Calgary City Centre, a 36-storey, 853,000 square foot office complex built to LEED Platinum standards, has officially opened in downtown Calgary.

After 15 years of planning and design and three years of construction to complete phase one, the Cadillac Fairview development now occupies a four acre city block at 2nd Street SW and 3rd Avenue SW. The approved phase two, yet to be constructed, will see an additional 500,000 square feet of office space and an executive-class hotel.

The joint venture between Zeidler Partnership and BKDI Architects, two of Canada’s leading design firms, features a first-class fitness centre for all building occupants and a technologically advanced, digitally purposed conference centre, which can accommodate more than 270 people. It is adjacent to the Bow River parkway system and linked to the Plus 15 walkway via two bridge connections.

“Although it’s a challenging time to open an office building in Calgary, the fact that we are 92 per cent leased speaks to the fact that we and our clients believe in the long-term prosperity of Calgary, and we are prepared to invest in quality properties for the long-term,” said Wayne Barwise, executive vice-president of development for Cadillac Fairview.

Permanent displays of public art fill pedestrian spaces in the lobby and mezzanine levels, while supporting Canada’s artistic community. Certain pieces have been commissioned specifically for the space, others acquired as existing artworks.

“When we acquired this city block in 1997, our vision was to extend the downtown core northward,” said John Sullivan, president and chief executive officer of Cadillac Fairview. “Taking the long-term view, we saw the unrealized potential of this area and created a master plan for an unparalleled environment tailored to the needs of Calgary business leaders, their teams and their clients.”

Calgary City Centre Phase 2, courtesy of Zeidler and Zeidler BKDI