SkyriseEdmonton

From the Editor: A Message to Our Readers

Dave Sutherland — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 06:00:05 -0600

For over three years, SkyriseEdmonton has brought its readers informative updates on the city and region's prosperous urban development and real estate industries. A constant flow of photo updates and industry knowledge courtesy of our loyal Forum members has supported fresh content on a daily basis.

Taking over as Editor for the site in November 2019 was a high point for me personally, and I have enjoyed bringing you breaking news, inside looks, and milestone updates of some of the amazing projects taking place in our wonderful city. I have appreciated the connections I've made with many in the industry, from architects to developers, from site supers to tradespeople, from city planners to city dreamers.

But the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty to a number of businesses, and I'm saddened to report that our operations have likewise been greatly impacted.

As the construction, development, and real estate industries continue to grapple with the effects of the virus, SkyriseEdmonton can no longer continue to operate as normal. It is unfortunate but necessary to announce that going forward, all front-page content will cease publication for the foreseeable future.

While we all must remain physically distant, social connections are more important now than ever. Therefore, our Forum will remain open and I encourage all readers who are interested in urban issues, planning, development, architecture, and transportation to join me and other like-minded individuals there, and contribute and keep the conversations (and photo updates!) going.

Edmonton Skyline, photo by Dave Sutherland

Edmonton is a city and region of strong, resilient, and passionate people. Though the near future is hard to predict, we never fail to come together and look after one another when times are tough, and what I have seen Edmontonians stepping up and accomplishing in the past few weeks has been nothing short of inspiring.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support. We at SkyriseEdmonton wish you all the very best. Stay safe and be kind.

Topping Off March 2020: What's Hot on SkyriseEdmonton

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 13:00:05 -0600

March has thrown the world a curveball with the COVID-19 outbreak and the social and physical distancing required to fend it off. Despite all of that, proposals continue to move through the pipeline and many construction projects are continuing for now. We round up SkyriseEdmonton's most popular stories, project Databases, and Forum threads of March 2020.

Our Top Ten News Stories

1. Historical Richards Block on Whyte to be Revitalized

Rendering of Richards Block Revitalization, image via Omada Commercial

News that another historical building on Whyte Avenue in Old Strathcona is set to undergo revitalization work excited our readers in March. The project will also see new presence added to the adjoining laneways through new doors and windows.

Rounding out the top three are a new modest but attractive commercial building proposal for Jasper Avenue, and a bit of a sneak peek inside Capital.

2. Curvy Commercial Building Proposed for Jasper & 114 Street

3. Photos: Sneak Peak Inside Capital as Crane Comes Down

4. Coronation Community Recreation Centre Coming Soon

5. CNIB Excavation Reaching Bottom

6. Throwback Thursday: WSP Place Transformation

7. 25-Unit Residential Project Proposed for Westmount

8. The Augustana Topping Off

9. Excavation Begins on Holyrood Gardens

10. Excavation of Westrich Pacific's The View Nearing Bottom

Our Top Ten Database Files

1. Encore Tower

Though construction is nearing the end for Edmonton's new tallest residential tower, it remains our most popular Database file, followed by Maclab's two-tower proposal for The Garneau and ICE District Block BG which is restarting construction this month.

Rendering of Encore Tower, image via Westrich Pacific

2. Maclab Garneau

3. ICE District Block BG

4. Stationlands Residential Towers

5. Hat at Five Corners

6. The Quarters Hotel and Residences

7. Glenora Park

8. CNIB Redevelopment

9. Manchester Square

10. Holyrood Gardens Redevelopment

Our Top Ten Forum Threads

1. CNIB Redevelopment

Rendering of CNIB Tower Redevelopment, image via ONE Properties

Readers seem to be flocking to the Forum thread for this exciting project, as the deep excavation appears to have bottomed out this month, meaning the only way to go from here is up. Meanwhile, speculation abounds as to whether or not the first of two Falcon towers will debut, and - of course - watching the finishing touches get put on Encore Tower.

2. Falcon Towers

3. Encore Tower

4. ICE District Block BG

5. The Quarters Hotel and Residences

6. Glenora Park

7. The Augustana

8. Stantec Tower

9. ICE District Phase 2

10. Edmonton Miscellaneous Projects

We hope that you have enjoyed this recap of our top news stories, Database files, and Forum threads for March. We hope that it will encourage you to continue exploring some of the amazing projects coming up and underway in our city, and to join our Forum to continue the conversations with our like-minded community!

News Roundup for April 2, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 09:35:32 -0600

Councillor suggests turning some roads into sidewalks to keep physical distance between pedestrians; Edmonton might delay rolling out its revamped waste management system because of COVID-19 crisis; Edmonton hotels open but empty as pandemic devastates hospitality industry; and more news:

Councillor suggests turning some roads into sidewalks to keep physical distance between pedestrians (CTV News)

Edmonton might delay rolling out its revamped waste management system because of COVID-19 crisis (Global News)

Edmonton hotels open but empty as pandemic devastates hospitality industry (CBC News)

New COVID-19 rules limit Edmonton taxis, ride-hailing vehicles to 1 passenger or household group (CBC News)

'Our community is in crisis': Edmonton business survey says nearly half don't think they'll survive (CBC News)

Edmonton police poised to ramp up efforts to crack down on COVID-19 order violations (Edmonton Journal)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

A Message to Our Readers

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Topping Off March 2020: What's Hot on SkyriseVancouver

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

UrbanToronto Offering Enhanced Company Listing Database

World news from SkyriseCities

EarthCam Time-Lapse Documents Rafael Viñoly-Designed New Stanford Hospital Construction

Stay Safe. Be Kind.

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 22:00:15 -0600

A late March snowfall combined with social distancing and physical isolation makes for a desolate Daily Photo by More Bike Lanes Please on Flickr, while Rogers Place reminds us to look out for ourselves and each other in equal measure during these times.

Downtown Edmonton, photo by More Bike Lanes Please via Flickr

Want to see your work featured in our Daily Photo? You can submit your images to the Photos Forum, the SkyriseCities Flickr Pool or the SkyriseCities Instagram for your chance to be featured on our Front Page!

Spanish Villa Proposed for Rossdale

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 13:00:05 -0600

A surprise post this morning by JK Land Ownership LLC (JKLOL) via their Facebook Page announced a redevelopment a large property in Rossdale into a low-rise, multi-unit residential development near RE/MAX Field and the decommissioned Rossdale Generating Station.

Spanish Villa by JK Land Ownership LLC, image supplied

Spanish Villa is a 41-unit residential development designed by Elbonia-based A.P. Rilfüls Architecture. In the post, JKLOL president Arthur Isderivative, announced the development with numerous renderings of the character development in historic Rossdale Flats, which inexplicably also included a photo of his cat.

