[Thinner6]

New rendering:

http://www.calgarycitycentre.ca/img/bkgd2b.jpg

[Dale]

Looks dee-lish! Like the direction design is headed in Calgary.

[GoflamesGo]

I love the look of both towers, the taller one looks like shards of ice or something like that, very modern. and the second tower looks very sleek and contemporary. They compliment eachother very well. I think this is my favorite design being proposed in calgary so far.

[Thinner6]

I'm really pleased with it too. It doesn't really come off as overwhelming, but alongside other construction in the core it will definitely compliment the entire downtown, especially the Eau Claire district where it's to be constructed.

[skrish]

That picture looks much better than the original rendering. I can't wait to see this project started.

[Wooster]

This is sort of the 'back side' of this development - the south elevation. Viewed from the north apparently there are shards of glass at various angles. I've heard that it is quite specatcular. The north side facing 2nd ave will also have retail at grade.

The height is no longer accurate according to what we've heard from the developer. Apparently the office tower is now 45 floors. Originally I believe it was proposed at 51. However, because of some shadowing issues of a square and the riverbank which is close, it was reduced slightly in height. The mix used tower would be attractive for a high end hotel like Ritz Carelton or something. I think this one is my favourite new design. Can't wait to see more. :tup:

[TOBoy]

I love it. Better than Toronto's office towers going up.

[Thinner6]

Yeah, I heard about the reduction to 45 stories too, however, until the official numbers have been released I'm just going to go with the old ones.

[cityguy]

Very nice,any idea when construction will start?

[calgary34]

I dont even know if these have been accepted yet guys. I dont even know if construction is even in the books.

[Dale]

What is meant by 'realeased' ? The design, or released leasing.

[canucklehead2]

Very nice. Congrats Calgary!

[Thinner6]

^^The design.

[calguyAB]

Looks great. I love the new developments going up in Calgary. I'm a big fan of these glass clad buildings. Calgary certainly needs more.

[tokama]

The simple lines and height of this rendering do make it look very nice. I would like to see a rendering of the front - esp if as said before this is the "backside" rendering and some closer looks at how the streetscape is handled (esp. along 3rd ave) before I make up my mind though.

Overall very nice addition to the Eau Claire area - more residential is good.

[Calgarian]

Looks good. A clearer rendering would be good. Who is the Architect?

[Thinner6]

BKDI & Zeidler Partnership

[Calgarian]

I hear BKDI has had some trouble with some of their clients firing them lately LOL! Zeidler has their hands in everything these days.

[Bokimon]

Oh really? Ouch! ^^

I heard that BKDI was to be doing the office tower and Zeidler would be doing the Hotel/Condo tower.

[WhipperSnapper]

very nice indeed - not twins!

could Cadillac Fairview and Ritz Carlton be hooking up once again as I have read rumours of Ritz Carlton entering the Calgary market

[Wooster]

Ritz Carlton would be a perfect fit for this development. It is the exact right location for something like that.

[phillyskyline]

I like it a lot. It's even a better design considering it's not a twin!

[GoflamesGo]

In the news we heard about the Ritz coming to Calgary, did they say that it was goign to be in eau claire? does that mean that it will be in one of the 2 towers in the new eauclaire market, or is it open to any area in eauclaire?

[Wheelingman04]

I really like it.

[caltrane74]

Nice, I wish someone would find some oil in Sudbury or Timmins or something. Toronto could use a few new skyscrapers like this.

[WhipperSnapper]

more oil discoveries anywhere in Canada means more towers for Calgary and not Toronto

Gold, though, would bring more towers or office parks to the world's largest mining market

[Calgarian]

St Johns will be the next city to get some oil towers (just small ones).

[JBinCalgary]

this is a great design!

[Western Spaghetti]

I like this project quite a bit. Let's hope that this one goes through.

[JBinCalgary]

everytime i look at this, i seriously think this could give the bow a run for the money design wise

[Thinner6]

^Agreed. It's a great looking project. Here's to hoping it goes through!

