The Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC) has announced that Colliers will take on project management for the Arts Commons Transformation project, and New York firm Fisher Dachs Associates has been selected as the theatre consultant.
“This project will be a major boost to arts in our city,” says Kate Thompson, CMLC’s president and CEO. “The Arts Commons Transformation will support the growth and recovery of arts in Calgary and the province, providing new opportunities to come together to engage as a community—when it’s once again safe to do so.”
Alex Sarian, Arts Commons president and CEO adds, “The pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll on Calgary’s arts sector and those who depend on it—for enjoyment and for employment. This new facility will be a vital component in the recovery and growth of Calgary’s artistic community and an important contributor to our city’s economic revitalization. The Arts Commons Transformation project will not only create jobs, bringing needed immediate and ongoing economic benefits, but will also serve as a longer-term draw for those who take part in its creation, operation and performances.”
CMLC and Arts Commons will continue assembling the rest of the project team—prime designer, construction manager, and acoustic and specialty consultants—and anticipate that all will be in place by the summer.
“Our long-term strategy is to make sure Calgary is the city of choice for the world’s best entrepreneurs solving the world’s greatest challenges,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “That means investing in this city, in the industries, amenities, and services that support that unrivalled quality of life. These projects are all elements of that work, and that’s why I’m incredibly excited to share this update today.”
Other projects including the BMO Centre expansion, Event Centre and 17th Avenue extension and Victoria Park/Stampede Station rebuild will also continue to advance this year.
“Despite all the challenges of the past year, CMLC remains firmly focused on the important work of supporting our city and building for the future,” says Thompson. “These vital projects and the many others CMLC will be undertaking this year are just what the city needs. People will always need places to live and work, and our whole city will benefit from the new infrastructure and development we’ll be helping to make happen in 2021.”
