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.

 

[FCC1982]

I don’t think this ever got built but I can’t say for sure as the Summit was all torn down 35? Years ago.

 

[Beltline_B]

I guess we can remove Cantiro's Plaza proposal from the never built list

 

[DougB]

I don’t think this ever got built but I can’t say for sure as the Summit was all torn down 35? Years ago.
View attachment 712101

It wasn't built. The Summitt came down in 1988. I skipped school one day in May of thst year a awe Betelgu

I don’t think this ever got built but I can’t say for sure as the Summit was all torn down 35? Years ago.
View attachment 712101

It wasn't built. The Summit closed in 1988 and came down in 1989. I skipped school one day in May 1988 to see Beetlejuice at the Calgary Place Theatre and parked at the Summit. There was a sign saying it would soon close

 

[CT_]

Arts Commons Revitalization Scheme, 2010

 

[The Familia]

So disappointing we never got that design. It’s spectacular! I have low expectations of the modernization/renovation of the current one because I’m not really sold on the new addition. Hopefully it turns out good in real life, but the renderings don’t really do it for me.

 

[Roaring Flames]

My expectation is essentially all the existing theatres staying in some form, but everything else being rebuilt. This version looks more like it would have been a complete rebuild.

 

[FCC1982]

I loved that proposed AC design - Bing Thom wasn’t it ?