East Village 2013: A Year in Review

January 19, 2014
By Cody Battershill

East Village 2013: A Year in Review

A lot has happened in East Village over the past year. From newly announced condos to the start of construction for already proposed developments, from fun cultural activities to the flood clean-up, 2013 has been action packed for the newly revitalized downtown community.

Here are some highlights for East Village in 2013 – for even more information on new condos, community features and news, future projects, and more, be sure to check out our East Village Calgary Index today.

By the Numbers

In 2013, there were 148 days of events and activities in the community ranging from festivals such as the Opera in the Village to culinary events like the YYC Food Trucks in EV. Approximately 54,000 total people attended throughout the year.

Close to 15,000 people visited the East Village Sales and Experience Centre to learn the story of this up and coming neighbourhood, as well as to see the beautiful condo show suites by developing partners FRAM+Slokker and Embassy Bosa.

Construction Began

2013 was a huge year for both Evolution Fuse, phase one of Embassy Bosa`s two phase new condominium, and FIRST, FRAM+Slokker's “first” project in East Village. Construction began early in 2013 on both of these developments and buyers can expect them to be ready to move-in at some point in 2015!

Construction also began for the National Music Centre in early 2013 on the site of the old King Eddy Hotel and the opposite lot. This new facility will feature a music museum, live entertainment, restaurants, and even provide artists in need with residences so that they can continue to produce their music without any additional stress! See more at National Music Centre – Construction Begins today.

Newly Proposed Condos

A number of new condo developments were announced in East Village over the past year. They include:

Evolution Pulse – The second phase of Evolution Condos with innovative changes to the first phase’s floor plans and spaces, such as an additional rooftop garden.

RiverHouse – This newly proposed luxury condominium is the second project to be built by FRAM+Slokker in the area and is as exclusive as it gets with riverside condos starting from $1 million and up. RiverHouse is proposed to be built on the east side of the Simmons Building. See more at RiverHouse Luxury Condos in East Village today.

Verve – FRAM+Slokker’s third project was announced later in 2013. Called Verve, the new condo will be located on East Village’s unique pedestrian street nick-named “The Riff”, which departs from your typical street scape to say the least with its diagonal shape. Find out more at Verve New Condos in East Village today.

Design for EV’s Central Library

In late 2013, the final design consultants for the New Central Library in East Village were assigned. DIALOG, a Canadian company with their headquarters in Calgary, and Snøhetta, a reputed Norwegian firm beat out several other top architects in the world to design the new library. The project will be located across the street from City Hall.

Urban Grocery Store

RioCan has announced that a new urban-style grocery store will be built on the western side of East Village. Its location will be just right for residents to be able to walk to and from the store with ease. Construction is slated to begin in 2015.

Simmons Eatery

The newly revitalized Simmons building on RiverWalk will soon be host to a new restaurant and eatery run by three of Calgary’s most notorious foodies.

Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, and the co-founders of CHARCUT in downtown are teaming up to bring a new and exciting eatery / gathering place to the old historic building. First eats will be served in 2015.

Revitalized St. Patrick’s Island

Despite the damage done by the floods, St. Patrick’s Island will be fully revitalized and open to the public in 2015. This new urban recreational space will include:

Paved pathways

River raft launch area

New amphitheatre

Picnic grove

And last, but not least, a swim / skate area in the summer and winter called “The Rise and the Breach”. Another fantastic recreational area coming to Calgary’s amazing outdoor spaces in 2015!

Connecting the Bridge

A new bridge will connect the inner city community of Bridgeland to St. Patrick’s Island and the downtown core. But this won’t be any ordinary bridge; its design will look something like a stone skipping across the water. The project should be open to the public in 2014.

Also, another bridge is being built to connect East Village’s RiverWalk to the inner city community of Inglewood. Called the Elbow River Traverse, this connection will furthermore enhance the walkability of both of these areas and extend RiverWalk further east. See more at A Day at the Bow River Parks and Pathways today.

High Water

During the floods in June of 2013, East Village’s developments and infrastructure proved their resiliency as minimal damage was done. EV staff, residents, and volunteers united with a strong resolve to clean up the community and help those in need, especially the seniors living in the Murdoch, King, and East Village Place Tower buildings.

Overall, EV emerged victorious over the flash floods and is working with the City of Calgary to see how future flood prevention can be improved.

Was East Village always the trendy, hip place it is today? Definitely not! See more at the History of East Village Calgary.

Questions about East Village?

…from a neighbourhood expert today. As a Calgary condo expert, I will provide you with only the best level of service and expertise in the industry while discerning all your real estate needs. Call me at 403-370-4180 or message me below, and let's get you started!