The tower crane is evidently becoming a neighbourhood symbol for Calgary's Beltline. The area's resounding success and energy is partly due to its location just south of the downtown core, which has become a major selling point for the slew of condominiums that are driving the neighbourhood's urban transition. Vancouver developer Qualex-Landmark has been watching the Beltline's dramatic redevelopment unfold from the front lines at their Park Point project. After digging at the corner of 12 Avenue SW and 2 Street SW for months, construction crews have successfully installed the 34-storey development's crane. 

Park Point rendering, image via IBI Group

Park Point's marketing has cited walkability as a key attribute and it's easy to see why. The development is situated just across the street from Central Memorial Park, the city's oldest surviving park, which underwent a substantial renovation between 2008 and 2010. Occupants of the 289 units will be residing in live-work townhomes, one- and two-bedroom condominiums, and spacious penthouses. They'll be able to take full advantage of the amenities package, which includes a state-of-the-art fitness centre, yoga studio, social lounge club, and an outdoor terrace.

Park Point crane installation, image courtesy of Qualex-Landmark

The building's protruding black grid enlarges in unison with the tower's floors, eventually encasing the entire width of the upper levels. Yellow canopies mark the moment when the grid expands in a rhythmic architectural expression from IBI Group. The dark grid contrasting against the white spandrel backsplash, when combined with the tower's 107-metre height, will make Park Point stand out among the forest of highrises sprouting in the Beltline. 

Park Point crane installed, image courtesy of Qualex-Landmark

Qualex-Landmark, with considerable experience developing inner-city projects in Vancouver, is recognizing and responding to Calgary's market trends. High-density downtown living spaces are being sought across the country as Canada's built landscape intensifies at a rapid rate. More than 80 percent of Canadians live in urban areas, a number that is only expected to increase in the years ahead as crippling traffic impedes regional economic productivity. 

Park Point crane installed, image courtesy of Qualex-Landmark

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