaking lights of the CTrain as it glides into a station. To see more photos like this check out our General Photo Thread or the Skyline Photo thread, or be sure to check out our Battle of the Photos threads

Image by forum contributor Bkha

Cladding Installation Begins on The Hub

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0600

In our last follow up on The Hub, we saw that the structure had topped off, but there was no sign of work on the building's final external cladding. The external finish work appeared was taking a while causing some to wonder it there was a delay, but recent photos now show the installation of Alucobond brand aluminium panels has commenced. The aluminum composite panels have the protective wrapping covering the color, but the renderings show most of the panels as bright white, with a some of the accent panels as being jet black.

Exterior panel installation, image via forum contributor Alex_yyc

This would be considered a milestone, as now we will see the final exterior material of the building and installation will happen at a steady pace from this point onward. It won't take long before we get the final look of the building's exterior.

Rendering of project, image via Campus Suites

Developed by Toronto based Campus Suites, the 28 storey tower has been under construction since late 2018, and is nor in the homestretch of its development. With the exterior getting closer to completion, the focus will shift to interior work before it's ultimately completed.

Designed by ARK Inc, The Hub will contain 328 rental units, most of which will be geared towards students. The The Hub is situated in an area ideal for students, sitting one LRT Stop away from UofC, two stops away from SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) and just a short walk away from the Banff Trail LRT station. Beyond the university, the development is also close to the Calgary's Foothills medical complex, one of Calgary's largest employers, and soon to be home to the new $1.4 Billion Cancer Centre.

Exterior tower construction, image via forum contributor Surrealplaces

With more to come for The Hub, SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. 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.

Calgary News Roundup for March 11, 2020

Kevin Cappis — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Rapid genetic testing becomes available to Calgary medical community; Calls for government support as Alberta companies brace for COVID-19; Josh Brolin to shoot series Outer Range in Calgary for Pitt's company; New initiative launched to increase safety, vibrancy around Calgary City Hall and more.

New initiative launched to increase safety, vibrancy around Calgary City Hall (Global News)

Rapid genetic testing becomes available to Calgary medical community (CTV News)

Calls for government support as Alberta companies brace for COVID-19 (Calgary Herald)

Josh Brolin to shoot series Outer Range in Calgary for Pitt's company (Calgary Herald)

News from our sister site SkyriseEdmonton:

The George Nearing Completion in Queen Mary Park

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver:

Forming Concludes, Cladding Advances at The Smithe

World news from SkyriseCities:

Renderings Spotlight Tropical University Campus in Bangladesh