According to the post, the cat's name is Bing Clawsby.

Bing Clawsby is pretty cute, though; photo supplied

"Spanish Villa is a development unlike anything Edmonton has seen before. The missing middle has been found," continues Isderivative. "It was behind my couch the whole time."

When asked in a phone interview why the development is named Spanish Villa despite the clear Tudor-style architecture, Isderivative asked why that matters while audibly shrugging. "Nothing matters, really," he responded, which was followed by low growling sounds which we hope were made by the cat.

Sketch of the ground-level interaction, image supplied

The proposal has not yet been vetted by the Edmonton Design Committee, but when reached for comment about the initial renderings, committee chair Wes Sims replied, "that's it, I'm done, I give up, I quit, I'm outta here" followed by the sounds of a car door slamming and tires screeching.

According to the Facebook post, Spanish Villa will include amenities such as indoor plumbing, walls, doors, and "enough parking to choke a bison."

Definitely a professional rendering, image supplied

The Spanish Villa development is expected to break ground on Octover 32nd.

SkyriseEdmonton will absolutely not be following this project as it progresses, but we hope that this post has helped brighten up your April First. If so, please let us know in the comments below!

News Roundup for April 1, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 09:48:28 -0600

Edmonton urged to close some driving lanes to allow walkers, cyclists to meet social distancing requirements; TC Energy to start building Keystone XL pipeline after Alberta government invests $1.1B US; City defers tax payments for homeowners, businesses to ease COVID-19 financial burden; and more news:

COVID-19: Edmonton urged to close some driving lanes to allow walkers, cyclists to meet social distancing requirements (Edmonton Journal)

TC Energy to start building Keystone XL pipeline after Alberta government invests $1.1B US (CBC News)

City defers tax payments for homeowners, businesses to ease COVID-19 financial burden (CTV News)

Empty Edmonton: Sparse spaces in wake of COVID-19 outbreak (Edmonton Journal)

City of Leduc temporarily lays off 100 casual employees amid COVID-19 crisis (Global News)

City of Edmonton working to get more showers for EXPO Centre COVID-19 facility (Global News)

Why Many Edmontonians are Changing the Way They View Their Yards | Avenue Edmonton (Avenue Edmonton)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Eisenberg Unveiled

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Lotus Capital Proposes Mid-Rise Condominium on East Broadway

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Massey Hall Addition's Concrete Cores Rise Behind Restoration Work

World news from SkyriseCities

Mass Timber Supportive Housing Tower Proposed for LA's Skid Row

Refection of the Past

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo reflects upon the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, which sadly announced yesterday a temporary closure amidst the current COVID-19 situation. Photo by yegpixls via the #skyrisecities hashtag on Instagram.

Refection of the Past, photo by yegpixls via Instagram

New Rezoning Proposed for St. John's School Site in Oliver

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:00:05 -0600

A controversial redevelopment site is setting the stage to return to City Council again; a new rezoning plan has been submitted to City Administration for the site of the former St. John's School - located on 120 Street just north of 102 Avenue in the Oliver neighbourhood - this time targeting a standard Medium Rise Apartment Zone (RA8).

St. John's School before demolition in June 2015, image via Google Street View

Redevelopment of the site was first discussed in summer of 2016, when Limak Investments proposed rezoning to allow a building up to 16 storeys with 155 residential units. In order to compensate for the shadow the new building would cast over the Peace Garden Park located just north of the site, Limak proposed a land swap that would see a new community garden park built on the south end of the site, and the building pushed north over the existing park land.

Limak sold the site to Abbey Lane Homes in 2017, and that company took over and continued to move ahead with the proposal.

Proposed building by Abbey Lane Homes, image via City of Edmonton

Community concerns were not appeased by the land swap proposal, however, and that plan was scrapped.

In its stead, new proposal was put forward in January of 2018 that would see the company swap the land for another parcel entirely - the northeastern-most portion of Oliver Park at 118 Street and 104 Avenue.

Land swap notice mailed to residents, image via City of Edmonton

The new proposal would have seen the St. John's School site turned to parkland, and the swapped portion of Oliver Park would have seen a much larger development, with a tower up to 23 storeys on the north end of the site and an 10-storey mid-rise on the south portion, with up to 280 residential units along with some street-level commercial space fronting 104 Avenue.

Oliver Park proposal, image via Stantec

The community was divided on this latest proposal as well, however, and the Oliver Community League opposed the development on the grounds that Oliver Park should remain a large contiguous parcel, with the existing parkland and trees preserved.

Community opposition to the land swap, photo by Forum contributor KyleBlanchett

When the proposal went to City Council in April of 2019, much the discussion centered around the legal complexities of the fact that the city-owned land would first need to be upzoned, with the intention of essentially selling it to a private company without opening it up to other bids. As a result, Council defeated the rezoning in a 10-3 vote.

This latest rezoning proposal does away with any land swap, and proposes to use a standard RA8 zone rather than a Direct Control (DC2) as with previous proposals. The RA8 zone would allow a building of up to 6 stories and some limited commercial uses.

Aerial view of the site, photo by Forum contributor Grandinite

A Public Hearing for this latest rezoning proposal has not been scheduled, and seems unlikely to occur until later this year at the earliest, under the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this proposal as it progresses, however. What do you think of the latest proposal to rezone the site to a standard RA8 Medium Rise Apartment Zone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the conversation in our discussion Forum.

News Roundup for March 31, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:52:29 -0600

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald closes due to COVID-19; Edmonton faces millions in lost revenue from COVID-19 closures; TC Energy says it is going ahead with US$8 billion Keystone XL Pipeline; and more news:

'It's farewell for now': Fairmont Hotel Macdonald closes due to COVID-19 (CTV News)

Edmonton faces millions in lost revenue from COVID-19 closures (CBC News)

TC Energy says it is going ahead with US$8 billion Keystone XL Pipeline (Global News)

City of Edmonton, public library laying off nearly 2,100 employees (CBC News)

This website shows businesses that are still open in Edmonton (CTV News)

COVID-19: Edmonton company developing DNA-based vaccine (Edmonton Journal)

Coronavirus: Oilers Entertainment Group announces 139 temporary layoffs and pay cuts (Global News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

New Hotel Proposed for Downtown Calgary

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Phase B of King George Hub Rising High in Surrey

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Growth To Watch For: Markham and Durham Region Report Now Available

World news from SkyriseCities

Undulating Kengo Kuma Design Selected for Singapore Founders' Memorial

Gibbard Block After Dark

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo takes us back a few weeks to before social isolation protocols were put in place, of the newly renovated Gibbard Block in the Highlands neighbourhood. Photo by Kurt Bauschardt via Flickr (shared under Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0 license).

