A Calgary design firm is hoping to revamp a section of the Red Mile with a new high rise that would feature not only a hotel and ground-floor commercial space — but also a performing arts venue. MoDA (Modern Office Design + Architecture) has applied for a land use redesignation for 227 to 240 17 Avenue S.W. If approved, it would see the land changed from C-COR1 and CC-MH to DC (CC-MHX). The concept plan indicates the building on the lots would be 38 storeys with an estimated 195 residential units, which would be a mix of one, two and three-bedrooms. The hotel would have 106 rooms. The performing arts centre, meanwhile, would be 24,000 square feet. The building would also have underground parking with 213 stalls. An Instagram post from MoDA with “conceptual depictions of what is possible” shows a restaurant, a packed concert and a rooftop pool. The development vision says the proposed land-use change would support transit-oriented development while “extending the vitality of the 17 Avenue S.W. corridor and strengthening connections to Calgary’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District.” In an email to CTV News, MoDA explained the inspiration for the project came while enjoying cocktails at the lobby bar of the W Amsterdam, a hotel in the Netherland, with the hotel’s marketing group. “During our chat, they shared a key marketing strategy; namely the ‘staycation’ - an experience branded to cater to a sophisticated and ever-evolving local population. It’s the sign of a big city, and Calgary is ready for this. “In collaboration with our client for this project, we envisioned designing a complete experience for both visitors and locals alike, which meant facilitating a luxurious ‘day-in-the-life’ that includes waking up with an espresso on the sun deck of the boutique hotel, having lunch at any one of a number of proposed restaurants within the building, then relaxing poolside before venturing off to an evening concert in the adjoining performing arts centre. “A post-concert night cap at the hotel’s lobby bar would be a perfect ending to a perfect day. “As a natural complement to the bustling life of the restaurants, spa, hotel, and performing arts centre, we have also discussed adding 30 floors of residential apartments that become an integral contributor to the project’s financial and cultural ecosystem.” It’s anticipated the proposed land use redesignation will go before council this winter.
