Open Skies in Calgary

The redevelopment of a major shopping area in downtown Calgary will incorporate what its designer says will be the largest point supported structural glass skylight in the world.

TD Square, Calgary Eaton Centre and the former Sears building, the CORE, Calgary's premiere downtown shopping destination, has begun work on its redevelopment plans, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2010. The design is intended to create an urban streetscape enclosed by an expansive skylight linking three city blocks, in the heart of the city central business district.

Chris Brown, MMC International Architects, says, "This development will host the largest point supported structural glass skylight in the world with a glass surface area roughly equivalent to a football field."

Highlights of the project include the addition of world-class retailers, integration of the 2.5 acre Devonian Gardens downtown urban park, which will close for renovations, and expanded, next generation food facilities including seating for 900 patrons. The highly anticipated opening of the luxury retailer Holt Renfrew's flagship store is confirmed for August 2009.

During renovation, the CORE continues to be open for shopping. In addition, the CORE's website, coreshopping.ca, features construction updates to keep the public informed on project progress, current changes, and required transportation updates.

The ownership group for the development includes SITQ, a subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, and Alberta Investment Management Corp.

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