Gibbard Block, photo by Kurt Bauschardt via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Cladding Underway at Southpark on Whyte

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 13:00:05 -0600

The first phase of Southpark on Whyte topped off a little over a month ago, and since then scaffolding has been erected around the entire building allowing construction crews to install exterior cladding and windows, as seen in photos posted to our Forum by contributor Kaizen.

Southpark on Whyte construction progress, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

Insulating panels can be seen surrounding the entire building, with windows being installed on the lower two residential floors.

Cladding at Southpark on Whyte, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

This five-storey building is the first in a four-building development by ONE Properties and Wheaton Properties of the former Southpark car dealership on the south side of Whyte Avenue centered on 106 Street. Designed by GBL Architects, this phase is bringing 99 residential units atop 15,100 square-feet of retail space to the popular shopping and entertainment district.

Rendering of Southpark on Whyte, image via ONE Properties

Future phases of the $107-million development include towers of up to 16 storeys and approximately 560 more residential units, as well as another 11,800 square-feet retail space on Whyte Avenue.

Conceptual rendering of future phases, image via ONE Properties

Southpark on Whyte closes a major gap in the urban fabric that previously existed on Whyte Avenue, helping to tie together the western end of the street to the Old Strathcona historical district.

Phase one is expected to be complete for October 2020, though this may change given the current situation with COVID-19.

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project and its future phases as it progresses. More information and images can be found in our project Database entry linked below. What do you think of Southpark on Whyte? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum!

News Roundup for March 30, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 09:45:14 -0600

Edmonton councillor frustrated at lack of financial info ahead of Monday meeting; Malls in Edmonton limit access following provincial government order to shut down non-essential business; Alberta announces closure of provincial parks to vehicle traffic; and more news:

Coronavirus: Edmonton councillor frustrated at lack of financial info ahead of Monday meeting (Global News)

Coronavirus: Malls in Edmonton limit access following provincial government order to shut down non-essential business (Global News)

Alberta announces closure of provincial parks to vehicle traffic (Global News)

Physical distancing in Alberta: a tale of two cities (CBC News)

From financial worries to inviting strangers into your home, COVID-19 has put a chill on real estate (CBC News)

Access show homes, spec homes with self-tours — in person or virtually (Edmonton Journal)

Edmonton installs signs on Royal Glenora stairs discouraging use for exercise due to COVID-19 (Global News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Redstone Makes Significant Progress

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Amazon Site in New Westminster to Undergo Multi-Tower Redevelopment

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Site Plan Submitted for Two-Tower Complex on Eglinton near Yonge

World news from SkyriseCities

Inside X Miami: An Amenity-Filled Social Apartment Community

Standing Ovation for Encore

Dave Sutherland — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Forum contributor retiredfire gives us a great full view of the nearly complete Encore tower for today's Daily Photo.

Encore Tower, photo by Forum contributor retiredfire

Construction Progressing on Inglewood Intersection 123

Dave Sutherland — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 13:00:05 -0600

Since breaking ground last year, construction on Copperblock Capital & Beljan Development's Inglewood Intersection 123 has progressed with foundation work appearing to be largely complete.

Foundation work mostly complete, photo by Forum contributor Romanov

Photos by Forum contributor Romanov taken last weekend show the concrete foundation walls poured and ready to support the rise of the four storey residential infill building.

Construction on Inglewood Intersection 123, photo by Forum contributor Romanov

Designed by Gardner Architecture, the project is set to bring 46 residential units to 123 Street just north of 111 Avenue in the Inglewood neighbourhood, within walking distance to major bus routes and the 124 Street shopping and gallery district.

Rendering of Inglewood Intersection 123, image via Copperblock Capital

The building itself will feature brick and wood accents, street-fronting townhouse units, a rooftop amenity area, and secure bicycle storage.

Rendering of Inglewood Intersection 123, image via Copperblock Capital

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More information and images can be found in the project Database entry linked below. What do you think of Inglewood Intersection 123? Leave a comment below, or join the discussion in our Forum!

News Roundup for March 27, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 09:33:29 -0600

Edmonton landlord asks Kenney to give renters emergency subsidies; Open houses banned, new safety measures recommended amid COVID-19 pandemic; Renovation spending expected to slow in the short term; and more news:

COVID-19: Edmonton landlord asks Kenney to give renters emergency subsidies (Edmonton Journal)

Open houses banned, new safety measures recommended amid COVID-19 pandemic: Alberta Real Estate Association (Global News)

Renovation spending expected to slow in the short term (Edmonton Journal)

A look at how travel restrictions are affecting Edmonton International Airport: ‘It’s quiet’ (Global News)

COVID-19: Shell delays turnaround at Scotford site as pandemic impacts Alberta oil and gas sector (Edmonton Journal)

University of Alberta students, faculty and staff ask the province to rethink budget cuts in light of COVID-19 outbreak (Edmonton Journal)

Edmonton mayor supports all social distancing measures to avoid Italy scenario (Global News)

'It's a basic need': Laptop drive aims to connect marginalized Edmontonians during pandemic (CBC News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Revisiting the Residence Inn

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Second Phase of Galleria at Concord Gardens Now Underway

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

123 Portland Releases Rooftop Rendering as Site Clearing Wraps Up

World news from SkyriseCities

Berlin Industrial Park to be Transformed by David Chipperfield Architects

Red City

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo takes us back to a little over a year ago, a time of warm skies reflected off Enbridge Centre, by vanveenjf on Instagram.

Red City, photo by vanveenjf via Instagram

Throwback Thursday: Capilano Library's Wood and Steel

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

Recently announced as the Excellence in Institutional Wood Design Award winner at the Wood WORKS! Alberta Prairie Wood Design Awards, we thought it would be a good time to take a look back at the construction of Edmonton Public Library (EPL)'s new Capilano Branch, designed by Patkau Architects and Group2.

EPL Capilano Branch in November 2018, photo by Dave Sutherland

At a location situated just south of 101 Avenue and wedged between 67 Street and Fulton Ravine, EPL and the City of Edmonton held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 4, 2017 for the new southeast Edmonton library, attended by EPL CEO Pilar Martinez and Councillor Ben Henderson.

Groundbreaking day, May 4 2017, photo via @EPLdotCA on Twitter

By August 2017, much of the foundation work was already complete.

Foundation work underway, August 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

The steel structure outlined the striking jagged profile of the building in October 2017, and installation of the wood ceilings was beginning.

Steel raised, wood roof being installed in October 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

Closer look at the wood roof, photo by Dave Sutherland

Jumping ahead nearly a year to August 2018, exterior aluminum cladding and transparent glazing was well underway, including the large windows that look out at the treed Fulton Ravine.

Exterior cladding and glazing installation in August 2018, photo by Dave Sutherland

Large ravine-view windows installed in August 2018, photo by Dave Sutherland

Construction wrapped up quickly and the library was officially opened in November 2018, with a grand opening held on November 23 where many visitors got their first glimpse at the spacious interior warmed by the wood ceilings and large windows overlooking the natural ravine.

