Unbuilt Projects

[IceCreamMan]

I absolutely love seeing and reading about these high-rise proposals from different eras. It's also amazing how many projects, even today, never get made publicly from the archives of architecture firms too - there's been some really cool stuff proposed in Calgary and across Alberta and Canada that I've seen over the years. Not even just high-rises - public buildings, institutions, etc. The conceptual side of design is so much fun.

 

[Mountain Man]

Is there anything in the BMO space at the base of FCC? Was always impressed with the space any time I was in there...

Glad we got the Bankers Hall we did, this PoMo design is classic, the previous would have just faded into a sea of reflective glass.

 

[FCC1982]

Here is some interesting articles on the development & construction of the Saddledome. Kind of melancholy now that it will be torn down:

Color version:

The Grand Opening:

 

[FCC1982]

And we'll give McMahon some love too - was going to be expanded to 50,000 for the 1988 Olympics.
I used to have a color version of this but alas it's gone.

There were also a couple proposals for a domed stadium around this time - BC Place was the darling of CFL stadiums and every city wanted a dome. I don't think these proposals for Calgary were ever that serious though.

 

[FCC1982]

Is there anything in the BMO space at the base of FCC? Was always impressed with the space any time I was in there...

Glad we got the Bankers Hall we did, this PoMo design is classic, the previous would have just faded into a sea of reflective glass.

I didn't find anything specifically on the FCC banking hall at the base other than it's mentioned in some of the articles. I agree - I always thought it was impressive.

I like both Bankers Hall designs - the reflective glass version and the PoMo one that was built. I always liked the concept of the silver & gold towers.
At least Eighth Ave. Place gave us the sloped roof lines in reflective glass

 

[Surrealplaces]

I had forgotten about so many of those proposals. The ones that I would have been happy to see today are FCC II, The Cascade tower, and Plaza 75. I think all three would have aged decently, especially FCC II would would still be an interesting tower. The original Bankers Hall design was very forgettable.

 

[FCC1982]

And to finish off - here is a shwack of skyline photos from 1978 through 1983:

A similar view from summer 2025:

1981-82

1983 (I used to have a color version of this one too :-( :

 

[FCC1982]

One more from 1979:

and to finish off - 2005ish:

That's it - that's all I got!
Although I also found some interesting stuff regarding Calgary roads & LRT that I'll post in the Transportation section.