With a population of more than 660,000 people, Winnipeg is Canada's seventh largest city. The capital of Manitoba has pumped more than one billion dollars into the revitalization of its downtown core, which is experiencing substantial population growth. At the centre of these revitalization efforts is the Sports Hospitality Entertainment District (SHED). In a district that currently offers several of the city's premier cultural and entertainment destinations — including the MTS Centre, home of the Winnipeg Jets hockey team — private investment and public realm initiatives are developing a cohesive urban fabric downtown. Perhaps the most talked about new development coming to the area is SkyCity Centre, a planned 175-metre mixed-use tower that would become the tallest Canadian building between Toronto and Calgary.

SkyCity Centre, image via Fortress Real Developments

Greater Toronto-based Fortress Real Developments and Kirkor Architects proposed the 45-storey residential building in 2013. The future of SkyCity Centre came into question when development partner Mady dropped out of the project and entered bankruptcy protection, but since Fortress launched sales in September, the path forward is looking much clearer. Since the presentation centre opened, over 100 units in the 388-unit project have been sold.

SkyCity Centre, image via Fortress Real Developments

SkyCity Centre's podium will contain 60,000 square feet of office space and 20,000 square feet of retail at ground level. Fortress is currently seeking a grocery store to fill out some of that retail space. The 30,000 square feet of amenities offer residents a fitness centre, games room, movie theatre, and 45th floor Sky Lounge.

Fortress has also purchased the adjacent St. Regis Hotel and its parking lot for $4 million CAD, with plans to build a 625-space parkade and commercial component on the site. If construction on the parkade has not begun by April 2017, the sale will be nullified.

SkyCity Centre site, image retrieved from Google Street View

The city's downtown, rich in heritage buildings, presents an opportunity to blend the past with the future. Projects like these will contribute to Winnipeg's urban renewal objectives, as the city makes an impact on the world stage. The Winnipeg Museum of Human Rights and the vibrant Exchange District have both been singled out as must-see attractions by National Geographic, who named Winnipeg on their '20 Best Trips 2016' list.

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