Once the site of a nondescript 1970s office building, the future home of 500 Block by Hines has today become a deep excavation site abuzz with activity ahead of the project's imminent rise. With work to date concentrated on Phase One of the development, it is evident even at this early stage that the full build-out will represent a massive addition to the quickly intensifying Beltline district. 

Excavation site, urban context view, image by Forum contributor Beltline_B

Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz and Kirkor Architects Planners, the corner of 4 St SW and 12 Ave SW will be transformed as the first phase of the two-tower development takes the form of a 35-storey residential tower tethered to the ground by a 7-storey podium, all of which will front the street with ground-floor retail. 

Phase One (centre), with future Phase Two (left), image via Hines

While the tower will contain the bulk (277) of Phase One's 461 units, the remaining 184 will be housed in the podium, in addition to the aforementioned ground-floor retail. Careful observers will note the addition of a generous rooftop deck, pool, and lounge that will be accessed from the top of the podium. 

Heavy equipment on-site, image by Forum contributor Beltline_B

Built each for slightly different clientele, the tower will consist of mainly mid-sized to large units, while the base will feature a mix of micro and mid-sized units, thereby catering to different budget levels and desires. Located a Frisbee toss away from Central Memorial Park, 500 Block will be a welcome addition to the Beltline. 

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.