INSIDE INK: July 2017 Construction Update
Big news... there is no longer a giant hole at the INK site! As you can see from the pictures the construction team is just finished up pouring the concrete to create the last level of parking (P1) and will be at grade shortly.
Speaking of concrete, have you ever wondered what supports the slabs as they dry? Well, listen up, because we’re going to tell you!
The bottom level of concrete is set directly onto a bed of gravel fill and support footings. However, after that layer, the process get’s a little trickier. The construction team has to use a scaffolding system to create a subfloor before the next level can be formed.
For the construction of the INK parkade we have chosen to use a new, state of the art formworks system out of Germany called SKYDECK. An upgrade from typical scaffolding systems, SKYDECK has some great features:
- It is lightweight making it quicker and easier to set up, take down, and transport between floors.
- It has smaller prop requirements underneath the forms which leaves more space for work to continue below.
- The panels lock into place making it very secure and minimizes swaying
After a slab of concrete is poured it takes about 24 hours before it is set enough to walk on, however it takes 3-4 days to fully cure before the SKYDECK is dismantled below and moved up a level.
Up next? Main floor.
Stay tuned.
INSIDE INK: June 2017 Construction Update
The huge hole where INK will soon stand is finally starting to look like a parkade. All of the foundation footings have been poured and the interior walls are being completed around the perimeter.
The crane that was erected a month ago has been busy since day one. It is currently loading rebar on site and moving molds to create all the concrete structures.
Looking down you can see the support columns being built which will soon hold up the second level of parking. In the centre of the project, the elevator shaft is beginning to take shape. Can you picture yourself riding the elevator up to your new condo yet?
This month’s major milestone is currently in progress. The team is now pouring the first slab of concrete which will create the bottom floor in INK’s lowest parking level (P3)!
Everything is moving along on schedule at INK. Fingers crossed this early heat streak continues as we keep on keepin’ on!
Until next time.
Battistella Developments.
INSIDE INK: May 2017 Construction Update
Look up. Look WAAAY up...
INK’s crane was installed on Saturday, May 6th and now stands proud at 160 feet above site!
The installation took all day and included multiple delivery trips, two mammoth Mammoet cranes, and many hard-working hands. This crane will be kept very busy over the next 12 months as INK is sculpted from the ground up.
If you’re a little bummed you missed seeing the installation in person, don’t worry, you can catch the exciting parts of the day in this short recap video here.
On another note, we have dug out the entire three stories of the parkade. The team is now busy pouring footings which consist of concrete reinforced with rebar and are an important part of INK’s foundation.
Now that we have reached the bottom of the parkade, the excavator's term at INK is coming to an end. You may ask, “how does the excavator get out of the hole?” Well, that is an exciting milestone for another day.
Stay tuned to our Facebook page shortly for the answer.
Battistella Developments
INSIDE INK: April 2017 Construction Update
Something new is happening at the INK site every day.
Most notably, shoring has been completed finishing the exterior parkade walls and the large drill rig has been removed. However, the big rig has been replaced by its little brother rig.
This smaller drill rig is busy creating INK’s tiebacks. Tiebacks are horizontal steel rods up to 30 feet long that are drilled and cemented into place. The tiebacks are drilled under the surrounding streets and buildings and their job is to stabilize the parkade walls.
As the excavator continues to remove dirt the parkade is taking shape. The first level of parking (P1) has been cleared and 5000 cubic meters of earth have been trucked off-site. We will reach the bottom of the hole shortly and begin working our way back up.
Have you ever wondered where all that dirt goes? Well, it goes to a dirt sanctuary of course. A.K.A it is dropped off at a local acreage in the South East.
If you are hungry for more construction updates follow our Facebook page for regular photos.
Stay tuned.
Battistella Developments
INSIDE INK: March 2017 Construction Update
The INK site has been abuzz with activity since the January demolition day. There are currently two important activities transpiring.
1. The drill rig was delivered shortly after the land was cleared and has been diligently drilling ever since. Large holes are pierced around the perimeter of the site and 
are filled with concrete and steel creating a retaining wall. This process is called shoring and stabilizes the surrounding soil to facilitate the excavation of the underground parkade. The East side was just completed. 140 holes down, 60 to go!
2. The excavator arrived in early March and has started doing what excavators do best, moving dirt! With three stories of parkade to build, there is a lot of soil, sediment, and shale to be scooped up. Everything that comes out of the ground has to go somewhere, so trucks will be coming and going to haul the excess earth away over the next few weeks.
