Calgary’s downtown area is undergoing a remarkable residential renaissance. Whether it’s the bold new towers of the Beltline, the recently completed high-rises of East Village, or the conversion of existing office towers to apartments and condos, today, there are plenty of opportunities to live in the area for people from all walks and stages of life.

Broadway on 17th

One of the most anticipated developments in Calgary’s recent history, Broadway on 17th is set to transform the eastern end of 17th Avenue SW, an area with fewer street-facing retail spaces and a less vibrant streetscape. Developed by Vesta Properties, the triple-tower project will be home to 700 condominiums and 300 rental units at the corner of 4th Street and 17th Avenue SW, placing future residents just steps from their favourite restaurants and nightlife venues, and a few blocks from the Stampede Grounds.

At 47 storeys and nearly 500 feet tall, one of the towers is set to become Calgary’s tallest residential building. Floor plans range from small studios to larger penthouses, with more than 70,000 square feet of commercial space on the lower floors, including a public plaza, fitness centre, and daycare facilities. Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or invest, Broadway on 17th could be a great fit if you’re destined for downtown living!

Arris Residences

Arris is one of the newest condo towers in East Village, by the renowned Bosa Developments. Completed in 2024, the high-rise is home to two towers: one with apartment rentals, and the other with units for sale. The taller tower, Arris Residences, stands out at 41 storeys above the Bow River, offering modern move-in-ready condominiums in an unbeatable location with spectacular views.

Arris offers generously sized suites; two-bedroom units currently for sale, for example, range from 900 to 1,100 square feet and include open-concept layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, smart storage, clean lines, and high-end designer finishes. The development’s amenities are hard to look past for many potential buyers, featuring an indoor pool, hot tub, steam and sauna rooms, premium fitness facilities, and expansive social spaces. Residents also benefit from direct access to East Village’s plentiful streetside shops, restaurants, river pathways, and professional services right at their doorstep.

Office-to-Rental Conversions

Calgary continues to repurpose underutilized office towers into much-needed rental housing. The City’s Downtown Development Incentive Program (now closed) generated substantial momentum, with 21 conversion projects underway that transformed nearly 3 million square feet of vacant office space into about 2,600 new apartments, 226 hotel rooms, and a hostel.

Recently, the closure of Calgary’s downtown Hudson’s Bay store has created another opportunity for commercial-to-residential conversions. The building was bought by a real estate corporation that says on its website it works to “convert underutilized properties, particularly empty downtown office towers, into multifamily properties.” This is just one more of many examples of unused office towers being transformed into exceptional apartment spaces, providing much-needed units in the heart of the city.

Lots of Opportunities in Downtown Calgary

Whether you’re drawn to the energy of Broadway on 17th, the near-waterfront lifestyle at Arris, or the character of a converted downtown apartment, there’s a home waiting for you in Calgary’s core. Whichever the case, we encourage you to do your due diligence and ensure that the lifestyle choice you’re making best fits your goals.

Wishing you all the best in your home search!