Stephen Avenue Redevelopment Project Withdrawn
A development permit submitted for 8th Avenue and 7th Avenue has been withdrawn
"8th Avenue looking east, Calgary, Alberta.", [ca. 1909-1912], (CU174731) by Unknown. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary. Including: Clarence Block, Tribune Block, Calgary Hardware, Hudson’s Bay Dept Store 1891.
A proposal for a major redevelopment project on Stephen Avenue and 7th Avenue S.W. has been withdrawn. Triovest withdrew its permits for a three-tower project on the historic block on April 6. One of the concerns with the proposal was the ability to preserve the heritage integrity of the affected properties, including alterations on the Stephen Avenue side of the project that would put its National Historic District designation at risk. The company is not abandoning the project, but plans to regroup for a future iteration of revitalizing the block.
In May 2022, development firm Triovest submitted a development permit to The City of Calgary with plans for a major redevelopment project on Stephen Avenue which would affect a significant number of heritage sites. Dubbed Stephen Avenue Quarter, the multi-phase proposal included plans for a 66-storey condo tower, a 54-storey rental tower, and a 24-storey office tower. There were also plans for a hotel and other commercial opportunities.
The Government of Alberta reviewed the proposed redevelopment that would result in the demolition and/or alteration of historically significant buildings and determined in February 2023 that the developer would be required to conduct a Historic Resource Impact Assessment (HRIA) in accordance with the Historical Resources Act. The Government of Alberta evaluates proposed changes to historic buildings using the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. The project as proposed contravened several of the principles outlined in the Standards and Guidelines.
An HRIA may be required when an activity is likely to result in the alteration of, damage to, or destruction of a historic resource. It is to be undertaken by a heritage building conservation specialist. The HRIA must include project options that reduce adverse effects on the heritage character of the area and prioritize the retention of intact historic fabric. An HRIA is important to ensure projects that involve heritage buildings are done responsibly and the developer considers the unique character of the area.
For more information, please view the Government of Alberta’s letter to Triovest requesting the HRIA.
8th Avenue between First and Centre Street, featuring several buildings impacted by the development permit. "8th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta.", [ca. 1920s], (CU1105765) by Oliver, W. J. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.