While Calgary's recent building boom has been thrown into a level of uncertainty in light of the most recent economic downturn, it appears there is no stop in sight for the explosive growth that has been a defining feature of the rapidly rising East Village neighbourhood, located just outside the downtown core. Begun in earnest in the mid-2000s, the redevelopment of this formerly sleepy corner of downtown has created a vibrant urban streetscape. 

East Village, looking towards downtown, May 2009, image via Google Street View

Captured from the corner of 5th Street SE and 8th Avenue SE, the image above dates back to May 2009, when the heart of the East Village was little more than a vast construction site, devoid of the numerous landscaping improvements, buildings, and street furniture that define the neighbourhood today. Also missing are several now-iconic pieces of the downtown skyline, most notably The Bow, which was not yet complete. 

East Village, looking towards downtown, May 2016, image via Google Street View

Compared to the first shot, the image above reveals a neighbourhood transformed, with the addition of brick paving stones, well-designed street parking, modern street lamps, and of course, the collection of new condo towers which today populate much of the area. Visible to the far right, the 18-storey, 196-unit, First condo tower can be made out, joined to the left by the 33-, 21-, and 8-storey, multi-tower Evolution, both of which are slated for completion by late 2016. Also under construction, the EV Hilton Hotel, visible directly under the top of The Bow towards the centre-left of the photo, is similarly set for completion later this year. Well served by transit, and within walking distance of the CTrain, the East Village has quickly become one of downtown Calgary's hottest new neighbourhoods. 

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