Eighth Street S.W. getting a massive $30M makeover starting this week

A artists' rendering showing 8 Street S.W. in Calgary following a $30 million makeover. (City of Calgary/supplied)

The makeover and modernization of a stretch of downtown roadway begins this week.

Eighth Street S.W. has seven office-to-residential building conversions happening either on it or near it, prompting the city to update the streetscape as well.

“Calgary’s future success relies on downtown being a place where people want to live, visit and set up businesses,” explained a Tuesday news release from the City of Calgary.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“An updated streetscape is needed in that neighbourhood to help get people safely from their homes to businesses, school and retail, whether they walk, wheel or drive.”

As such, Eighth Street S.W. will see modernizations between Second Avenue S.W., near the river, and 10 Avenue S.W., by MEC.

Work begins on Wednesday, May 7.

It will start at the north end of the corridor and will be completed in phases.

The project will cost $30 million, with $20.5 million coming from the federal government’s Canada Community-Building Fund.

The city says part of the makeover will include “major improvements” to public spaces in the area.

“When complete, Eighth Street between Second Avenue and 10 Avenue S.W. will be a vibrant urban destination and community connector with comfortable and inviting gathering spaces, a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape and infrastructure for more people walking and wheeling to amenities,” the city said.

The design for the area was created in part with feedback from Calgarians.

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2027.