The Beltline neighbourhood in Calgary’s inner-inner city has the highest population density in the city and in the near future the highest residential tower in the city will add to the density.
Broadway on 17th, approved by city council in February, will rise above the intersection of 17 Ave. and 4 St. SW (originally called Broadway Street), when completed in 2029.
It is being called an urban mixed-use, master-planned community by developer, Vesta Properties, with three high-rise towers, including one rising 47 storeys, which will make it the tallest residential tower in Calgary.
The complex will have more than 1,000 apartment/condominiums as well as 70,000 sq. ft. of commercial space for retail, dining and local businesses.
A southwest facing plaza will enhance walkability and connectivity with 360-degree views and a commitment to thoughtful urban planning, said Kent Sillars, president of Vesta Properties in a release.
“As we expand our presence in Calgary, Broadway represents our vision for the future, a vibrant community located in one of the most iconic areas of downtown,” said Sillars. “This redevelopment is poised to redefine Calgary’s Beltline, setting a new standard for downtown living.”
“Whether we like it or not, we all can’t afford a single-family home any more so there has to be some creative thinking on how do you build more homes that are affordable and don’t necessarily need everybody to have a car.”
The residential component in the three towers will be spread over roughly one-million square feet and Broadway on 17th will incorporate housing diversity, said Sillars.
"By offering a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom for-sale residences, rental units and a significant number of affordable housing options, Vesta in conjunction with the City of Calgary, is supporting long-term economic and social growth” he said.
There will be an estimated 300 rental units and 700-plus apartments for sale, ranging from studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units, including penthouse units.
Planned amenities include fitness facilities, lounge areas, pet-friendly spaces and co-working environments and ample parking and within a six-block walk to transit.
Beltline has a variety of high-rise towers ranging from 30 to 40 storeys, said Peter Oliver, director of the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association.
“What’s actually more important is the way it’s integrated into the surrounding area,” Oliver told CTV News. “In the case of this project, they’ve moved the taller of the towers close to the downtown and put the shorter towers closer to 17th.”
“We all know that housing affordability and availability in the city has become very tight in the last few years. The variety of units available should be beneficial to Calgarians.”
Pre-sale of the residential units will begin this summer, with the start of construction scheduled for early 2026, with completion and occupancy in 2029.