17th Avenue SW Evolves into Calgary’s New Urban Village
- ClearView Insider
- Aug 5
- 1 min read
Once known as “Uptown 17th” and later branded “The Red Mile,” 17th Avenue SW has continuously reinvented itself from a bohemian retail strip to Calgary’s most active urban playground. Now, with thousands of new residential units planned or under construction, the corridor is rapidly transforming into a high-density, design-forward, mixed-use destination.
Several major developments are driving this momentum. Vesta Properties’ Broadway on 17th will bring 1,000 new homes and 70,000 SF of commercial space to the corner of 17th Avenue and 4th Street SW. Arlington Group continues its leadership in the area with a new 16-storey, 209-unit tower on the former Fishman’s Cleaners site. Homes by Avi is adding 149 homes through The Sovereign at 1st Street SW. Two additional residential towers and a hotel are also in the pipeline near Stampede Station.
On the east end, new parks and an expanded C-Train station are reinforcing a push toward walkable, transit-oriented development. Humpy Hollow Park and the revitalized McHugh House provide green space and historic anchors amid increasing residential infill.
What was once a café-and-pub scene for students and artists is now evolving into Calgary’s version of an urban village anchored by high-rise living, hospitality-focused retail, and the vibrancy of the Beltline. This transformation is steadily integrating with the adjacent Culture and Entertainment District.
Source: Calgary Herald, “White: 17th Avenue's main street evolves into urban village,” July 2025. White: 17th Avenue's main street evolves into urban village | Calgary Herald
Connect with ClearView: Curious how evolving commercial streets like 17th Avenue are shaping CRE strategy, tenant demand, and long-term value? Let’s talk: info@cvpartners.ca