[JerryK]

Excellent towers, PLEASE Calgary developers come to Edmonton!!!!!!!!:whip:

[skytowers]

Hi I've been lurking for a bit. Trying to find out specific information on Calgary. I take it that these towers would be built on the land where the French Maid and Old Spagetti Factory are now located. Does anyone know what is going down to make this happen?

[Wooster]

Hi I've been lurking for a bit. Trying to find out specific information on Calgary. I take it that these towers would be built on the land where the French Maid and Old Spagetti Factory are now located. Does anyone know what is going down to make this happen?

Yeah, the development is that whole block. All the current buidings including, yes, the French Maid will be gone. Can't wait to see this one go forward. I really hope it does.

[Calgarian]

Yeah, the development is that whole block. All the current buidings including, yes, the French Maid will be gone. Can't wait to see this one go forward. I really hope it does.

Think they will have another peelers in the new building ;)

[Calgarian]

Any word on this one yet?

[Arriviste]

I'm getting anxious. I'd love to see at least the office potion of this go ahead, but am worried about how far through the current cycle we are and they haven't given us any more than a rendering. A small one at that. The fate of these towers, FCC2 and Penny Lane especially all seem to be quite murky.

[TOBoy]

Look at the Bay-Adelaide centre in Toronto. Proposed (1989?) - began construction - halted in 1991 - new design proposed (1997?) - Put on hold - 2000 - New design 2005 - Began construction 2006 - completion set for 2009. All in all roughly 20 years to get done.

I can wait a few months for this one which is much better than Encana's design.

[JBinCalgary]

i think bay adelaide was an extreme case.

[Thinner6]

Updated renderings; see first post.

[Dale]

Are these updated renderings an indication that the project is moving ahead ?

[Thinner6]

I wouldn't doubt it. This is one of the big Calgary projects that I really hope goes through. It would be fantastic for the location.

[Doug]

Massive project set for Eau Claire
Hotel, condo, office towers part of complex
MARIO TONEGUZZI CALGARY HERALD May 4, 2007

One of North America’s largest investors, owners and managers of commercial real estate is planning a massive redevelopment of a downtown Calgary block in the Eau Claire district that would include a hotel, a condominium tower and a 40-45 storey office tower, the Herald has learned. Cadillac Fairview on Thursday purchased the 50 per cent interest Calgary-based Aspen Properties had in the block located between 2nd and 3rd Street S.W. and 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The two companies previously had joint ownership of the block known as the City Centre project.

John Sullivan, executive vicepresident of development for Cadillac Fairview, said the company is thinking of a mixed-use project “which would include office, residential and potentially hotel.” He said the office development would be about one million square feet and the residential and hotel would be about half a million square feet. “We’re working with the city on our development permit as we speak,” said Sullivan. “And we hope to have that done by the end of the year — by fall. And we would hope to get going on the whole project next year.” He said the company hopes to have the project completed by 2010 or 2011. The office component would be one tower of between 40 to 45 storeys. Sullivan said the residential component would probably be one tower tied into the hotel. He said he couldn’t comment on the hotel proposal.

Neither Sullivan or Scott Hutcheson, president and chief executive of Aspen, would disclose financial details of the transaction. “Cadillac Fairview has purchased our interest. They now own the block,” said Hutcheson. “We owned the block. We took it through the development permit phases eight years ago, sold 50 per cent to Cadillac and we are now going to focus our energy on (the Calgary Tower) site. “Cadillac will focus their energy on the City Centre site.”

Aspen has redevelopment plans for the block that houses the Calgary Tower to include three new office towers totaling more than one million square feet. Aspen purchased the City Centre block in 1998. Cadillac Fairview purchased a 50 per cent interest with Aspen in January 1999. “They’ve been great partners. It’s been a great relationship. It’s nothing to do with anything other than we’ve grown and we don’t have unlimited capital and (the Calgary Tower block) is a big project for us and we don’t have unlimited time,” added Hutcheson.

Mike Gigliuk, director of research for Alberta for CB Richard Ellis, said a typical downtown city block is about 140,000 square feet and the value would range from between $600 to $800 per square foot. A typical downtown block would be valued between $84 million to $112 million, he said. Tod Hughes, president of Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (Alberta), said the City Centre block is a good location.