First look at the interior on November 8 2018, photo by Dave Sutherland

Taking in the view of the ravine on November 23 2018, photo by Dave Sutherland

EPL's Capilano Branch is more than just a place to find books; the library also features quiet study spaces, a MakerSpace, a play area for children, and a community space available for bookings.

Part of the MakerSpace at EPL Capilano Branch, photo by Dave Sutherland

Now over a year since its completion, EPL's Capilano Branch stands as a striking piece of architecture that takes full advantage of its location between city and nature, while offering vital amenities to residents of southeast Edmonton (outside of the current COVID-19 situation at least).

EPL Capilano Library Branch, photo by Dave Sutherland

Got a suggestion for a future Throwback Thursday? Drop us a comment below, where you can also let us know what you think of the EPL Capilano Library Branch!

News Roundup for March 26, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 08:00:31 -0600

Alberta construction sites allowed to continue with precautions during COVID-19 pandemic; Alberta home builders say construction jobs essential during COVID-19 crisis; Edmonton's summer festival season in limbo due to COVID-19 outbreak ; and more news:

Alberta construction sites allowed to continue with precautions during COVID-19 pandemic (Global News)

Alberta home builders say construction jobs essential during COVID-19 crisis (Global News)

Edmonton's summer festival season in limbo due to COVID-19 outbreak (CBC News)

COVID-19: K-Days remains on schedule despite pandemic uncertainty (Edmonton Journal)

‘A really bad time for this to happen’: Stores, malls may not survive COVID-19 pandemic, school of retail director says (Edmonton Journal)

Bob and Doug McKenzie are back in Edmonton, eh? (CTV News)

Edmonton liquor and cannabis stores see surge in business during COVID-19 pandemic | CBC News (CBC)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Affordable Housing Project on the Rise

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

After Setbacks, Richmond International Trade Centre Nears Completion

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

The Taylor's Podium Rises Above Spadina Avenue

World news from SkyriseCities

OMA-Designed Department Store Features Mosaic Stone Facade

Pearl in the Forest

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo by Forum contributor Kaizen sees the Pearl through the trees.

Pearl in the Forest, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

Artika Rises Above Grade

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

We last reported on Cove Properties' Artika about two months ago, when construction on the underground parkade was just underway. Now, the building is quickly rising above grade.

Artika rising above ground, photo by Dave Sutherland

Located on 103 Avenue and 112 Street in Oliver, the six-storey, Brian Allsopp Architect-designed building is being quickly assembled from prefabricated modules by Giusti North, which also provided prefab modules for Capital downtown.

Dropping in prefabricated modules, photo by Dave Sutherland

Exterior finishes, according to renderings of the project, appear to be mostly EIFS stucco with ample wood accents and what appears to be corrugated steel cladding the top two floors.

Rendering of Artika, image via Brian Allsopp Architect

When complete, Artika will bring 34 residential units to the dense residential area, including six ground-level townhouse units. Future residents will be ideally located close to downtown, MacEwan University, Oliver Square, and a future Valley Line LRT stop once the west extension gets underway.

Rendering of Artika, image via Brian Allsopp Architect

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow the project as it progresses. More information and images can also be found in the project Database entry linked below. What do you think of Artika? Drop us a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum!

News Roundup for March 25, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 09:22:23 -0600

Mayor Don Iveson presses federal and provincial governments for property tax relief; Tips to support small business during the coronavirus crisis; Edmonton's summer music festivals feel the uncertainty of pandemic; and more news:

Mayor Don Iveson presses federal and provincial governments for property tax relief (Edmonton Journal)

Tips to support small business during the coronavirus crisis (Global News)

Edmonton's summer music festivals feel the uncertainty of pandemic (Edmonton Journal)

U of A students will join effort help in province's COVID-19 contract-tracing capacity (CBC News)

Beaumont allows people to defer taxes, some utility payments amid COVID-19 crisis (Global News)

Parks Canada closing all national parks and historic sites to vehicles due to COVID-19 (CTV News)

Edmonton playgrounds to close immediately in response to coronavirus pandemic (CBC News)

How Edmonton companies have transferred employees to work from home (Global News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Corten Steel Installation Underway on South Bank

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Multi-Building ViewStar Development Altering Richmond's Riverfront

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

New Proposal Submitted for Condo Site at 2433 Dufferin

World news from SkyriseCities

All-Wood Residential Tower Proposed for Cebu City

City Still in Motion

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Though devoid of the usual crowds, Whyte Avenue still shows some signs of life amidst COVID-19 isolation measures in today's Daily Photo by yegpixls, coming in via the #skyrisecities hashtag on Instagram.

City still in motion, photo by yegpixls via Instagram

121 West Bulks Out

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

We last reported on Regency Developments' 121 West project in October last year, having believed the building had topped off then. In visiting the site at 121 Street and 105 Avenue since, it turns out that was only half the story.

121 West - north half under construction, photo by Dave Sutherland

Since topping off the 9-storey south half of the building, which is now under wraps for exterior cladding application, the north half of the building has risen steadily and will soon top off itself at the building's full 10 storeys. The two halves of the building surround an interior courtyard for the enjoyment of the complex's future residents.

121 West - south half under wraps, photo by Dave Sutherland

Designed by DER + Associates, 121 West brings 396 residential units to the burgeoning area around the Brewery District, located just across the street, putting a grocery store and other amenities well within walking distance for future residents. A stop on the future Valley Line West LRT extension will also be located just two blocks from this development.

Rendering of 121 West, image via Regency Developments

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More information and images can be found in the project database entry linked below. What do you think of 121 West? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum!

News Roundup for March 24, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 09:00:29 -0600

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson self-isolating with mild symptoms; As buildings empty, Downtown Business Association asks Edmonton police for more patrols; Packed parks, paths could prompt City of Edmonton to restrict access; and more news:

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson self-isolating with mild symptoms (CTV News)

As buildings empty, Downtown Business Association asks Edmonton police for more patrols (Global News)

Spread out, or else: Packed parks, paths could prompt City of Edmonton to restrict access (CBC News)

Nina Haggerty keeps the connection strong with art challenge during COVID-19 (Edmonton Journal)

EXPO Centre opens to Edmonton's homeless during pandemic (CBC News)

Lights to honour healthcare workers amid COVID-19 (CTV News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Bridgeland Project Steps it up

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Second Phase of Pinnacle's Capstan Village Development Takes Shape

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Underground Levels Materializing for The Rosedale on Bloor

World news from SkyriseCities

MVRDV Designs Sustainability-Focused Scheme for Shenzhen

Reach for the Sky

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo by VanveenJF comes via the SkyriseCities Flickr Pool, showing a beautifully painted sky above Commerce Place downtown.