After all digging is done the team will focus on the parkade. Soon you will be able to watch it rise from the depths!
Stay tuned.
-Catherine
Battistella Developments
Profitable Property Investing 101
Real estate is a finite resource - no one is making any more land - and the demand for this resource is always climbing.
Owning a rental property can be an excellent way to build wealth, balance your investment portfolio and create some monthly cash flow.
At its most basic, investing in real estate allows you to leverage the bank's money while your tenant pays down your mortgage. Essentially, someone else is paying for your investment! To read more on condo investing, check out our recent blog post; Pre-construction vs Resale Condos: Four Common Investor Missteps to Avoid.
If you are just getting started, or if you are buying your third investment property, we understand it can be overwhelming!
Every day we talk to people about investing in real estate and we hear their questions. Some of the most common include:
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- How much down payment will I need?
- How do I get a mortgage on my investment property?
- How can real estate help to build wealth for my family?
- How do I find a renter?
With this in mind, we have invited some of our friends, who are experts in real estate investing, to provide answers.
Join us on Saturday, February 25, 2017, from 1-4pm for an informal afternoon where you can get your questions answered by some of the very best in the industry.
RBC:
Mortgage specialists Dustin Wychreschuk and Rob Pinder will help answer any questions relating to financing an investment. Also, RBC Dominion Securities Advisor, Scott Walbergs, will be available to chat about how real estate can work for your portfolio.
OStays:
Ostays is a rental management company who can help turn your second property into a cash flowing investment. They specialize in vacation bookings and can focus your property on short-term or long-term stays.
Want to find out more? Give us a call 403 452 9268 or stop by the INK Presentation Centre at #108, 535 8 Ave SE in East Village on Saturday, February 25, 2017.
INK Groundbreaking!
The first construction milestone in INK’s history has been achieved.
On January 19, 2017, the structure on INK’s site was demolished (with a bang) and the land was cleared to make way for building to commence. For an interesting tidbit of info, the small building stood on site for nearly two decades and was the original sales centre for Battistellla’s Orange Lofts.
Check out the official groundbreaking video here.
Now that the land has been prepped and cleared, crews and machines will be arriving shortly. Before digging can begin, the entire perimeter of the site must be reinforced. To do this, large holes are drilled by machine and concrete and steel beams are installed (known as shoring). That way when the excavators start digging, there is already a retaining wall built to hold up the surrounding soil.
We will be keeping everyone up-to-date via Facebook, Twitter, emails, and blogs. If that isn’t enough of us for you, always feel free to pop by the presentation centre at 108 - 535 8th Ave SE for a visit.
Packing up the Holiday Decor: How and Where to Store it All
The presents have been opened, the eggnog's been drunk, and now it's time to pack up the holiday decor. But, living in a small space, where does it all go?
We asked local small space design expert, Sylvia Daoust from Niche reDesign to give us some pointers. Read her advice below!
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Guest blog entry by Sylvia Daoust!
It’s time to get festive and dig out the holiday decorations. But wait, which box did you store the wreath and outdoor items in?
How much time will you spend “digging” this year? Every year my Christmas decorations accumulate, so making the most out of my small storage room is important. I re-evaluate the items that are kept in these few bins, and not everything makes the cut. The “old” and damaged items go first. After that, there are always a few pieces that land at Goodwill for someone else to enjoy.
While most of us love decorating for the holiday season, not many of us look forward to packing it all away after such a busy time of year. Tossing a few items into the storage room and quickly closing the door may seem like an easy solution, but properly storing this year’s Christmas decor will make next year’s decorating a more joyous affair.
10 Tips for successfully storing your holiday decorations and supplies.
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Use clear storage bins that stack well and number them.
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Sort and store like with like, keeping items you normally display together in one box.
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Use an empty coffee can to wrap light strings around. Store extra bulbs inside and slit the lid to put the receptacle end through.
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Try a few empty egg cartons to store small, fragile ornaments.
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Recycle segmented cardboard (liquor box inserts) and place in bins to separate delicate items (don’t forget to wrap with tissue).
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Make an “open first box” with items you typically need early in the season, such as cards and table settings.
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Put together a “toolbox” to store holiday essentials, such as tape, scissors, ribbon, and ornament hooks.
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Create a custom gift-wrap center using a long under bed box. Store wrapping paper, ribbon, and tags all in one handy bin.
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If you like to keep a good supply of wrap rolls, try this inventive solution featured in apartmenttherapy.com which utilizes vertical space like magic!
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This Holiday Supplies Storage Hamper provides an organized location for all of your wrapping needs, and it’s portable.
If you are a creature of habit, take a few photos after your home is decorated to remind you how and where you displayed your treasures. Before you head out to purchase extra wrapping supplies, take inventory of what you have leftover from last year’s wrapping station. It’s no fun to dive into this holiday task with a few partial rolls of paper, and only a hand full of tags!
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Good luck packing!
If you'd like to find out more about small space living solutions or to see what that might look like, come visit us at the INK show suite at 108, 535 8 Avenue SE or give us a call at 403.452.9268.
Happy New Year everyone!
Erin @ Battistella
In the news: Optimistic economic outlook in Calgary
For many Calgarians, 2016 was a year marked with uncertainty. At INK, we get a lot of questions regarding Calgary's economic outlook and what it means for real estate purchases.
We are not economists and can't predict the future, but we do stay informed with current news and trends. We want to share that news with you and have compiled some recent articles from local media outlets and industry experts.
The worst of the oil price downturn is over, says ATB - CBC News
Two years after the oil price collapse sent Alberta's economy into a tailspin, ATB Financial suggests the downturn is over and the province's fortunes will rise in 2017.
Calgary home sales rise for a second consecutive month - Calgary Herald
Sales increased from year-ago levels for the second straight month, with more than 1,600 housing units sold in October, a nearly 16 percent spike from 2015 levels.
Ann-Marie Lurie, chief economist with the Calgary Real Estate Board, said: “Not just did it increase, but it rose to levels that were really consistent with what we’ve seen in normal conditions.”
Economic Outlook 2017: Recovery on the horizon & optimism returns for businesses - Calgary Economic Development
After two years of recession, economists are suggesting that Calgary has seen the worst of a painful economic downturn and predict a return to growth in Alberta in 2017.
Both Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist with ATB Financial, and Glen Hodgson, Senior Fellow with The Conference Board of Canada, forecast during Economic Outlook 2017 that gross domestic product (GDP) in Alberta will expand next year by between 2.0 and 2.5 percent.
Mid-sized oil and gas producers expanding spending plans for 2017 - Calgary Herald
Several mid-sized oil and gas producers operating in a range of plays have spiked their capital spending plans for next year by as much as 70 percent.
The beefed-up budgets signal the widely held view that 2016 marked the bottom of the oil rout, though companies remain prepared for fluctuating prices, said Jeremy McCrea, analyst with Raymond James.
Is the worst over? Alberta’s GDP to grow in 2017, but full recovery will take time - The Owl
The situation in the petroleum sector has marginally improved. Prices have climbed to around $US 50 for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and the balance of global supply and demand suggests the worst of the global price fall may be behind us.
Yedlin: Energy stocks take the spotlight on more upbeat outlook - Calgary Herald
Energy stocks shone Monday, fuelling a U.S. market rally that’s almost two weeks old.
The reasons for the energy rush are varied, including continued optimism the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will reach an agreement on production cuts next week and a surprise move by Goldman Sachs to up its price forecast for oil.
Everyone has their own judgements and predictions about what the future may hold. We continue to stay optimistic about Calgary's future, and we hope you do too.
Visit us at the INK Sales Centre in East Village at Unit 108, 538 Avenue SE or call us at 403.452.9268 to find out more.
Erin @ Battistella
East Village Construction Update
A lot has happened this year in East Village and sometimes it can be tough to keep up with all the changes!
To keep you up to date, we’ve pulled together a run-down of what developments were completed this year, what is still in the works, and what you have to look forward to in 2017.
Completed in 2016
National Music Centre
850 4th Street SE
What is it? Encased in more than 200,000 shimmering terracotta tiles, the National Music Centre (NMC) has quickly become an iconic structure in Calgary’s architectural landscape. Construction on the 160,000 square foot building, including the East Village Skybridge that connects Studio Bell to the King Edward Hotel, began in 2013. The building houses the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, various collections and interactive exhibitions, and will host educational programs and concerts.
Studio Bell was showcased on a national stage in Spring 2016 when Calgary played host to the 2016 JUNO Awards, with Studio Bell hosting two private events to welcome award delegates.