[TOBoy]

It was 53 floors, so hopefully they end up sticking with this height, and the design is great too. Possibly the site of a future Ritz Carlton for the hotel?

[Calgarian]

It was 53 floors, so hopefully they end up sticking with this height, and the design is great too. Possibly the site of a future Ritz Carlton for the hotel?

That would be nice, but 53 storeys is pretty tall with the proximity to the river. I really hope this one get in the ground this summer along with all the others.

[aluminum]

Amazing towers, could be another addition to Calgary's growing skyline:cheers: :cheers:

[Thinner6]

Has anybody heard anything new on this project? I'm assuming that even if there were to be a drop from 53 to 45~ stories that it would still crack 200m?

[skrish]

I remember seeing a redesign around the same time that the FCC2 drawings were released, but there hasn't been much discussion about the project since.

[Boris2k7]

Finally some news on this project. Total redesign. No idea on what the height is at now, but I would eyeball it at around 160m to the roofline...

Newest Renderings for the City Centre Project office tower here in Calgary. Architects are Zeidler Partnership (Toronto) and BKDI (Calgary). 850,000ft²

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/3226/citycentregl2.jpg

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/8709/citycentre2pk6.jpg

There will be a future residential phase and a loft concept block as well. Total project size is 1,500,000ft²

[Surrealplaces]

Does anyone remember this pile of shite design?

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/3095/citycentretq3.gif

[Boris2k7]

So this project is now going through CPC. Just the office tower, and it seems to me that the second tower (residential) is just plain cancelled for the time being.

DP-2007-3134 (http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/dba/calgary_planning_commission/agenda/2008/dp2007_4134_part1.pdf)

Spire Height - 116m
Roof Height - 109m

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/767/citycentreem2.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3593/citycentre2nw1.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9994/citycentre3da8.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/543/citycentre4lr4.jpg

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/9105/citycentre5hz5.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7513/citycentre6me0.jpg

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/899/citycentre7sg8.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/144/citycentre9nh0.jpg

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/7272/citycentre8rf8.jpg

[TOBoy]

Ah disappointing, but no surprise.

[Thinner6]

New rendering:

http://www.calgarycitycentre.ca/img/bkgd2b.jpg

[Calgarian]

Looks good, hopefully the market will recover soon so that we can build it!

[LeftCoaster]

Hey guys, little thread bump here. With record office absorption in Calgary this project is stirring again and could see construction start as early as Q4 2011 Q1 2012.

The revised project stats are:

One office tower 36fl, 161.5m
One mixed use tower 47fl, 151m

Square footages will be released at a later date but the office tower will be roughly 1,000,000sf and the mixed use near 700,000.

Design is the exact same as previous, adjusted for new height and floorplate sizes.

[DizzyEdge]

Can someone post what the latest rendering is? Some of the images in this thread are broken links, and the main non-broken ones have a broken 'latest rendering' after them.

[Wooster]

http://www.calgarycitycentre.ca/

The various renderings can be found here. Just go into the vision, office, residential and hotel sections.

[whiteford]

i like how this tower will give the effect of stepping up toward the taller towers behind it. thoughtful touch if you ask me. i think the project would be better off with the hotel. it would help to fill in the block. to bad. it also looked good beside the office portion of the tower.

[suburb]

i like how this tower will give the effect of stepping up toward the taller towers behind it. thoughtful touch if you ask me. i think the project would be better off with the hotel. it would help to fill in the block. to bad. it also looked good beside the office portion of the tower.

I didn't read that the hotel was not going up. The posts mentioning that previously were three years old!

Anyone know if it is down to the office building only, or if the hotel / residential are back in?

I think they look very nice. Like the green roofs and the non-uniformity (without being extreme about it).

[halifaxboyns]

Shouldn't the thread say approved and not proposed?
The Permit was approved at CPC back in 2008 wasn't it?

[LeftCoaster]

i like how this tower will give the effect of stepping up toward the taller towers behind it. thoughtful touch if you ask me. i think the project would be better off with the hotel. it would help to fill in the block. to bad. it also looked good beside the office portion of the tower.

