Renderings

Courtyard

Site Plan

17th Avenue Mixed Use

Calgary, AB

Located in Calgary’s vibrant Mission district, the 17th Avenue mixed-use development strengthens the east end of 17th Avenue by expanding rental housing while reinforcing the area’s established retail character. The five-storey building delivers 128 rental units, including studio, one-bedroom-with-den, and two-bedroom suites ranging from approximately 300 to 800 square feet, supported by active commercial space at grade.

The project’s massing and site organization were carefully refined through the Development Permit process to balance livability, safety, and long-term urban performance. The building angle and location were adjusted to ensure ground-floor residential units meet bylaw requirements for clear entrance visibility from the street, while also satisfying fire-safety separation requirements along façades adjacent to property lines. These refinements strengthen the relationship between the building and the public realm while improving code compliance and functionality.

A subtle rotation in the massing continues to play a key role in the design strategy. By shifting the building a few degrees, spatial separation is increased at the northwest and southeast corners, reducing impacts on neighbouring properties and allowing the building to sit more comfortably within its urban context. Enlarged balconies at select locations provide additional setback and privacy, while also anticipating potential future development on adjacent sites.

At grade, the commercial frontage along 17th Avenue extends the lively, pedestrian-oriented street wall the avenue is known for. Residential and parkade access are located on 18th Avenue, clearly distinguishing public retail activity from private residential entry. The turn in the massing creates generous side-yard conditions for ground-oriented units, which are designed as private outdoor spaces.

Following design development, the ground level was revisited and a portion of the CRU and its outdoor space was redesigned to accommodate two additional ground-oriented residential units, each with its own private yard. This adjustment increases housing supply while reinforcing the residential character along the quieter street edge. Common amenity areas adjacent to the lobby were also reconfigured to improve circulation, visibility, and day-to-day usability for residents.

Building systems were strategically refined as well, with the mechanical room relocated to the rooftop, freeing up valuable interior space and improving long-term servicing efficiency. The exterior architecture is defined by a contemporary palette of standing seam metal, cementitious panels, horizontal wood-toned cladding, and metal-clad vinyl windows and doors. At street level, the commercial spaces are largely wrapped in a curtain wall system, creating visual engagement that invites pedestrians in and reinforces 17th Avenue’s retail vitality.

Data

Developer: Porte Communities
Architecture and Renderings: Gravity Architecture
Civil: Richview Engineering Inc.
Landscape: Navagrah Landscape Architecture
Structural: MWS Engineering Inc.
Mechanical/Electrical: TLJ Engineering
Energy Modelling + Envelope: Williams Engineering

Location