The idea of bringing East Village back to life as an urban village began in 2005 and involved the City of Calgary, urban planners and the public. In 2008, CMLC organized an international competition to find an urban design practice to provide advice on the master plan for the redevelopment of East Village. The British firm, Broadway Malyan – one of the top architectural practices in the world – was unanimously awarded the project.
Broadway Malyan’s master plan, announced in 2009, is inspired by some of the most liveable places in the world. It provides the framework for the development of East Village into a vibrant, mixed-use, creative city neighbourhood – an urban village and one of the most dynamic areas within the downtown core. The neighbourhood will offer some of the hippest shopping, dining, recreational and residential opportunities in the country.
The master plan focuses on placemaking and is shaped around the idea of livability, both key ingredients in successful contemporary urban neighbourhoods.
The master plan for East Village divides the neighbourhood into four character areas: Gateway; The Crossing; River’s Edge; and Parkside.
Each area has its own identity and activities, and uses have been planned with the area’s unique geography, history and suitability in mind.
Gateway links East Village to the rest of the city, connecting to Bridgeland and the eastern edge of downtown. The Crossing is a key area for residences and future institutions, as well as the historic Hillier Block and St. Louis Hotel. This is also where you’ll find the National Music Centre. River’s Edge is bordered by RiverWalk and will feature multi-family residential homes, restaurants, retail and the historic Simmons Building. Parkside will be primarily residential with its eastern edge on Fort Calgary.