I don't know where you are getting your information but the hotel will be going forward. An operator has already been selected, which I'm sure will be made public some time soon.

[Innersoul1]

I don't know where you are getting your information but the hotel will be going forward. An operator has already been selected, which I'm sure will be made public some time soon.

This is VERY good news! This looks to be a stellar project!

[suburb]

I don't know where you are getting your information but the hotel will be going forward. An operator has already been selected, which I'm sure will be made public some time soon.

Is it a *true* 5-star hotel? Calgary really needs a top calibre hotel.

[Wooster]

I recall the conversation a few years back centering around operators like Shangri-la or Ritz-carlton. I also recall a Raffles brand being mentioned. This was based on the ties to previous projects with Cadillac-Fairview.

Warm?

[LeftCoaster]

Wooster I'd love to play the hot cold game on this one but unfortunately there are just too few high end hotel chains operating in Canada... you would guess it pretty quickly.

And yes Suburb it will be a fully fledged 5 star hotel. I dont know what you guys will think of the operator but I can assure you the hotel and amenities will be top notch.

[GTING]

This is a great looking project! I will be happy to move the French Maid out of Eau Claire, where it really doesn't belong. I can't say I won't miss it though:D

I think it would be pretty safe to say that the hotel will be a Shangri-la, since they have new hotels in Vancouver and Toronto(I think?). They seem to be a company interested in expanding their Canadian market. A Raffles would be cool, but I doubt they would pick Calgary as their entrance to the North American market.

[LFRENCH]

This is a great looking project! I will be happy to move the French Maid out of Eau Claire, where it really doesn't belong. I can't say I won't miss it though:D

I think it would be pretty safe to say that the hotel will be a Shangri-la, since they have new hotels in Vancouver and Toronto(I think?). They seem to be a company interested in expanding their Canadian market. A Raffles would be cool, but I doubt they would pick Calgary as their entrance to the North American market.


I'm guessing Ritz hotel. I'm just speculating based on the fact that both of shangri-la's hotels were developed by the same group.

[Doug]

THe hotel brand is irrelevant as few if any hotel chains operate properties anymore. A group of investors will agree to finance a hotel and will reach an agreement with a chain to use its marketing in exchange for fees. That agreement need not be in place at the time of construction and could always change.

[LFRENCH]

THe hotel brand is irrelevant as few if any hotel chains operate properties anymore. A group of investors will agree to finance a hotel and will reach an agreement with a chain to use its marketing in exchange for fees. That agreement need not be in place at the time of construction and could always change.

I'm well aware of that, just have been noticing a trend thus me saying speculating. It was more just a shot in the dark to get the rumor mill spinning.

[Doug]

I'm well aware of that, just have been noticing a trend thus me saying speculating. It was more just a shot in the dark to get the rumor mill spinning.

It could be a Motel 6 if the business case supported it.

[Habanero]

I recall the conversation a few years back centering around operators like Shangri-la or Ritz-carlton. I also recall a Raffles brand being mentioned. This was based on the ties to previous projects with Cadillac-Fairview.

Warm?

There was some mystery poster on the forum a year or so ago, that hinted toward Shangri-la. I can't find the posts as it was too long ago.

[Calgarian]

I remember discussions about it being a Ritz-Carlton a while back. I hope this is the case, and Shangri-la decides to build something like they are doing in Toronto or Vancouver. Shangri-la Vancouver is a gorgeous building in person.

[LeftCoaster]

THe hotel brand is irrelevant as few if any hotel chains operate properties anymore. A group of investors will agree to finance a hotel and will reach an agreement with a chain to use its marketing in exchange for fees. That agreement need not be in place at the time of construction and could always change.

That isn't really the case, at least not with high end brands. With this deal, and any others I've seen involving 4+ star hotels the management team is in fact from the hotel management company and the entire day to day operations of the hotel are run by the management company, with only the finances run by the owner.

And Calgarian this building should turn out to be in the same realm quality wise as Shangri-La Vancouver as Cadillac is partnering with Westbank, the developer of the Shangri-La in both Toronto and Vancouver, for this project.

