A month since we last checked in at 500 Block in downtown Calgary, and progress has been steady. Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz and Kirkor Architects Planners for Hines, the dual-structure, 7- and 35-storey residential development will soon transform the corner of 4 St SW and 12 Ave SW. 

500 Block, construction moving towards grade, image by Forum contributor rent2live

Viewed above and below from 4 St SW looking west along 12 Ave SW, the build site still has some way to go before reaching grade, with work crews busy prepping for the first series of cement pours. Clearly visible along the middle of the site, the dividing wall between the two structures can be easily made out. 

500 Block, construction close-up view, image by Forum contributor rent2live

The 7-storey mid-rise block will front onto 4 Ave SW and 12 Ave SW, while the 35-storey tower will only have access to 12 Ave SW. Combined, the development as a whole will possess a sizeable amount of ground floor retail which will be form a continuous, wraparound strip. 

500 Block, as it will appear upon completion, image via Hines

500 Block will contain 463 units, the development to represent an influx of upwards of 700 new residents into the downtown core. Close as well to the CTrain, Beltline, and Central Memorial Park, the centrally-located development will be a popular address for those looking to live in the thick of the action. 

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