Reach for the Sky, photo by VanveenJF via Flickr

Curvy Commercial Building Proposed for Jasper & 114 Street

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

In Instagram and Facebook posts made last Friday, local real estate agent Chris Karampelas of Karampelas & Executives announced a new commercial development proposal slated for the southwest corner of Jasper Avenue and 114 Street.

Rendering of 14 looking southwest, image via OCI architects

Developed by St. George’s Greek Orthodox Community of Edmonton and designed by OCI architecture, renderings of the project - titled 14 - show a 3-storey building with striking curves in what appear to be white brick, overhanging the ground level which is clad in transparent glazing.

Rendering of Jasper & 114 corner, image via OCI architects

According to the social media posts, the building will offer approximately 39,000 square-feet of commercial retail and office space, underground parking, as well as an outdoor terrace on the third level, and is targeting BOMA Gold certification.

The site as seen in June 2019, image via Google Street View

The site is currently host to a surface parking lot, formerly part of the Edmonton Motors dealership. The bulk of that site is slated for a major redevelopment directly next door to this proposal. Another major tower development, Emerald Tower, is also slated kitty-corner to the northeast.

Rendering of 14 looking west-southwest, image via OCI architects

According to Karampelas, construction is set to begin in early 2021 with completion later that year or early 2022.

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More images and information on this and related projects can be found in the project Database entries below. What do you think of 14? Drop us a comment below, or join the conversation in our discussion Forum!

EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this article credited Karampelas & Executives as the developer; the project is in fact being developed by St. George’s Greek Orthodox Community of Edmonton. Additionally, the article has been updated to indicate that the building will have its own underground parking, and not utilizing parking at St Joseph's Basilica as previously implied. SkyriseEdmonton regrets these errors.

News Roundup for March 23, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:07:37 -0600

Jasper Avenue construction moving ahead despite cancelled public meetings; Overcrowding on Edmonton buses subsides after city boosts transit service; Uncertainty ahead in Edmonton's housing market; and more news:

Jasper Avenue construction moving ahead despite cancelled public meetings (Edmonton Journal)

Overcrowding on Edmonton buses subsides after city boosts transit service (CTV News)

Uncertainty ahead in Edmonton's housing market (Edmonton Journal)

Home viewings go virtual, as realtors say Edmonton market remains healthy (Edmonton Journal)

Edmonton mayor, councillors tell residents to spread out after busy weekend on Royal Glenora stairs (Global News)

Strathcona County suspending transit fare collection over COVID-19 concerns (Global News)

U of A students who live in residence asked to leave amid COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

COVID-19: Edmonton declares state of local emergency, free transit and property tax relief (Edmonton Journal)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

From Renderings to Reality

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Regan West Nears Exterior Completion in Coquitlam

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Podium Levels Rising at 75 on The Esplanade

World news from SkyriseCities

Henning Larsen Wins Competition for Waterfront Tower in Sydney

It's Quiet. Too Quiet.

Dave Sutherland — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo by Forum contributor positive1 shows an all-too-quiet city devoid of cars or people while we all hunker down during this COVID-19 crisis.

What are you doing to keep busy and connected? Let us know in the comments below, or join our discussion Forum to connect with other urban enthusiasts!

Quiet city, photo by Forum contributor positive1

Excavation of Westrich Pacific's The View Nearing Bottom

Dave Sutherland — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

Excavation at Westrich Pacific's The View project appears to be close to reaching the bottom, five months since we reported crews had begun digging at the site on 111 Street between 99 and 100 Avenues.

Excavation at The View, photo by Forum contributor positive1

Photos by Forum contributor positive1 show a deep and narrow excavation pit. Equipment and materials in the photos seem to suggest crews still have a bit further to go before they reach the bottom, and before we will start to see a structure rising up.

Excavation at The View, photo by Forum contributor positive1

The first of a collection of tower proposals in the area collectively known as Grandin City, the Chris Dikeakos-designed building will rise to a height of 76 metres and 23 storeys above ground when complete, bringing 178 residential units to the Oliver neighbourhood near Grandin LRT station.

Rendering of The View, image via Westrich Pacific

Future residents will also find themselves close to downtown and numerous amenities including a grocery store and the river valley parks, on top of private amenities such as a fitness centre, rooftop lounge and sundeck, a car share service, and secure bicycle parking.

Rendering of The View, image via Westrich Pacific

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More information and images can be found in the project Database entry linked below. What do you think of The View? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum!

News Roundup for March 20, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:01:06 -0600

Construction worker calls for job sites to be shut down; Some show homes limit access, others close — and some go virtual; Iveson demands province protect city's homeless and 'broader population' from COVID-19; and more news:

COVID-19: Construction worker calls for job sites to be shut down (Edmonton Journal)

Some show homes limit access, others close — and some go virtual (Edmonton Journal)

Iveson demands province protect city's homeless and 'broader population' from COVID-19 (CBC News)

Edmonton small businesses hurting due to COVID-19 shutdown (CBC News)

New U of A president braced for 'challenging financial times' in his home province (CBC News)

Coronavirus: Edmonton charities suffering from drop in donations (Global News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

11th + 11th Rises Above Grade

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Anthem Properties Redeveloping North Vancouver Site with 13-Storey Rental

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Distinctive Patterns Emerge as Yonge & Rich Condos Grows Taller

World news from SkyriseCities

New Miami Project Targets Booming Homeshare Market

Brutalism or Evil Lair?

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo by Forum contributor _Citizen_Dane_ takes us inside for a change - inside the lair of an evil supervillain? Or just checking out the Brutalist architecture of the Fine Arts Building at the University of Alberta?

(We may never know for sure)

Fine Arts Building, photo by Forum contributor _Citizen_Dane_

Throwback Thursday: WSP Place Transformation

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

Today we take a look back at one of the most striking transformations of a downtown office building in Edmonton's history: The "reimagining" and reclad of the former Associated Engineering building into WSP Place by ProCura Real Estate Services and Manasc Isaac Architects.

Associated Engineering Plaza in 2015, photo via ProCura Real Estate Services

If you have only ever recently been downtown, the above 12-storey building probably seems a bit foreign, you might even struggle to place the location, but it's none other than the intersection of Jasper Avenue and 109 Street. Let's walk through the transformation of this late 1970s building - also originally known as Pacific Plaza - until it becomes more familiar to what it looks like today:

Beginning of transformation in April 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

In early 2016, the 109 Street facade of the building was partially removed. In its place, new curved steel sections were added to extend the floorplates.

Steel extensions complete while parts of exterior removed in late April 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

Note the interior hoarding isolating the building from the exterior work; this was due to the building still being occupied while the facelift was underway.