[Doug]

That isn't really the case, at least not with high end brands. With this deal, and any others I've seen involving 4+ star hotels the management team is in fact from the hotel management company and the entire day to day operations of the hotel are run by the management company, with only the finances run by the owner.

And Calgarian this building should turn out to be in the same realm quality wise as Shangri-La Vancouver as Cadillac is partnering with Westbank, the developer of the Shangri-La in both Toronto and Vancouver, for this project.

That isn't any different. The owner of the hotel can always change brands, let go the management team or rehire the management team under a different brand.

[LeftCoaster]

Paying a team to manage a hotel is very different than managing it yourself and paying what is essentially a franchising fee.

Having the expertise to run a hotel is not something most real estate developers have.

[Colin]

That isn't really the case, at least not with high end brands. With this deal, and any others I've seen involving 4+ star hotels the management team is in fact from the hotel management company and the entire day to day operations of the hotel are run by the management company, with only the finances run by the owner.

And Calgarian this building should turn out to be in the same realm quality wise as Shangri-La Vancouver as Cadillac is partnering with Westbank, the developer of the Shangri-La in both Toronto and Vancouver, for this project.

Did you just spill the beans? ;)

[Calgarian]

And Calgarian this building should turn out to be in the same realm quality wise as Shangri-La Vancouver as Cadillac is partnering with Westbank, the developer of the Shangri-La in both Toronto and Vancouver, for this project.

I hope so. Shangri-la Vancouver is quite the building, I would love to take it out of that city and drop it here.

[Bokimon]

Beautiful news! I can't wait to see the press release and I sincerely hope they include some much needed mouth watering renders.
I agree with the guys alluding to either the Ritz or the Shangri, I don't care as both brands are of excellent quality. We just need a 5 star flagship property to help boost this city's profile. With all the billions in the oil and gas industry, I am surprised that only now we are getting into the high end market for hoteliers. However many properties in downtown are 4.5 stars if that impresses enough. Only kickback which costed the other half star is no 24hr room service. Many places close at 1am and open at 5am.

Looking forward to the big release!! I may even poke around my boss who is the president of the calgary hotel association as I might get some more hints then.

[LeftCoaster]

Did you just spill the beans? ;)

Well nothing I said wasn't already public knowledge. http://www.calgarycitycentre.ca/residences_developer.html

Like I said before I can't confirm or deny anything, but regardless of the operator the hotel will be top flight.

[whiteford]

I don't know where you are getting your information but the hotel will be going forward. An operator has already been selected, which I'm sure will be made public some time soon.

well that is very good news then as for me it was a big plus for this project overall. i had am sure glad to to be properly informed. thanks.:cheers:

[LeftCoaster]

Just a little update, CF is actively pursuing lead tenants and is in advanced negotiations with one or more parties.

This one looks like it will be a go sometime in the new year.

As well SITQ's EAP 2 has several tenants lined up, not sure it leases have been formally signed, but it looks like that one's start is imminent as well.

[s211]

Well, that's certainly a huge improvement over the cartoon-like development they originally proposed. I can only hope that the original architect learned a serious lesson.

[Innersoul1]

Awesome! That's really impressive! Good things to come in the new year!

[Wooster]

Just a little update, CF is actively pursuing lead tenants and is in advanced negotiations with one or more parties.

This one looks like it will be a go sometime in the new year.

As well SITQ's EAP 2 has several tenants lined up, not sure it leases have been formally signed, but it looks like that one's start is imminent as well.

Earlier in the thread you alluded to the hotel/residential portion going forward at the same time. Is this still the case as far as you know? Any idea who the hotelier is?

[Calgarian]

Can't wait to see this one go ahead. Any word on when Don Quijote's or whatever it's called is going to close? they look to be right where the office portion is going to go, and I believe they are still open.

[LeftCoaster]

Earlier in the thread you alluded to the hotel/residential portion going forward at the same time. Is this still the case as far as you know? Any idea who the hotelier is?

The two projects aren't coupled at this point, although it may turn out that they need to be built at the same time for an extenuating circumstance, but more on that if it actually happens.

