There has been a lot of talk about the revitalization plans for Eau Claire. The reason there has been more talk than action is because they are not planning a small renovation. This project has proposed to create a 2.2 million square foot development.
The notion of this development is to make Eau Claire Market more vibrant, iconic, diverse, and dense. Currently, Eau Claire Market is a smaller mall that has a few stores and some nice restaurants but overall it is average. For being at the center of the city it is disconcerting how empty Eau Claire Market gets, thus this is why the market is in need of an update.
This update includes building hotels, residential areas (condos, town homes, rentals), office buildings and, of course, retail. So, you can shop close to where you live! The artists behind this proposed transformation are from Harvard Developments Inc. It’s currently too soon to suggest what companies might go into the “new” Eau Claire Market but the change definitely appears to be a good idea. The buildings are proposed to have a modern design and are interesting to look at as well as be in. But as with every idea there are also criticisms.
There are some historical landmarks in Eau Claire that the project has proposed to move. These historical landmarks include an 1886 Buffalo Café that will be moved north to the heritage plaza and a smoke stack that is planned to be moved farther north to be incorporated into the new public plaza.
This is a difficult predicament because most people don’t want to move historical sites around thus bringing criticisms to the project. In my opinion, this project is a much needed transformation and will definitely add life to the heart of our city. Plus, according to the plan it is not as though we are getting rid of our history we are moving and incorporating it into our future.
The great thing about this project is that anyone can provide feedback as to what they think should happen to Eau Claire. The plan is to build five gorgeous glass buildings; one larger one and four smaller ones, and it doesn’t just stop there. If you want to make a difference to Calgary’s future by providing feedback or you just want to follow the “Transform Eau Claire Market” project please visit the Eau Claire Market website.
Website: http://www.eauclairemarket.com/redevelop.asp
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Eau Claire Market redevelopment renderings