Stephen Avenue development project scrapped

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A mega undertaking that might have reshaped Stephen Avenue and seventh Avenue SW has been scrapped.

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Triovest withdrew its permits for a three-tower undertaking on the historic block that might have included a 66-story condominium tower, a 54-story rental tower and a 24-story workplace tower. There have been additionally plans for a lodge and different industrial alternatives.

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Whereas there have been numerous complicating elements, the largest difficulty was the power to protect the heritage integrity of the properties whereas additionally bringing new life to the world.

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Planning was placed on maintain in February for a provincial heritage evaluation, and on April 6 the corporate withdrew its permits after its anchor tenant pulled out.

“Now we have solicited suggestions from the group and key stakeholders all through the method and can use this info to reshape our strategy,” Ryan Schott, vice chairman of promoting and communications for Triovest, stated in an emailed assertion.

An announcement from Nancy Bishay, communications director for tradition minister Jason Luan, stated a historic useful resource influence evaluation is necessary to make sure tasks involving heritage buildings are achieved responsibly and the developer takes into consideration the distinctive character of the world.

The corporate just isn’t abandoning the undertaking, however will regroup for a future iteration of revitalizing the block.

Shovel. Terry Wong (Ward 7), stated he was upset that the undertaking didn’t undergo, however understood that there should be a stability to protect the heritage of the neighborhood, which has existed for greater than a century. He stated it’ll stay a crucial a part of revitalizing the core, particularly because it pertains to seventh Avenue, which has numerous vacant buildings and security issues.

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“We need to be certain that we’re constructing a Calgary and a downtown that folks acknowledge when it comes to its historical past, but additionally its future,” he stated.

Mission will jeopardize Nationwide Historic District designation, director says

Within the brief time period, Wong stated a lodge is crucial to any redevelopment undertaking, with the enlargement of the BMO Middle due for completion in 2024 and the present conference heart. “We do not have sufficient lodge area to accommodate each,” he stated.

Josh Traptow, govt director of Heritage Calgary, stated there are points with the undertaking’s skill to take care of the historical past of the buildings past their facade. Nearly the entire buildings within the proposed undertaking are protected by nationwide, provincial and or municipal historic preservation orders.

Traptow stated the event needs to be achieved in such a approach that the historical past of the world is preserved. He stated a lot of the priority comes from modifications on the Stephen Avenue aspect of the undertaking that might jeopardize its Nationwide Historic District designation.

“I feel it is doable, I feel you could find a stability between heritage and growth,” he stated. “I feel it simply possibly takes extra creativity and embracing heritage as an asset.”

There have been additionally numerous points associated to infrastructure, together with the excavation of the five-story, below-grade parkade to help residents and companies within the undertaking.

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Mark Garner, govt director of the Calgary Downtown Affiliation, stated the affiliation continues to be working with Triovest on a imaginative and prescient for the undertaking. He stated they’re rethinking its scope relating to top and density, and what it would appear to be sooner or later.

A lot of choices are being thought-about, together with activating the monitor and repurposing a number of the buildings on seventh Avenue with pop-ups and different leisure choices to draw folks to the world.

“They seem to be a large levy payer and strategic accomplice, and so they have completely different properties and completely different visions for issues they need to do,” says Garner. “I nonetheless assume it is a excellent news story. It is simply . . . that a part of what they need to do is on maintain for now.”

— With information by Brodie Thomas

jaldrich@postmedia.com

Twitter: @JoshAldrich03