More selective removal of exterior panels in May 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

Window replacement underway in June 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

While the exterior precast panels were selectively cut away, newer and more energy efficient (and green-tinted) windows replaced the old ones on the remaining sections.

New curtainwall being applied in July 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

After just four months, new curtainwall glass began to be installed on the sections where precast cladding was removed, as well as over the new extension above 109 Street; the building may be starting to look more familiar now.

Curtainwall installation mostly complete by August 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

By November 2016, much of the new curtainwall was in place, and new insulation was applied over top of the old precast panels.

New insulation applied over the old in November 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

Over the winter, the final aluminum cladding was applied over the insulation, and by February 2017 the protective coating was removed to provide the first glimpse of the new metallic exterior, revealing much of what we see at this corner today.

First look at the new exterior cladding in February 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

By April, one year after the project started, the transformation was nearly complete, and through the spring the street-level came together with a new main entrance to the office building, and in May - just in time for patio season - Central Social Hall opened their new patio and entrance facing the corner of Jasper and 109.

New entrance in April 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

New Central Social Hall patio and entrance in May 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

A much larger outdoor patio also started construction behind the building, taking advantage of the currently vacant land for the seasonal enjoyment of Central Social Hall patrons. Construction on the patio finished in June 2017, just in time for the height of summer.

West patio started construction in May 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

West patio completed at the end of June 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

While this transformation was taking place, interior work was also underway to replace many of the building's engineering systems with more modern and efficient ones. Additionally, in October, the LED lighting lining the new curtainwall sections began testing, bringing much more light and colour (and futuristic look) to the building.

LED testing in October 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

Capping off the transformation, WSP - the building's new main tenant after the departure of Associated Engineering for 9888 Jasper Avenue - had their logo installed prominently at the corner of Jasper and 109 in January 2018.

WSP logo installed in January 2018, photo by Dave Sutherland

Not just putting a more modern look on an old office building, the new triple-glazed windows, paneling, and building systems were designed to increase the energy efficiency of the building by over 50%, while targeting LEED Gold standards and also lowering operating costs.

WSP Place at night, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

What do you think of the reimagining of WSP Place? Got a suggestion for a Throwback Thursday? Drop a comment below!

News Roundup for March 19, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 10:10:49 -0600

Edmonton looking at property tax deferrals, Iveson says; Beaumont closes city buildings to stop spread of COVID-19; Artists and arts administrators explore alternatives as performing arts halted; and more news:

Edmonton looking at property tax deferrals, Iveson says (CBC News)

Beaumont closes city buildings to stop spread of COVID-19 (CTV News)

Artists and arts administrators explore alternatives as performing arts halted (Edmonton Journal)

Support local businesses, Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson urges (Global News)

Edmonton bookshop offering free delivery during COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

Edmonton illustrator launches #StayHomeAndDrawYeg to keep COVID-19 isolation at bay (Global News)

Edmonton homeless supports in the work: Iveson (Global News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

University District Hotel Continues to Rise

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Mixed-Use Paramount Project in Richmond Rises Above Grade

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario Issue Tunnelling RFQs for Scarborough Subway and Eglinton West Projects

World news from SkyriseCities

Crane Erected for Boutique Chicago Office Building

V

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Forum contributor Kaizen gives us another view of the under-construction Tawatinâ Bridge, with the new Walterdale Bridge arch in the background.

Tawatinâ & Walterdale Bridges, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

Excavation Begins on Holyrood Gardens

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

Nearly two years since the Holyrood Gardens Redevelopment project received rezoning approval in June 2018, and excavation has now begun on Edmonton's latest Transit-Oriented Development project.

Excavation underway on Holyrood Gardens Phase I, photo by Dave Sutherland

Developed by Regency Developments and designed by DER + Associates Architecture, the first phase of the project will see approximately 760 residential units in four buildings along the east side of 85 Street between 90 and 93 Avenues. The site is located adjacent to the future Holyrood stop on the Valley Line LRT, set to be operational in 2021.

Rendering of the project on a billboard, photo by Dave Sutherland

The first building to be constructed in this phase is also the tallest building in the project: a 25-storey, 86-metre tower at the far south end of the site, containing up to 284 residential units.

Massing model of the entire development, image via City of Edmonton

Two 12-storey mid-rise buildings bookending a 6-storey low-rise building fill out the remainder of the site for phase one. All four buildings will be built on top of and share a single underground parking structure, and some small scale retail will be included at the corner of 93 Avenue and 85 Street.

Excavation at Holyrood Gardens, photo by Dave Sutherland

The site has a storied history of development and proposals that stretches back to the early 1950s with the construction of multiple two-story, four-unit townhouse buildings surrounded by open greenspace.

Some of the aging townhomes, now demolished, photo by Dave Sutherland

In the early 1990s, Westcorp proposed redevelopment of the site into a series of mid-rise buildings with up to 1,000 residential units. The community originally opposed the rezoning plan, but worked with the developer to try to address concerns, and the rezoning was eventually passed by City Council.

Holyrood Boulevard, developed by Westcorp, image via Google Street View

After completing only two buildings under the updated zoning - now known as Holyrood Boulevard - Westcorp put the site up for sale in 2016, when it was purchased by Regency Developments.

Public information sessions for the project frequently packed venues, photo by Dave Sutherland

Regency sought to rezone the site again for up to 1,200 residential units, and the proposal went through several design iterations, tense public information sessions, and multiple City Council Public Hearings over a period of almost two years before the rezoning was finally approved in June 2018*.

Billboard outside the construction site, photo by Dave Sutherland

Now that construction is underway, future residents of the Holyrood Gardens redevelopment will be well located on the Valley Line LRT near downtown, as well as close to Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre, itself slated for redevelopment into a massive Transit-Oriented Development in the future.

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it builds up and out. More information can be found on this and related projects in the project Database entries linked below. What do you think of the Holyrood Gardens Redevelopment? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum (where you can also find out much more about the history of this project).

*Disclosure: SkyriseEdmonton's Editor and writer of this article is the Civics Director of the Holyrood Community League and member of the Holyrood Development Committee, and was highly involved in the rezoning process of this project.

