Calgary's University District: A Plan Comes Together
Isn’t it great when a plan comes together? I recently did a walkabout of University District and was pleasantly surprised at how far it has come along over the past few years – it is definitely starting to look like the community that was promised when the master plan was presented back in 2014, when it was called “West Campus.”
James Robertson, CEO and President, University of Calgary Properties Group who has stick handled the development of University District from the beginning, says “When we started, we had a bold vision of building an inclusive community where people can thrive. And collectively, we are moving closer to that vision every day.”
Flaneuring University District
One of my first impressions was how lush the landscaping is, with all the trees looking healthy (a good sign as one of my mantras is “don’t judge a community until the trees are taller than the houses.”) In this case, the trees will never be as tall as the houses, as the buildings are all low and mid-rises, but it is amazing how important having mature trees is to creating an attractive community.
I was equally impressed with the public spaces that have been created early in the project - from the inclusive playground to the dog parks (one for big dogs; an adjacent one for small ones) – and from pathways to the pond. I can’t wait to see what the Central Park (currently under construction) will look like.
If I had one quibble it would be the architecture isn’t as funky as I had hoped given the proximity of University District to the colourful and playful Alberta Children’s Hospital and Child Development. But I do like how some of the streets have been named after the 13 Chancellors who have served as champions of the university since its formation in 1966. It is often the little things that contribute the creating a unique sense of place.
Amenities Coming Soon
The opening of the Save On Foods in late August with others to follow is going to help potential buyers appreciate University District’s traditional main street concept. Some of the businesses include Pet Planet, Market Wines, Denim & Smith Barbershops, Curious Hair Skin Body, Scotia Bank and Osmow’s (a Mediterranean restaurant). Future development will include OEB Breakfast Co., Orange Theory, YYC Cycle and Five Guys.
In addition, the skeleton of the 15-storey 156 room Alt Hotel is clearly visible across the street from Save On Foods which will become centre ice for the District.
Diversity of Housing
What has impressed me most is the diversity of the housing in University District that has been completed or under construction. Perhaps the most impressive housing project is Cambridge Manor by the Brenda Strafford Foundation. Its 240 homes include three types of seniors housing – independent living, assisted living and enhanced care.
As of mid-August, there are 898 homes available for purchase in eight different buildings offering a wide range of urban living options from townhomes with direct street access to low-rise condos with private green spaces. Homes include 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options, with sizes ranging from 520 to 2,300 square feet. Builders include Avi Urban, Brookfield Residential, Gracorp and Truman.
And, every home in phase one of University District will be just a short walk to main street (aka University Avenue) or to a park space.
Last Word
What we see today is only half of the huge University District Development. The second phase will be to develop the land south of the Alberta Children’s Hospital and north of the Foothills Medical Centre. Ultimately, University District will have between 12,000 and 15,000 residences, similar to East Village, but without the high-rises.
University District: Home sweet home!
Robertson is pleased with the “level of passion and advocacy from the residents who have chosen to call University District home.
They have embraced all of the amenities we have on offer and they have been so supportive of our milestones and progress.
I’ve always said that a sustainable community is so much more than bricks and mortar.”
Bonus, all of the University District’s buildings, parks and public spaces have been built to LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to create a sustainable environmentally friendly 21st century community.
If you like this blog, you will like these links:
West Campus: Calgary’s First 24/7 Community
University District a community for all ages
It takes a lot of different villages to create a healthy city