Wow! Where to start? There are so many new projects in the works in the downtown core, but Stephen Avenue alone is a buzzing with several changes. The 300 West block in particular is getting a major makeover right now.
The famous “Galleria Trees” are being fitted with brand new programmable LED colour-changing lights that will be ready to enjoy during summer nights on a patio. This block, with The Unicorn Pub, Earls, and the recently renovated Metropolitan Grill, will be a prime location to enjoy a cold one and people watch.
You may have noticed that there is also a brand new pub taking the place of Dakota Bar & Grill. LOCAL 8th Avenue is planning to open in mid- May, and will be headed up by General Manager, Brett Butterwick, and Head Chef, Oliver Lewis.
Described as, “Local pub meets the quality of a great neighbourhood restaurant. It’s common food done uncommonly well – think deluxe burgers, fish tacos, big fresh salads, and hand-made guacamole, all at an affordable price. From the bar, LOCAL offers an ever-rotating selection of draft beer, a long list favourite domestic and import bottles, bold cocktails, and a famous $4 glass of wine.” We are looking forward to checking this one out!
Just down the avenue on the corner of 3rd Street SW, you will notice that HMV, Urban and Black’s Photography are all moving to new locations within the CORE/TD Square/Holt Renfrew. Rumors are rampant about who the new neighbour will be, but 20 Vic has not been able to confirm to date. We’ll wait with anticipation and keep you posted as soon as we know more. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
The above-mentioned construction is quite contained and should have very little impact on the public realm - both pedestrian and vehicular. The City has warned us about some upcoming road repairs that may cause some disruptions along Stephen Avenue. Of course, all this upgrading will be done in time for the busy Stampede and summer season.
I also stumbled across a great little coffee spot in the Hyatt Regency on the 100 East block called Baker’s, which is nestled in between the main lobby and the Business Centre.
Open daily from 6:00am-9:30pm, I think this could be my new go-to for morning caffeine fixes, as it’s relatively undiscovered so there are no huge lineups yet. This is a bit surprising since they serve illy coffee and it’s fantastic!
They also have a great selection of pastries, sandwiches and snacks - many of which are organic. Plus they have a few celiac-friendly items.
Further down the street, just west of Stephen Avenue Walk, an Anytime Fitness will be opening at 718 8th Ave SW sometime in May.
Anytime Fitness is the world’s largest 24 hour gym and co-ed fitness center chain. This will be great addition for those working in industries that don’t have the typical 9-5 type of hours.
Limited-time promotional rates are being offered, so if you’re looking for a new gym stop by their booth on Stephen Avenue in April and chat with one of their representatives, or click here.
Another thing to get excited about this month is welcoming the patios back to Stephen Avenue on Monday, April 22nd.
Pray for sunshine and come down and enjoy Calgary’s only pedestrian mall!
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