With so much development activity underway in the East Village, there's a lot for avid observers and lovers of city-building to look forward to. We last visited the development site for Cidex Group's The Hat back in January, when heavy machinery had just arrived on the fenced-off and snow-covered lot. In the months since, excavation has neared its conclusion, and a red crane base has been installed in the foundation. 

The Hat, image via NORR Architects

The 28-storey project had its start back in early 2015, when the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) secured the sale of the 5th Street and 7th Avenue SE property to Cidex Group. The $100 million project is significant for more than its convenient location — it will be the first residential rental development in the revitalized East Village, with the potential of opening up the floodgates for more highrise rental buildings.

Water pools around the new crane base, image by Forum contributor Da_Master

The building will pack a 5,000-square-foot childcare centre and 221 one-, two- and three-bedroom units into 236,000 square feet of space, while its exterior is given a design courtesy of NORR Architects. Renderings portray the architectural vocabulary of the tower, with corner balconies and heavy glazing defining its character. A top hat-like crown gives meaning to the marketing moniker, which is only amplified by a cheeky public art sculpture anchored to the corner.

A view of the site from another angle, image by Forum contributor dazzlingdave88

With the crane fixed into place, vertical construction will now advance. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.