The Arriva – High Rise Condominiums in the Warehouse District of Victoria Park in Downtown Calgary
The Arriva I tower, located at 433 11th Avenue SE, on the corner of Olympic way and 11th Avenue SE, Calgary. It was the financed by Torode Residential Ltd. With Ledcor Construction as the contractor and BKDI, the Architects. The Arriva was started in April of 2005 and completion and occupancy came in November of 2007. The Arriva is 36 stories high, and is registered on condominium Plan #0812315 with Alberta Land Titles. The Arriva is at time of this writing one of the newest condominiums in downtown Calgary and is very popular among Calgary’s “Nouveau Riche”.
Torode’s ambitious plans of subsequent completion of the Arriva II (2010 – 43 floors) Arriva 3 (42 floors) and Arriva IV (35 floors) were forced on hold as the company was forced to seek bankruptcy protection when the bottom fell out of the real estate market as a result of worthless, insured asset-back derivatives being flogged by the large investment brokerage houses, mainly in the United States.
There is some commercial space on the main and 2nd floors of the Arriva, which as I understand it is privately held and not part of the condominium corporation. Neither is the mostly entire first floor of below grade visitor pay parking on P1. Fortunately there are lots of short-term parking stalls (3 hour) on the street level, in front of the building on 11th Avenue.
There are 167 individual condominium units in the Arriva, and 265 parking stalls. The parking lot is well lit with an over-abundance of fluorescent white tubes accentuating the sealed concrete drives. While there the parking is abundant, with some unit holders owning three and even four stalls, some of the stalls might be considered tight if driving a large vehicle. Parking for the unit holders is on P2, P3 & P4.
The Arriva downtown condominium features floor to ceiling windows with breath-taking views of the city in every direction. That is what the Arriva is probably best known for. The units also have storage lockers, titled parking, Snaidero Kitchens with Miele Appliances and Caesarstone quartz counter-tops.
As you come through the front door of the condominium, you come into an expansive lobby with an impressive chandelier and security desk. The mailboxes are located beyond, to the left, and the elevators are on the right. The elevators are by secure card only. Guests may only go to their assigned floor, then back to the lobby, without the access card. You must use the lighted panel to select your desired location.
There is a friendly around the clock security guard seated in the Arriva lobby, who is always happy to greet you as you come and go. He is very helpful, and while his job is to serve and protect, some residents and familiars mistakenly refer to him as the concierge. Through him, one may make bookings for the condominium amenities and guest rooms.
The Arriva is located in the heart of the Warehouse District, across from the Stampede Grounds and offers unparalleled views of the city with it’s floor to ceiling windows. It also offers open floor plans which is very refreshing. The Warehouse District is currently in the process of a complete rebirth after developers saw the potential and ripped out all the old dilapidated homes previously owned by private interests, and mostly rented out to low income families. The area is currently undergoing a complete transformation. The Arriva condominium units offer floor to ceiling windows which are unprecedented anywhere in the city of Calgary
AMENITIES – There is an outside promenade on the 4thfloor of the Arriva where you may enjoy the pleasantries of Calgary’s outdoor climate. The amenities offered in the building are also located on the 4th floor. These consist of two well appointed guest suites and a meeting room with a kitchen. The guest suites have large flat screen monitors, Wi-Fi and a host of other electronic gadgetry, along with comfortable beds and furniture. The two suites may be rented by the condominium unit-holders for the reasonable rate of $100.00 per night. There is also a sizable Amenities Room (Meeting Room) which may be rented by the hour (Currently $25.00 per hour). The Arriva was designed for the busy executive and is a notable landmark in the City of Calgary. While it is lacking in some of the more conventional amenities, this also reduces the cost to maintain the building and consequently the savings are passed down to the unit holders by way of reduced condominium fees.
The Arriva is remarkably striking against the city skyline and can be seen from miles around with its unique and eye catching design and notable greenish hue. The condominiums have floor to ceiling views which are breath-taking to say the least, in every direction.
The commercial areas are currently occupied by The Olive Garden Restaurant and a wine store, dental office, clothing and furniture store there also.
The Arriva high-rise condominium is certainly impressive; the exterior is almost entirely glass.. The Arriva is modern with limited amenities and spectacular views. The Arriva is a good choice of building if one enjoys their privacy, security with great views, open spaces and quality. It promises to continue always, to be one of the cities most inspiring pieces of modern architecture.
Street view of the Arriva high-rise condominium Towers in the Warehouse District of Downtown Calgary
Chandelier in Lobby of the Arriva high-rise condominium tower in the Warehouse District of Downtown Calgary
Promenade of the Arriva high-rise condominium tower in the Warehouse District of Downtown Calgary directly across from the Calgary Stampede Grounds North Entrance
Guest Reception – Lobby of the Arriva high-rise condominium tower in the Warehouse District of Downtown Calgary
The Arriva Lobby of the Arriva high-rise condominium tower in the Warehouse District of Downtown Calgary
Penthouse condominium Tower in the Arriva high-rise condominium tower in the Warehouse District of downtown Calgary
The Arriva is one of Calgary’s most notable buildings. It’s incredible architecture will be hard to surpass and the floor plans are spacious.
The Arriva is definitely among my favourite condominium high rises. I see these units as a very good investment. The views are some of the best in the city, and I would love to live here myself someday!
