Key Takeaways
- The intersection of 17th Avenue and 14th Street S.W. in Calgary has a history of accidents, fires, and business closures, earning it a reputation as a "cursed" corner.
- The area was once a thriving retail and community hub, with iconic buildings like Condon Block and the Isabella Block.
- A developer, Frank Lonardelli, is working to revitalize the corner and surrounding area, with plans for mixed-use redevelopment, including residential units and retail space.
- The project aims to densify the intersection and improve walkability, with the goal of creating a more vibrant and sustainable community.
Introduction to the Cursed Corner
The intersection of 17th Avenue and 14th Street S.W. in Calgary has gained notoriety for its series of unfortunate events, including multiple fires, car accidents, and a high turnover of businesses. According to Cynthia Klaassen, the heritage resources program manager with Heritage Calgary, the corner has become a "bad luck" spot, with a seemingly endless cycle of for-lease signs and failed businesses. Despite its current state, the intersection has a rich history, having once served as a gateway to the southwest quadrant of the city and a thriving retail hub.
A Vibrant Past
In the early 20th century, the intersection was home to several iconic buildings, including the Isabella Block, also known as Nimmons Corner, which was built by pioneering rancher and real estate developer Walter Nimmons. The area also featured a Bank of Nova Scotia, which helped establish the banking industry in the area. One of the most recognizable buildings on the corner was Condon Block, built by Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Jimmie Condon. Condon Block was known for its bright blue pagoda-style roof, which was a nod to Condon’s Greek heritage. The building was a beloved landmark and a symbol of the area’s vibrant past.
The Decline of the Corner
Over the years, the momentum generated by Condon Block and other businesses in the area has stalled, with many new businesses popping up only to close months later due to a lack of foot traffic. The corner has become notorious for its dangers, with accidents and fires becoming all too common. Despite this, Frank Lonardelli, CEO of Arlington Street Investments, believes that the corner is not a lost cause. He attributes the area’s decline to logistical issues, such as the uphill slope of the street and the lack of space for businesses to build out their storefronts.
Revitalization Efforts
Lonardelli is on a mission to revitalize not just the corner but also several locations along the Red Mile, extending from the Stampede Grounds to 14th Street. In 2018, his company bought 42 locations along the strip and purchased Condon Block the following year. Since then, the company has worked with the city to rezone the area, creating eight different mixed-use redevelopment sites. The plan includes demolishing Condon Block, which was completed in October, and building over 300 mixed-use residential units, as well as adding 14,000 square feet of retail space. Lonardelli hopes that densifying the intersection will be the catalyst for improving the whole community.
Preserving the Past
While Klaassen wishes more could have been done to preserve the site, she ultimately hopes that the changes will re-energize the corner. She believes that the addition of new residential units and retail space will create a more vibrant and sustainable community. The project is expected to be complete by April 2028, and Lonardelli is confident that it will bring new life to the area. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to find a balance between preserving the past and building for the future. The revitalization of the corner of 17th Avenue and 14th Street S.W. is a step in the right direction, and it will be exciting to see how the area transforms in the coming years.