News Roundup for March 18, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:42:23 -0600

Two Edmonton WestJet flights among new list identified with COVID-19 risk; Edmonton Transit to add more buses to afternoon commute after criticism; Doors close on Art Gallery of Alberta and Royal Alberta Museum; and more news:

Two Edmonton WestJet flights among new list identified with COVID-19 risk (CBC News)

Edmonton Transit to add more buses to afternoon commute after criticism (CBC News)

COVID-19: Doors close on Art Gallery of Alberta and Royal Alberta Museum (Edmonton Journal)

This is how local restaurants are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic (CTV News)

COVID-19: Edmonton tech industry seeks an hour of your wages for Food Bank (Edmonton Journal)

Edmontonians volunteer time, talents to help each other through pandemic (CBC News)

COVID-19: City, inner-city agencies working on plan to protect Edmonton's homeless (Edmonton Journal)

COVID-19: Edmonton's Belmont Sobeys spurs nationwide seniors shopping hour (Edmonton Journal)

Edmonton programmers launching virtual hackathon to combat COVID-19 (CBC News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

New Proposal Unveiled for Lower Mount Royal

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

North Vancouver Rental Project by Domus Homes Nears Grade

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Construction Winding Up on Cityzen and Fernbrook's Tower at Pier 27

World news from SkyriseCities

Spiral Tower in Bahrain Closer to Construction with Contract Signing

Quarters Haberdashery

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo by Forum contributor Kaizen shows the nearly-complete Hat @ Five Corners, on a backdrop that includes three other new additions to Edmonton's skyline.

Hat @ Five Corners from McNally, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

Pagaro Building Rising Quickly on Gateway Boulevard

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

The Pagaro Building, which we first looked at in July last year, began construction in November and has quickly risen since then, as seen in photos from our Forum.

Pagaro Building construction, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

The new two-storey commercial building by Pagaro Investments and designed by Arc Studio is located at 6000 Gateway Boulevard. Over 10,000 square-feet of commercial retail space is available for lease, demisable up to 6 separate units starting from 1,159 square-feet.

Tiny Hoppers Daycare has already been secured for the second floor space.

Rendering of Pagaro Building, image via Cushman & Wakefield

Being located on Gateway, a major arterial road and commuter route with over 35,300 cars traveling by daily, the building will have 79 surface parking stalls available for tenants and customers.

Floor plan and site plan, image via Cushman & Wakefield

The building is anticipated to be complete in summer of 2020.

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More images and information can be found in the project Database entry linked below. What do you think of the Pagaro Building? Leave a comment below, or join the discussion in our Forum!

News Roundup for March 17, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:35:18 -0600

Edmonton airport shut down to international flights to prevent COVID-19; Edmonton buses, LRT moving to reduced service schedule;Edmonton businesses brace for COVID-19 disruption; and more news:

Edmonton airport shut down to international flights to prevent COVID-19: Trudeau (Global News)

COVID-19: Edmonton buses, LRT moving to reduced service schedule (CBC News)

'If this is what kills us off so be it': Edmonton businesses brace for COVID-19 disruption (Edmonton Journal)

We Love You, Edmonton (Avenue)

COVID-19: Edmontonians open their homes and kitchens to those in need of child care, meal delivery (Edmonton Journal)

Coronavirus: Leduc declares state of local emergency to deal with spread of COVID-19 (Global News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Rhapsody Cladding Installation Well Underway

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Mid-Rise Rental Development Proposed at 1265-1281 Kingsway

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

Plans Resubmitted for KingSett Capital Complex at 300 The East Mall

World news from SkyriseCities

MVRDV-Designed Urban Lagoon Replaces Taiwan Shopping Centre

Snow G̵l̵o̵b̵e̵Cube

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

The elevator at the Fredrick G. Todd Lookout resembles an inverted snow globe in today's Daily Photo by yegPIXLS via the #skyrisecities hashtag on Instagram.

Funicular elevator below the Hotel Macdonald, photo by yegPIXLS via Instagram

Cladding Underway on @81

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

It's been nearly five months since we did an in-depth check-in on Beljan Development's @81 project, as exterior work had slowed down significantly while interior work was ramped up.

Exterior cladding starting, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

New photos from our Forum show scaffolding and protective weather covering going up around the building, which will allow workers to perform the exterior cladding work in a more controlled climate.

Weather protection on the north face, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

Located at the corner of 101 Street and 81 Avenue (hence the name), the L7 Architecture-designed building is actually a new three-storey addition to a 1977-built single-storey commercial building. Renderings of the project show a fairly simple square volume with some modest architectural accents, brick cladding on the corners and along the retail sections, as well as splashes of vibrant colours within inset balconies to brighten up the public realm.

Rendering of @81, image via Beljan Development

Anticipated to be complete this year, the $5-million project will bring 36 units of residential units and 11,000 square-feet of retail space to this rapidly growing corner of the Ritchie neighbourhood, just off Whyte Avenue.

Rendering of 101 Street face, image via Beljan Development

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More images and information can be found in the project Database entry linked below. What do you think of @81? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum!

News Roundup for March 16, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:04:17 -0600

Supporting small business in Edmonton as coronavirus panic spreads; Sustainability Plaza up for international planning award; NAIT, University of Alberta, MacEwan University move classes online amid COVID-19 pandemic; and more news:

Supporting small business in Edmonton as coronavirus panic spreads (Global News)

Sustainability Plaza up for international planning award (Edmonton Journal)

NAIT, University of Alberta, MacEwan University move classes online amid COVID-19 pandemic (CBC News)

Oilers announce financial relief for part-time workers at Rogers Place in light of COVID-19 (CTV News)

West Edmonton Mall closing Galaxyland, waterpark amid COVID-19 outbreak (CTV News)

Edmonton-area ski hills shut down for the season in response to coronavirus (Global News)

Coronavirus: Edmonton Public Library to close all branches (Global News)

Coronavirus: Edmonton, Strathcona County and St. Albert closing public recreation centres (Global News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Glass Installation Begins at Stephen Place Revitalization

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

102 East 4th Avenue Office Project Now Visible at Grade

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

CentreCourt Proposes 54-Storey Condo Tower at Church and Dundas

World news from SkyriseCities

Aman-Branded Buildings Coming to Faena District in Miami Beach

Is it Spring Yet?

Dave Sutherland — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

Today's Daily Photo by Forum contributor Grandinite takes us back to a bit of snow that fell on Edmonton last Thursday, as seen from TELUS House tower.

Snowy Skyline, photo by Forum contributor Grandinite

CNIB Excavation Reaching Bottom

Dave Sutherland — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

It's been six weeks since we last checked in on construction at the CNIB Redevelopment site at the corner of Jasper Avenue and 120 Street, and though excavation is still in progress, it does appear to be reaching the bottom.

Overhead view of the site, photo by Forum contributor Grandinite

Photos from our Forum show a deep excavation that appears to have leveled off, with excavators continuing to remove soil from the hole. One Forum member estimates the final depth of the excavation to be about 20 metres.

A closer look, photo by Dave Sutherland

Developed by ONE Properties and designed by Wallman Architects working with Architecture for the Blind, the redevelopment will see a 32-storey, 106-metre tower rising from the site of the former Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Rendering of CNIB Tower, image via ONE Properties

The new building will provide up to 345 residential units and is designed to be easily navigated by those with impaired sight; CNIB is expected to reopen in a new 10,000-square-foot office on the second floor.

