Calgary's new landmark curved Plus-15 walkway bridge opens this week

The new pedestrian footpath segment of downtown Calgary’s Plus-15 network is set to open to the public this week.

Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust plans to officially open the new enclosed elevated pathway link at 215 9th Avenue — between Penn West Plaza and Gulf Canada Square — on Thursday, September 26.

• See also:
  • Newest addition to Calgary Plus-15 pathway to be the longest and brightest yet
  • The introvert’s guide to navigate Calgary’s +15 skywalk
  • Calgary office market sees some new gains: report

The privately-owned addition is one of the longest segments of the Plus-15 to date, and it carries a unique design like no other bridge in the network.

Artistic rendering of the Penn West Plaza Plus-15 bridge in downtown Calgary. (Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust)

Artistic rendering of the Penn West Plaza Plus-15 bridge in downtown Calgary. (Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust)

As a visual landmark, the striking curved structure suspended over 9th Avenue is supported by a contemporary single-mast suspension design, and it will be a beacon of a kaleidoscope of colours during the nighttime with its LED-illuminated exterior.

The interior is also designed with high-quality finishings.

Artistic rendering of the Penn West Plaza Plus-15 bridge in downtown Calgary. (Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust)

Artistic rendering of the Penn West Plaza Plus-15 bridge in downtown Calgary. (Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust)

In 2012, Morguard acquired Penn West Plaza office towers, which entails about 636,000 sq. ft. of Class A office space.

Ever since the 1970s, the City of Calgary has been working with property developers in the city centre to create a seamless, grade-separated indoor pathway network that promotes walkability and supports business activity, regardless of weather conditions.

The network originally began as connections between office and retail buildings, and in recent years new bridges have been added to residential developments. Most of the bridges are 15 ft above ground level, but several are higher up and even multi-level.

Currently, the Plus-15 Skyway network stretches over 18 km with more than 60 bridges connecting approximately 40 buildings.

Artistic rendering of the Penn West Plaza Plus-15 bridge in downtown Calgary. (Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust)