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Before we rang in the new year, we asked the SkyriseCalgary community to take stock of how the city has changed by selecting their favourite buildings completed in 2017. Organized in two categories according to height, the year produced a new tallest building for the city and a number of other skyline-defining landmarks that have raised the architectural bar. With 166 responses recorded, our readers resoundingly confessed their love for the new additions. A city energized by urban growth in 2017, 2018's expected completions are shaping up to be at least as promising, with high-profile projects like Telus Sky and the New Central Library scheduled to open their doors.
Participants were permitted to vote for up to three buildings in the two categories. The Skidmore, Owings & Merrill-designed 707 Fifth was the belle of the ball in the 'buildings above 10 storeys' category, amassing 59 percent of voters' affection. Despite its new status as Calgary's tallest building, Brookfield Place couldn't edge out the sleek curves of 707 Fifth, though it easily took second place with nearly 38 percent of the vote. The Art Deco-inspired Vogue took in 15 percent of the vote, while just over 10 percent of readers selected the Beltline's 6th and Tenth as one of their favourites. N3 in East Village was a close contender for the fourth spot, comprising almost 10 percent of voters' picks.
The '10 storeys and under' category was a much more competitive race, but with over a quarter of votes, the heritage-modern mix at the King Edward Art Incubator won over the community. The Kensington Legion project collected over 17 percent of voters' praise, and The George on 17th, the top residential performer, earned more than 16 percent. A single vote separated Ezra on Riley Park from the top three, and three more votes would have made the ATCO Commercial Centre vie for the position as well. The Odeon placed sixth with more than 13 percent, and Niche One was the final project to eek past the 10 percent mark. 'Cranston Townhouses' and the new building which houses the Elbow Room restaurant in Britannia were both write-in candidates. One voter seemed thoroughly unimpressed with the choices, opting to type and select 'none of the above.'
Thank you to everyone who participated in our year-end polls. You can find discussion threads and Databases for the above projects in our Buildings Forum, where you can have your say and share your photos.
Did your favourites end up winning? Or were they topped by another project? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment in the field below.
