Back in November of 2019, we reported on the unveiling of Block 23 and Central Park, two up and coming projects for West Campus Development Trust's (WCDT) rapidly rising University District. We can now report that construction has begun on the Park and the retail buildings that will abut the park and face onto University Avenue.

View of construction, image by Kevin Cappis

Recent photos show construction is already well underway with plenty of excavation work done and some concrete footings already in place. When finished, Block 23 - named after the parcel of land in the University District's master plan - will consist of two buildings sitting on University Avenue with the backside of the buildings facing onto Central Park. Central Park is one of four parks in the master plan, and is the largest of the four.

Rendering of park and Block 23, image via WCDT

Retail for Block 23 is set to include restaurants which will look onto the park, and Cineplex VIP Theatre with 5 cinemas, as well as some other retail. The retail in Block 23 will help anchor a retail rich section of University Avenue that includes, a Save-On Grocery store, and Analog Coffee facing onto University Avenue from the base of Rhapsody, on top of the other retail slated for August and Argyle.

View of construction, image by Kevin Cappis

Despite being a project that's small in stature, it's a game changing style project, and 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.