[haltcatchfire]

So very generic.

lol, they’re never going to close Centre St. for a stage & screen.

 

[YYCguy]

Is the design written in stone? Was there any citizen input into it, or will there another opportunity for such? It is indeed quite blah but I couldn’t say exactly what features I would prefer. If I were presented with a few different concepts to choose from I am sure I could pick out some favourites.

 

[trtcttc]

So very generic.

lol, they’re never going to close Centre St. for a stage & screen.

Maybe the Olympics? It won't be in time for 2026 hockey, but I can see that being the one time.

 

[lemongrab]

For me the grey bricks and straight edges just feel wrong. This stretch of Stephen Ave is all about warm sandstone...I'm not exactly sure what would be better, but the current pink/red in a lot of the bricks works much better. This feels so sterile.

 

[Albertasaurus]

Agreed, it looks very grey and sterile. The only thing that breaks up the greyness is the trees - which won't look like they do in the renderings for decades (especially if they're planting new ones).

 

[Mountain Man]

How long before that nice grey paving on Stephen Ave is pockmarked with asphalt "repairs" lol

 

[Roaring Flames]

A couple new streetscape redevelopments have started.

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I'm no expert, but those cracks on that pillar don't look good

 

[Mountain Man]

Those look superficial, and that's very normal. I would have zero concerns about that

 

[Silence&Motion]

If they could actually solve the tree problem, it would be fine to keep the design minimalist. Here's an image from Toronto's Sugar Beach only 4 years after it was built in 2010. I was there earlier this summer and the trees are even larger. As far as I can tell, they've had great success using Silva Cells. The big question is, even if you do everything right, how limited are we in terms of Calgary's climate? On the other hand, Calgary has several spectacular tree-lined streets, so it is possible.

 

[whatchyyc]

Stephen Avenue is supposed to have soil cells, maybe also water tapped off from the pipes underground as well but I'm not sure if that's made it past the concept plan

 

[The Familia]

Are those the official renderings of Stephen Ave? In the bottom they say that these are conceptual and subject to change. If they are the official renderings, then this is a pathetic effort. No more historical looking lamp posts? I agree the grey and black look sterile and dull. The street was in bad shape and needed major renovations, but I am not digging this effort at all. I was hoping the would install a few European fountains or water features along the way. Sigh….this city just can’t get out of it’s own bland corporate way sometimes….

 

[Sambo]

There are over 100 pages of descriptors for the engagement and design if you are angered by the design they might help you.

 

[The Familia]

I filled out the survey and participated in engagement and feedback….they didn’t do very much of what I suggested haha.

 

[Calgcouver]

Seems like the design consultant used the Stroget as inspiration for the design for Stephen Ave. Stroget in Copenhagen relies on great architecture of the buildings around it to have a minimalist streetscape design. Stephen Ave requires more landscaping to distract from boring architecture IMO.

 

[CalgaryTiger]

Stephen Ave requires more landscaping to distract from boring architecture IMO.

Although it is our pedestrian street beyond Olympic Plaza and Glenbow there isn't much else there. The success of the streetscape will come down to how it is activated. The City is giving themselves a generic blank slate and an opportunity, up to them to to do something with the opportunity. Personally I think it is fine that the main thing isn't some elaborate design. I don't mind when design fades into the background and allows the users to create its greatness.