Rising fast alongside Central Memorial Park, the 31-storey Underwood Tower is now just a couple of floors away from topping off. Designed by Zeidler BKDI Architects for Western Securities, the project's completion will culminate a decade-long reimagining of the former Underwood Block dating back to the arrival of the adjacent Union Square in 2009. 

Underwood Tower, close to topping off, image by Forum contributor 1875

Underwood Tower has been clad in a mix of white and black spandrel which combines to form a pleasing contract to the clear window glazing. The project is on target to deliver upwards of 200 new residents to the area, the blocks bordering Central Memorial Park quickly becoming more and more dense and urban. 

Underwood Tower (right) and Union Square (left), image by Forum contributor 1875

While heritage advocates may be disappointed that all but one solitary piece of the historic Underwood Block will be saved and incorporated into the development, the image below highlights the degree to which the neighbourhood has evolved. Looking towards the core, one can easily appreciate the extent to which the city centre has spread outwards, Calgary's concept of "downtown" now stretching further afield than ever before.

Underwood Tower (left), becoming part of the neighbourhood, image by Forum contributor 1875

The podium (above-left) will soon be home to a row of retail offerings, thereby serving to reanimate the local streetscape. Once complete, the restoration of Underwood Block will be of great benefit to the Beltline and the broader city as a whole. 

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.