So is Central Kitchener developing more of an urban vibe with all of these buildings going up?

It's definitely more urban then it was pre covid especially the 'central' part of downtown, even when it was really cold this past week people were still out and about late at night which is way different then the pre covid vibe which was mainly office workers and the 9-5.

In the central area you've had City Center 2, Duke Tower, Charlie West, 100 Vic Tower 1 and 2, Garment St, Station Park 1 and 2, Otis, Ophelia, Bow, Barra on Queen all completed in the last 6 years which has brought in a ton of people to Kitchener, the far reaches are definitely going slower with only a small handful of projects but overall it's certainly becoming more urban then it was and the vibe has definitely changed.
 
Looks like they're at the top.



PXL_20250313_212044348.jpg
 
So is Central Kitchener developing more of an urban vibe with all of these buildings going up?
You tell me :) Pardon the digression from the Station Park focus of this thread, but these are from the surrounding neighbourhood in response to the question. All photos from Google Streetview of different places around the downtown.

1742343523585.png


1742343786947.png

1742343914449.png


1742344006110.png


1742344919102.png
 
From 03/25/2025. As seen from Kitchener GO platform.
1000011741.jpg


Getting a better look at the top floors and MPH. By my count, exterior work is basically done up to the 27th floor, and close to done on 28-33.
1000011742.jpg
1000011743.jpg


As seen from Central Station on the ION. Not a great photo, but interesting to think that this building won't be visible from this perspective in a few (?) years with the completion of the second half of Duo and Building E:
1000011784.jpg


So is Central Kitchener developing more of an urban vibe with all of these buildings going up?

I would say yes. Still a ways to go, but the progress is pretty remarkable. Here's a photo (also Mar. 25) from Waterloo Park (next to the Barrel Yards) that shows the growing number of towers in Kitchener visible from further afield. It includes Station Park, so I feel okay including it here. SP Duo pt. 2, SP Building E, 417 King St W, 864 King St W, and 924-944 King St would all be within this photo if completed today.
1000011724.jpg

Here's a less Kitchener-focused shot from the same spot showing the Uptown Waterloo skyline.
1000011725.jpg
 

Back
Top