The official groundbreaking ceremony for Slokker Homes' Vibe project took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, marking the start of construction on a significant new rental housing development in Calgary's East Village. As excavators moved dirt in the background, above-ground work commenced on this mixed-use residential tower, which aims to bring contemporary urban living to the heart of the district.
A Landmark Development for Downtown Calgary
The 13-storey highrise, located at 616 7th Avenue, will feature 218 rental units, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites. Milad Kondori, a project manager from Slokker Homes, described Vibe as a "landmark development" for Calgary's downtown and a "thoughtfully designed building" that will enhance the community. The tower will also include six commercial storefronts at ground level, adding to the area's retail offerings.
Prime Location and Amenities
Strategically positioned across the street from the East Village community garden, a playground, an off-leash dog park, and a new outdoor pickleball court, Vibe is designed to integrate with existing neighborhood features. Additional amenities within the building will include a dog wash, a bike wash, and indoor and outdoor amenity spaces on the second and third floors. "That makes Vibe a true destination for a mixed-use building where people can gather, shop and connect," Kondori emphasized.
The rental units will range from 450 to 670 square feet and will be offered at market rates, catering to a variety of residents seeking modern housing options in a vibrant urban setting. Occupancy is targeted for 2028, aligning with the city's growing demand for rental properties.
Part of a Larger Investment Wave
Vibe represents Slokker Homes' third development in the East Village and is considered the second phase of the Calgary developer's Q Block investment, following the completion of Verve in 2019. The two buildings are situated on either side of the "Riff," East Village's pedestrian corridor, enhancing connectivity and community flow.
Kate Thompson, president and CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), highlighted that Vibe is one of five developments launching construction in East Village this year. With these projects representing $700 million in capital investment, Thompson noted that this signals strong development sector confidence in the district and a direct response to Calgary's escalating housing needs. "This is the biggest investment in East Village since the pandemic, and we're really starting to see some activity happening and bringing more residents, more vibrancy to the street, more people using our parks and spaces, more people using our retail, and also new retail added to the mix," she stated.
Other Key Projects in the Area
The construction wave in East Village includes several other notable developments:
- Library Square: A six-storey project by Bankside Properties that broke ground in January 2026, delivering 162 purpose-built rental units adjacent to the central public library.
- Lyric: A six-storey building by Ayrshire Group set to start construction later this year.
- The Edgewater: A nine-storey development led by Trico Communities.
- A Hotel Project: A five-floor hotel initiative by local developer Truman.
Together, these projects underscore a transformative period for East Village, driving economic growth and addressing housing shortages while fostering a lively, interconnected community environment.
