Achi news desk-
Cliff Bungalow residents are convinced a new development proposal will take some of the charm out of their historic neighborhood.
The proposed change will enable a new five-story, multi-residential building with 71 new units at 537 20 Avenue SW.
But it will come at the expense of four existing structures, including a building and two homes that have been going up for decades and have been divided into flats.
Heather Saitz moved out of one of the units when it was sold a few months ago.
She is worried about the new vision.
“It was one of the most beautiful apartments I’ve had in my entire life,” she told CTV News. “These buildings should have a different fate.”
Saitz and others have launched a petition and canvassed the area with leaflets to gain support for their opposition.
The core of their argument is concern that the construction work will change the landscape of Cliff Bungalow.
One resident says she believes tearing down historic houses to make way for high-rise apartment buildings is bad for the city.
She argues that those older homes that house Calgarians still pay relatively manageable rents, they won’t be able to afford large-scale construction.
“I’m actually a huge advocate for density,” Ahn Mur said. “But I also think there is a reason why people react so much to increased density, and the reason for that is that we are losing things like community, character and affordable housing. And so this is a good example of a hot topic for the people of the area.”
The group members even suggest a compromise.
“There are many precedents from around the world regarding building new developments that pay homage to the existing community character in some way,” says Mur.
Heritage Calgary is on board.
“I really want to see from the developer, if they can incorporate elements of those houses into the property,” Josh Traptow said. “It could be bricks, it could be windows or a door. It will take some creativity from the architect.”
CTV News reached out to the developer to learn more about its plans, but has not heard back since publication.
The project is still listed as a proposed land use change, meaning it does not yet have a timetable.
The city is collecting feedback on the proposal and will until Thursday evening.