I do know who the hotelier is but unfortunately I cannot say. The hotel company doesn't want their name associated with the project until it is certain its a go, as no one want's to be associated with a failed/stalled project. Not good for business.

Can't wait to see this one go ahead. Any word on when Don Quijote's or whatever it's called is going to close? they look to be right where the office portion is going to go, and I believe they are still open.

I believe their lease is month to month so they will likely operate right up to the end.

[TallBob]

Build it!!

[LeftCoaster]

The two projects aren't coupled at this point, although it may turn out that they need to be built at the same time for an extenuating circumstance, but more on that if it actually happens.


Like I said I'd update you guys on the phasing of this project. The possible extenuating circumstance that could have caused these two projects to be built simultaneously has been resolved so the two will now progress on their own economic merit.

Unfortunately that likely means that the residential tower will remain unbuilt for the foreseeable future. Although many on this forum are bullish about the condo market in Calgary many in the industry remain skeptical about its strength, especially a high end project such as this one, where SFH still tend to dominate the Calgary market.

The good news is the office tower should be U/C or well on its way to breaking ground by the end of the year.

[Full Mountain]

Like I said I'd update you guys on the phasing of this project. The possible extenuating circumstance that could have caused these two projects to be built simultaneously has been resolved so the two will now progress on their own economic merit.

Unfortunately that likely means that the residential tower will remain unbuilt for the foreseeable future. Although many on this forum are bullish about the condo market in Calgary many in the industry remain skeptical about its strength, especially a high end project such as this one, where SFH still tend to dominate the Calgary market.

The good news is the office tower should be U/C or well on its way to breaking ground by the end of the year.

Will the complete parkade be built with the office building or will only half the site be built on and the rest left as a gravel lot? I hope the former not the later

[Calgarian]

Will the complete parkade be built with the office building or will only half the site be built on and the rest left as a gravel lot? I hope the former not the later

I would love to see the whole parkade built, but seeing as how there are different uses, the strata boundaries might be such that the parkade can be phased as well.

[Wooster]

The recent article mentioned the old spaghetti factory is not being demolished at this time - that would indicated that one half of the block is being developed independently of the other, including the parking.

[losername]

Title of thread says 216 metres, is this correct?

[TallBob]

That was the old proposal. Thread master did not change it. The old proposal was for an office bulding od 53 stories & 216 meters. But that was 4 -5 years ago.

[Jimby]

The website says the office tower will be 37 stories, although I think they mean 37 storeys, which translates to about 170 - 180 m?

[TallBob]

Well, I kike this newer proposal more than the old, but 216 meters would have been great. But that's me.

[Jimby]

Well, I kike this newer proposal more than the old, but 216 meters would have been great. But that's me.

At 216 it would have been 1 m higher than Suncor, so it would have been second tallest in Calgary after the Bow.
Was it the shadow by-law that lowered the height or was it more realistic economics that forced the change?

[TallBob]

Ya I think so.... But don't quote me, I may be wrong. Actually, the old proposal was taller but had setbacks leading towards the top of the building. Which becons the question: Would it really have cast much of a shadow on the pathway/park area?

[polishavenger]

Ya I think so.... But don't quote me, I may be wrong. Actually, the old proposal was taller but had setbacks leading towards the top of the building. Which becons the question: Would it really have cast much of a shadow on the pathway/park area?

The previous rendering was the result of architects stretching their creative muscles, while the latest is whats left when the business end of the project gets involved. Its great they have managed to put together a design that looks good and acheives the financial goals it needs to be built.

[Calgarian]

216m could probably work as the tower would end up being about the same distance from the river pathway as the Bow.

[LeftCoaster]

The revised project stats are:

One office tower 36fl, 161.5m
One mixed use tower 47fl, 151m



Heights are unchanged from when I posted this. Though there may be slight fluctuations (a floor or so) these are more or less the confirmed heights barring a major redesign, which is currently not on the table.

Regarding the parkade both options (phased project including 2 phase parking or entire parking and stub up of the residential) are still on the table, but it is likely that the first option will go ahead with knockout panels ready for the second phase.