Six weeks since our last update, and progress at M2 Block in East Village has been moving along nicely, the four-storey office and retail development having blossomed into a full scale construction site. Designed by nArchitects for XYC Design + Development, the modernist riverside development is on target to become one of the most intriguing pieces of architecture in a neighbourhood already known for its design bona fides. 

M2 Block, build site, image by Forum contributor dazzlingdave88

Situated along the Bow River at 632 Confluence Way (6th and 6th), the development will soon deliver 25,000 square feet of commercial space to the local streetscape, helping fill out the easternmost stretch of the rapidly rising East Village. Just steps away from the George C. King Bridge and Riverwalk, the project will place office workers and staff within close proximity to nature as well as the hustle and bustle of the city.

Build site, side profile, image by Forum contributor dazzlingdave88

With rebar foundation construction and cement pours well underway, it will not be long now before the structure breaks above grade. Adjacent to the old Simmons Limited factory, the new structure will play nicely against the more traditional materiality of the century-old warehouse. 

M2 Block, as it will appear upon completion, image via nARCHITECTS

Once complete, M2 Block will be host to two ground floor restaurants, complete with outdoor terraces, while the middle two floors will become office space. Placed atop all of this, the fourth floor will be home to a single, 2,000 square-foot penthouse condo, which will provide one lucky owner with splendid views of the river and surrounding skyline. 

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.