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B&A Planning Group has been retained by the City of Calgary to develop concepts for a comprehensive master plan for the inner-city community of Bridgeland-Riverside. Seeking to adopt the principles of transit-oriented development, the vision outlines a neighbourhood that emphasizes mid-rise typologies, pedestrian- and cycling-friendly streetscapes, and a wealth of open spaces. Implementing innovative place-making strategies would help shape a distinct urban identity for the neighbourhood.
The three concepts recently presented by B&A Planning Group are consistent with the overarching planning principles above, yet each offer slight alternatives to the built form and positioning of the structures. Concept A details a neighbourhood of mid-rise residential buildings, four to six storeys high, and a continuation of 11th Street NE, connecting the street's existing halves between Centre Street and McDougall Road. At Bow Valley Drive and 11th Street NE, a "mixed-use node" would be created by placing retail at the base of new residential buildings on all four corners. Bow Valley Drive and a new east-west pedestrian and cycling link would connect to 12th Street NE.
Similar in its circulation and land use plan, Concept B also proposes an extension of Bow Valley Drive eastward, with a mixed-use node at 11th Street NE. The reinvigorated street would be prioritized for pedestrians and cyclists, with wider sidewalks, enhanced landscaping, and bike lanes envisioned. The key difference lies in its density, with six- to eight-storey buildings proposed, and additional space allocated for taller volumes. Unlike Concept A, Concept B assumes redevelopment of the abutting CareWest site at the northern edge of the boundary.
Concept C replicates Concept B's vision for Bow Valley Drive and mid-rise clusters, with dedicated nodes next to the LRT station and along Memorial Drive slated for higher density development. The mixed-use node is again present, and townhomes would be slated to face McDougall Park's southern edge. Unlike the other plans, Concept C calls for a new park just north of Bow Valley Lane. This proposal also assumes development of the CareWest site.
Whichever concept is chosen, it will likely undergo some revisions before it is ready to move to the construction phase. The ambitious plans fill in some of the gaps in the neighbourhood's current built form and circulation system, and provides a possible framework for future transit-oriented developments in Calgary. With the city favouring infill development and intensification in established communities, the project shouldn't face much opposition.
Additional information can be found in the Forum thread linked here. Want to get involved in the discussion? Leave a comment in the thread or at the bottom of this page.
