East Village Construction Update

A lot has happened this year in East Village and sometimes it can be tough to keep up with all the changes!

To keep you up to date, we’ve pulled together a run-down of what developments were completed this year, what is still in the works, and what you have to look forward to in 2017.

Completed in 2016

National Music Centre
850 4th Street SE

What is it? Encased in more than 200,000 shimmering terra cotta tiles, the National Music Centre (NMC) has quickly become a an iconic structure in Calgary’s architectural landscape. Construction on the 160,000 square foot building, including the East Village Skybridge that connects Studio Bell to the King Edward Hotel, began in 2013. The building houses the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, various collections and interactive exhibitions, and will host educational programs and concerts.

Studio Bell was showcased on a national stage in Spring 2016 when Calgary played host to the 2016 JUNO Awards, with Studio Bell hosting two private events to welcome award delegates.

When did it open? Canada Day 2016

See more: Tour Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre | JUNO TV

King Edward Hotel
438 9th Avenue SE

What is it? Since breaking ground on Studio Bell in 2013, NMC has carefully reassembled the historic King Eddy, located on the west block of Studio Bell, honouring the original plans and returning it to its 1905 glory. The King Eddy was restored much like an artifact and will have new life as a live music venue that NMC and other community partners will be able to program.

When did it open? Canada Day 2016

See more: Brief history of the King Edward Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites
7th Avenue and 4th Street SE

What is it? The 14-storey hotel will combine the Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown and Homewood Suites Calgary Downtown under one luxurious rooftop terrace, to accommodate both short term and longer term stays.

When did it open? November 2016

St. Louis Hotel
430 8th Avenue SE

What is it? One of Calgary’s oldest hotels, the St. Louis has been restored as mixed-use commercial space. Eventually, the space will be home to new retail and office tenants. Currently, the main floor serves as a rental venue and community space for small to mid-size indoor events.

When did it open? July 2016

See more: Calgary’s St. Louis Hotel unveils new look

Hillier Block
8th Avenue and 4th Street SE

What is it? This historic site formerly housed residential suites on the upper floors. The Hillier Block was restored from significant disrepair, and is now home to the Calgary Public Library Foundation and the New Central Library Discovery Centre, which will be open for the duration of the NCL construction project. Open now.

Construction Started in 2016

RioCan Retail Centre
5th Avenue and 3rd Street SE

What is it? RioCan’s 230,000 square foot retail centre “5th & THIRD” will bring an urban concept Loblaws City Market, a Shoppers Drug Mart, a Joe Fresh, as well as other retail tenants.

What is status? Construction began Spring 2016.

Projected completion? Late 2018

New Central Library

What is it? Forward-looking and functional, the architecturally stunning New Central Library truly is the library of the future. The library will provide approximately 240,000 sq ft of usable library space – 66% more than the existing downtown library – and will be home to approximately 600,000 books. The library will host special programs and offer spaces for children and teens, as well as technology commons, laboratory for innovation, and much more.

What is status? Encapsulation of the LRT tracks began May 2014 and has completed. Building construction began September 2015. Exterior building frame has been completed and curtain wall installation is in progress. Completion of curtain wall, the next big milestone for the project, is projected for early 2017.

Projected completion? Late 2018

See more: NCL One Year Later – An update from the architect and project milestones

The Riff

What is it? Similar to Stephen Avenue in the Beltline, “the Riff” will be a pedestrian route with retail and dining amenities, traveling diagonally through the East Village community.

What is status? Construction began on East parkade in Summer 2016.

Projected completion? Unknown

ALT Hotel
Confluence Way and 6th Avenue SE

What is it? Boasting modern design and eco-friendly amenities, the 11-storey, 155-room Alt Hotel Calgary by Group Germain Hotels is an ultra-modern hotel for the budget savvy traveler. Homes By Avi has partnered with Le Germain on the project as the developer of the building’s parkade.

What is status? Construction began in November 2016

Projected completion? Slated to open in 2018

The Hat
5th Street and 7th Avenue SE

What is it? This high-rise rental tower will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units, making the project perfect for young families. Totaling 236,000 sq ft, the 28-storey tower will include 221 units (66 one-bedroom and studio apartments, 123 two-bedroom units and 32 three-bedroom units), as well as childcare services on the main floor.

What is status? Not started but machines are on-site; soon!

Projected completion? Fall 2018

Upcoming Projects

M2
Confluence Way

What is it? Main floor restaurants and retail shops, topped by office space and large terraces make up this 17,000 to 20,000-square-foot building. The structure will have a unique design, sloping back from the river, that will limit the shadow cast upon RiverWalk and keep those patios sunny!

What is status? Not started

Projected completion? Unknown

We will continue to update you as we make our way into 2017, so you are always in-the-know with East Village development news. Also, don’t forget about these East Village hot spots!

Simmons Building
St. Patrick’s Island
5th Street Square
Crossroads Plaza
Community Gardens
Children’s Playground
C-Square

Want to find out more or chat about how these developments tie-in with INK’s timeline? Give us a shout at 403.452.9268 or stop by for a visit and hot chocolate at Unit 108, 535 8 Avenue SE .

Cheers to a great 2016 everyone, see you in the new year!

Erin @ Battistella