When did it open? Canada Day 2016
See more: Tour Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre | JUNO TV
King Edward Hotel
438 9th Avenue SE
What is it? Since breaking ground on Studio Bell in 2013, NMC has carefully reassembled the historic King Eddy, located on the west block of Studio Bell, honouring the original plans and returning it to its 1905 glory. King Eddy was restored much like an artifact and will have new life as a live music venue that NMC and other community partners will be able to program.
When did it open? Canada Day 2016
See more: Brief history of the King Edward Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites
7th Avenue and 4th Street SE
What is it? The 14-storey hotel will combine the Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown and Homewood Suites Calgary Downtown under one luxurious rooftop terrace, to accommodate both short term and longer term stays.
When did it open? November 2016
St. Louis Hotel
430 8th Avenue SE
What is it? One of Calgary’s oldest hotels, the St. Louis has been restored as mixed-use commercial space. Eventually, the space will be home to new retail and office tenants. Currently, the main floor serves as a rental venue and community space for small to mid-size indoor events.
When did it open? July 2016
See more: Calgary’s St. Louis Hotel unveils new look
Hillier Block
8th Avenue and 4th Street SE
What is it? This historic site formerly housed residential suites on the upper floors. The Hillier Block was restored from significant disrepair and is now home to the Calgary Public Library Foundation and the New Central Library Discovery Centre, which will be open for the duration of the NCL construction project. Open now.
Construction Started in 2016
RioCan Retail Centre
5th Avenue and 3rd Street SE
What is it? RioCan's 230,000 square foot retail centre “5th & THIRD” will bring an urban concept Loblaws City Market, a Shoppers Drug Mart, a Joe Fresh, as well as other retail tenants.
What is the status? Construction began Spring 2016.
Projected completion? Late 2018
New Central Library
What is it? Forward-looking and functional, the architecturally stunning New Central Library truly is the library of the future. The library will provide approximately 240,000 sq ft of usable library space – 66% more than the existing downtown library – and will be home to approximately 600,000 books. The library will host special programs and offer spaces for children and teens, as well as technology commons, laboratory for innovation, and much more.
What is the status? Encapsulation of the LRT tracks began May 2014 and has completed. Building construction began September 2015. Exterior building frame has been completed and the curtain wall installation is in progress. Completion of curtain wall, the next big milestone for the project, is projected for early 2017.
Projected completion? Late 2018
See more: NCL One Year Later - An update from the architect and project milestones
The Riff
What is it? Similar to Stephen Avenue in the Beltline, “the Riff” will be a pedestrian route with retail and dining amenities, traveling diagonally through the East Village community.
What is the status? Construction began on East parkade in Summer 2016.
Projected completion? Unknown
ALT Hotel
Confluence Way and 6th Avenue SE
What is it? Boasting modern design and eco-friendly amenities, the 11-storey, 155-room Alt Hotel Calgary by Group Germain Hotels is an ultra-modern hotel for the budget-savvy traveller. Homes By Avi has partnered with Le Germain on the project as the developer of the building's parkade.
What is the status? Construction began in November 2016
Projected completion? Slated to open in 2018
The Hat
5th Street and 7th Avenue SE
What is it? This high-rise rental tower will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units, making the project perfect for young families. Totaling 236,000 sq ft, the 28-storey tower will include 221 units (66 one-bedroom and studio apartments, 123 two-bedroom units and 32 three-bedroom units), as well as childcare services on the main floor.
What is the status? Not started but machines are on-site; soon!
Projected completion? Fall 2018
Upcoming Projects
M2
Confluence Way
What is it? Main floor restaurants and retail shops, topped by office space and large terraces make up this 17,000 to the 20,000-square-foot building. The structure will have a unique design, sloping back from the river, that will limit the shadow cast upon RiverWalk and keep those patios sunny!
What is the status? Not started
Projected completion? Unknown
We will continue to update you as we make our way into 2017, so you are always in-the-know with East Village development news. Also, don’t forget about these East Village hot spots!
Simmons Building
St. Patrick’s Island
5th Street Square
Crossroads Plaza
Community Gardens
Children’s Playground
C-Square
Want to find out more or chat about how these developments tie-in with INK’s timeline? Give us a shout at 403.452.9268 or stop by for a visit and hot chocolate at Unit 108, 535 8 Avenue SE.
Cheers to a great 2016 everyone, see you in the new year!
Erin @ Battistella