Calgary: The Bridges photo update

[Surrealplaces]

Phase 1 of the Bridges development, is pretty much complete, here are few update pictures:

[Boris2k7]

Do I get extra rep. points if I say "w00t!" enough times?

1 Phase down, 2 to go!

And masterful photographic work as always, sublimely surreal.

[edmontonoilers89]

Looks like a great infill development. I've always wanted to live in these urban row house condo type buildings.

These are the kinds of things I've love to see in Edmonton.

[Deepstar]

Nice job surreal! Looks like most of the units are Occupied.

[Wooster]

very nice. Indeed, onto phase two. I'm anxious to see what those will look like.

Good quality urbanism is not that complicated, nor does it require spectacular architecture. These buildings are all very competent design-wise. Nothing more, and nothing less.

[niwell]

Great stuff! The Bridges are an such an amazing project, almost perfect in my mind for what modern large scale infill should be.

[dubiousmike]

Fantastic.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Surrealplaces

My old home! I miss being in the neighbourhood, it was a great place to be!

In my opinion I still think that Olive by Avi Urban was the best of the phase I buildings. Just has a great look to it, and since it was zoned commercial it has a neat assortement of home business' as well as some professional use(the dental office). Funny that back when they were marketing this area I thought they were too pricey at $300,000 a unit!

Looking forward to the phase II buildings getting going!

[SteveP]

Wow, the Bridges look really good. Last time I was down there, everything was still under construction. Phase II must be going to start pretty soon.

[skrish]

Great representation of the area. This entire area will age very well when it is completed.

[CorporateWhore]

Very very nice. Some initial signs of a great neigborhood to come (not that Bridgeland isn't alread tops).

Only unfortunate thing about it, is that it's already priced out the majority of Calgarians. The next step will be to make sure this level of quality is done everywhere in the city...

[Coldrsx]

it is where id live if i lived in calgary...awesome neighbourhood.

[The Geographer]

Surprisingly, I really like the ones with the wood paneling (cedar?). You don't see that very much.

[jeffwhit]

Originally Posted by The Geographer

Surprisingly, I really like the ones with the wood paneling (cedar?). You don't see that very much.

Cedar cladding like this has long been a favourite of mine; it's incredibly warm looking but works extremely well in a modern context, as seen here. It also blends well with other modern building materials like metal paneling.

[Western Spaghetti]

One of my favorite neighborhoods. Phase II should be great also. Any idea the timeline for Phase III?

[jeffwhit]

Surreal, you have quickly become one of my very favourite ssp photogs! I don't understand why all new infill development (Curry Barracks, and Garrison Green in particular) won't follow this architectural model. What a waste of prime space. The Bridges, as Josh said is proof that all you need for an excellent looking neighbourhood is architectural competence, not necessarily budget busting starchitecture.

[CMD UW]

Originally Posted by jeffwhit

The Bridges, as Josh said is proof that all you need for an excellent looking neighbourhood is architectural competence, not necessarily budget busting starchitecture.

I completely agree. Part of it comes down to ones desire to create a truly unique and high quality urban environment versus ROI. However, a creative and 'smart' developer can recieve the same type of return if not more by developing something like the Bridges. It just takes a bit more time and attention to details.