The Beltine is a community experiencing a period of major transition – from the reconstruction of 17th Avenue S.W. to the reimagining of Victoria Park. Through it all, the beauty and vibrancy of this inner-city neighbourhood just seems to be getting stronger and stronger.
Almost 22,000 people of all ages live here, attracted by its stunning scenery – a synthesis of historical architecture and glistening, contemporary skyscrapers – and abundant restaurants, bars and shops.
“What’s not to love about the Beltline?” said Carmen Saddy, who gravitated to the community five years ago as a new university graduate. “17th Avenue is a bit of a gong show with all of the construction right now, but it is still fantastic. I love just being able to step outside and walk half a block and be right in the action, sipping a latte at Analog or out on the patio at Trolley 5.”
While Connaught, the western portion of the community, has a long history and strong identity, Victoria Park, nestled on the community’s eastern edge, has only recently begun to experience its own little renaissance.
It’s a resurgence sparked by some landmark developments, including Park Point, a 34-storey condominium tower by Vancouver developer Qualex-Landmark that spills onto Central Memorial Park. The beautifully landscaped park is home to colourful blooms and sparkling fountains, while its southeastern edge houses the historic, sandstone Memorial Park Library.
A few blocks to the east of Central Memorial Park, change is also in motion, thanks to a partnership between the City of Calgary and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), the developer behind the East Village. The partners recently unveiled a draft master plan for Victoria Park, which includes expanded densification and a bustling entertainment district.
The plan, designed by Denver-based Civitas and Calgary’s Gibbs Gage Architects, articulates the big gestures from an urban planning perspective, leaving ample room for fine-tuning. CMLC has committed approximately $150 million to infrastructure and place making initiatives.
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Fun Fact
Statistics
Quadrant: S.W. / S.E.
Established: 2003
Population: 23,219
Dwellings: 17,521
Median age: 33
Median pre-tax household income: $57,291
Number of residential sales (YTD): 211
Residential average price (YTD): $351,355
View the article online: SOURCE: 2017 Calgary Civic Census, 2011 National Household Survey & CREB®