Calgary's Bridgeland community will soon be home to a new affordable housing project as construction begins on Columbus Court, a 104-unit affordable housing project in the east side of the neighborhood. Bishop O'Byrne Housing association (BOBHA), along with the province of Alberta, are the developers. This will be BOBHA's 9th and most recent affordable housing project in the city, and will sit adjacent to Columbus Manor and Columbus Place, also run by BOBHA. 

Rendering of Columbus Court, image via BOBHA

Construction has only recently begun, but photos show there is already a tower crane on site, as excavation is still underway. Aaron Bailey of Catapulta Contracting confirmed the project is underway, and that the excavation will not be very deep, as the underground parking will be one level. A tower crane at this stage would normally be considered early, but as Bailey explained, it is there to help expedite the foundation work as the construction is temporarily affecting an existing parking lot, and is thus very time sensitive.

View of construction site looking southeast, image via Kevin Cappis

Designed by NORR Architects, the project will consist of two adjoining wings, one with 5 storeys, the other 4. The exterior materials will consist of cement board panels of varying colors, including white, beige, brown, and gray. Often seen as a welcome addition to a city, affordable housing represents a "win" for progressive urban planning in Calgary. 

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. 

Related Companies:  NORR Architects & Engineers Limited