Rendering of CNIB Tower podium, image via ONE Properties

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow the progress of this project as it rises from the excavation. More images and information can be found in the project Database entry linked below. What do you think of the new CNIB Tower? Drop a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum!

News Roundup for March 13, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 09:33:17 -0600

High-frequency bus routes will take place of delayed southeast LRT line; University of Alberta suspends classes Friday over COVID-19; City holds emergency council meeting in response to COVID-19; and more news:

High-frequency bus routes will take place of delayed southeast LRT line (CBC News)

University of Alberta suspends classes Friday over COVID-19 (Edmonton Journal)

'Trying times': City holds emergency council meeting in response to COVID-19 (CBC News)

Newly released Edmonton photo radar data can guide city policy, councillor says (CBC News)

Watch: Edmonton Transit Service announces gender-based approach to increase safety and security (Edmonton Journal)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Curtis Block Makes Steady Progress

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

Capilano Residences Adds to North Vancouver's Rental Stock

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

28-unit Infill Building Proposed at 722 Marlee

World news from SkyriseCities

Highest Outdoor Observation Deck in Western Hemisphere Opens in NYC

A Study in Pink

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

International Women's Day may have already passed by (it was on March 8), but it's never too late to celebrate Women, especially when several downtown buildings were lit up in recognition like in today's Daily Photo by Jeff Wallace via the SkyriseCities Flickr Pool.

International Women's Day 2020, photo by Jeff Wallace via Flickr

Throwback Thursday: Mechanized River Valley Access Project

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:45:04 -0600

Recently announced as the winner of the Award of Excellence in Civic Design for the 2020 National Urban Design Awards (see the story on our global SkyriseCities site), we thought it was a good time to take a look back at the construction of the Mechanized River Valley Access Project, also known as the 100 Street Funicular and Frederick G. Todd Lookout, built by the City of Edmonton and the River Valley Alliance.

Early construction stages in July 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

“A beautifully-conceived ensemble of built structures, open spaces, and public art that successfully connects Edmonton’s downtown to the river valley. The juxtaposition of landscape attributes—in particular, its topographical and visual qualities—and the architectural details and materiality of the downtown milieu are compelling.” - Jury comment, 2020 National Urban Design Awards

Construction on the DIALOG-designed, $24-million project began in March 2016 on the steep river valley slope beneath the iconic Hotel MacDonald, stretching all the way to the banks of the river below Grierson Hill Road.

Taking shape in August 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

By August, many of the concrete structures that support the funicular, the stairs, and the lookout were already in place.

Rails installed as well as stair support structures in October 2016, photo via City of Edmonton

The steel bridge structure that carries visitors over Grierson Hill Road was installed overnight on October 17, 2016.

Installing the steel bridge structure in October 2016, photo by Dave Sutherland

Work continued over the winter, and by March 2017 the project was visibly coming together quickly.

March 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

Construction continued apace through the rest of 2017, while finishing touches were applied and the mechanical elements - the funicular and the elevator to the riverbank - were tested and commissioned.

The lookout in September 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

Construction wrapped up in December 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

Crowds gathered for the grand opening on December 9, 2017 - 19 months after construction first began - lining up to be among the first to ride the new connection between downtown and the river valley, as well as to walk the feature stairs, interact with the public art piece found midway down the hill, and take in the views overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.

The first public ride on the funicular, December 9, 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

Grand opening crowds on December 9, 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

Taking in the views from the lookout on December 9, 2017, photo by Dave Sutherland

Today, the funicular makes over 110,000 trips up and down the hill every year, and has proven itself to be not only a fun feature for visitors to downtown, but has also become an invaluable piece of infrastructure for those making their daily commute on foot and by bike, particularly for those who previously found the city's deep river valley a barrier to using active transportation.

Filming Amazing Race Canada at the funicular, photo by Forum contributor Roland Bressmer

The project has now racked up nine awards, in addition to bit of television fame when it featured prominently in an Amazing Race Canada challenge last year.

Model of the MRVA Project at DIALOG's Edmonton office, photo by Dave Sutherland

What do you think of the 100 Street Funicular and the Frederick G. Todd Lookout, now that it has been in operation for a couple of years? Drop us your comments below, or join the conversation in our Forum! More images and information can also be found in the project Database entry linked below.

News Roundup for March 12, 2020

Dave Sutherland — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 10:17:12 -0600

New Streetscape project for Edmonton's downtown; Edmonton council votes to lower residential speed limit to 40 km/h; Tour of twin tunnels for Edmonton’s Valley Line southeast LRT; and more news:

New Streetscape project for Edmonton's downtown (CTV News)

Edmonton council votes to lower residential speed limit to 40 km/h (CBC News)

Tour of twin tunnels for Edmonton’s Valley Line southeast LRT (Global News)

Transit commission of 12 now in the works for Metro Edmonton (Global News)

Edmonton must prepare for possible supply-chain disruption caused by COVID-19, councillor says (CBC News)

Edmonton Valley Zoo preparing for 2020 events (Global News)

Ghost kitchens: Virtual restaurants for food delivery services (CTV News)

News from our sister site SkyriseCalgary

Cladding Installation Begins on The Hub

News from our sister site SkyriseVancouver

New Westminster Skyline Getting a Boost with 32-Storey Ovation

News from our sister site UrbanToronto

World news from SkyriseCities

Grand Hyatt Hotel Brand Coming to Mecca

Auglowstana

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 22:00:15 -0600

The last sun of the day glows off the now-topped-off Augustana tower in today's Daily Photo by Forum contributor Kaizen.

The Augustana, photo by Forum contributor Kaizen

25-Unit Residential Project Proposed for Westmount

Dave Sutherland — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:00:15 -0600

A modest new residential infill project is being proposed for the Westmount neighbourhood; Copperblock Capital is seeing rezoning to build a 25-unit residential building - dubbed Westmount 122 - to be located on 122 Street just south of 111 Avenue.

Westmount 122, image via Copperblock Capital

Designed by Gardner Architecture, renderings of the building show a four-storey structure with three townhouse units fronting 122 Street. According to Copperblock, the building will feature a green roof, a car sharing program, a rooftop amenity, rainwater recycling, and photovoltaic solar panels.

Overhead view, image via Copperblock Capital

The company is currently in the process of rezoning the site from RF3 and RF5 to RA7 to allow for the development. The properties were previously home to two single-family houses, built in 1912 and 1931 according to the City of Edmonton's records.

Previous houses on site, image via Google Street View

The development is set to join another infill project by Copperblock and Gardner nearby; Inglewood Intersection 123 is currently under construction on 123 Street just north of 111 Street.

No date for the rezoning Public Hearing has yet been set.

Westmount 122, image via Copperblock Capital

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. What do you think of the Westmount 122 proposal? Let us know in a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum! More information and images can also be found in the project Database entries linked below.