Once such area is the section of First Street S.W. between 17th and 12th Avenues. Long the home of a revolving series of nightclubs, pubs and low-end retail, these five blocks are being converted to a mixed residential and high-end commercial zone with the addition of several ambitious new condo developments, including Union Square, a two-tower project by Apex Cityhomes and Western Securities Limited.

With a nod to the area’s history as one of downtown Calgary’s oldest streets, project Sales Manager Michel Heggedal says that Union Square will preserve and incorporate the Underwood building, a red brick structure built in the early 1900s, into its design. Street-level architecture will match that of the historic building, which was built by one of Calgary’s first mayors, Thomas Underwood, and will include high-end retail shops and possibly a restaurant. Underwood is credited with much of the original development of First Street S.W.

“The location is one of our main draws, definitely,” says Heggedal, adding that Union Square’s address is one-of-a-kind for downtown Calgary, with so many nearby amenities, not the least of which is the 2.4-acre Haultain Park, which adjoins the project. The park includes three outdoor tennis courts, a playground, a mini soccer field and plenty of trees and green space, all maintained by the Parks Foundation Calgary, and has recently undergone redevelopment.

Union Square’s sales centre (1325 1 Street S.W.) features a full replica of one of their two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plans, the D plan. At 967-square-feet, the unit feels much larger thanks to the open floor plan and the floor-to-ceiling windows, which run the length of the main living area and the master bedroom. The views from every side of the building are stunning, whether it’s the sun rising over the Saddledome or the sparkle of the evening lights in the downtown core.

The kitchen is equipped with a full suite of stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, custom maple cabinets with under-cabinet lighting and ceramic tiling, as well as a modern glass mosaic backsplash that adds a vivid burst of colour. The adjoining great room, with wall-to-wall carpeting, has space for a dining. The two bedrooms are both spacious in size and are at opposite ends of the unit for privacy. Each has a Raumplus sliding opaque glass door to let extra natural light into the room. One of the two bathrooms has a soaker tub, while the other has a walk-in shower. Both bathrooms have granite counters in the same style as the kitchen and ample storage. Every unit also includes a large balcony.

“It shows really well,” Heggedal says, pointing out everything potential buyers see in the show suite comes standard except for a built-in computer desk. She says not a lot of people need to upgrade the already top-of-the-line materials and fixtures.

There are seven different floor plans to choose from, in a variety of one- or two-bedroom layouts, with prices ranging from $367,900 to $699,900, plus GST. In addition, there are three unique penthouses on the 26th and 27th floors. These exclusive residences range from 1,825 to 2,565-square-feet. A distinctive interior design program is being completed for these truly exceptional residences.

The first tower is about 50 per cent sold, according to Heggedal, with a variety of different floor plans still available. Construction is slated to be complete in December 2008.