A Year in Review: 2025 at University District

2025 was a landmark year for University District, marked by major milestones, exciting new partners, and continued growth across every corner of the community. From welcoming new builders and breaking ground on future homes, to expanding our mix of retail offerings and hosting signature events that brought our community together, this year demonstrated U/D’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful development and vibrant urban living.

Says Novy Cheema, President and CEO of University of Calgary Properties Group, “This year demonstrated the power of a shared vision and what can be achieved when a community moves forward together. From builders to retail and office tenants, event partners and residents, every member of the U/D community contributes to making this neighbourhood a place where people truly want to live, work and gather.”

U/D’s Residential Offerings Continue to Expand

2025 was full of exciting developments in residential growth.

Truman Launches Two Projects in U/D: Academy and Scholar

Academy by Truman broke ground in early spring, marking the builder’s fourth residential offering in University District. This purpose-built rental development will feature 222 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units located on the corner of Kovitz Avenue NW and McLaurin Street NW. Construction is now underway and residents are expected to move in by early 2027. The building will offer premium amenities, including a lounge, fitness centre, bike storage, and a pet spa, providing a modern, convenient, and connected living experience. Truman’s residential portfolio in University District now includes the Academy and Scholar projects currently under construction, along with completed developments such as Esquire, Maple, and Noble.

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Shovels hit the ground as Truman and UCPG celebrated the start of construction on  Scholar.

On October 8, 2025, Truman and University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) celebrated the official groundbreaking of their first joint-venture, Scholar. Scholar is a six-story purpose-built rental building with completion anticipated in 2027. It will feature 203 one- and two- bedrooms and community-focused amenities such as a fitness centre. Scholar represents a new step in University District’s growth, offering modern, accessible rental residences and further supporting the community’s lively, mixed-use lifestyle, with the inclusion of 12,000 sq. ft. of main floor retail.

Coming Soon: Cadence and Vanguard by Luxuria Homes

Cadence and Vanguard by Luxuria Homes were officially announced on November 20, 2025, as the newest residential developments in University District. Their show suite is now open at the Sales & Discovery Centre, with a grand opening anticipated in 2026.

Cadence is Luxuria’s condominium offering, featuring 156 units across two five-storey buildings. Residents will have access to amenities including a private gym, versatile amenity spaces with outdoor patios, secure entry, dedicated parking, and private outdoor patios for each unit.

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Rendering of Vanguard by Luxuria Homes, a collection of 28 three-storey townhomes, each approximately 1,950 square feet.

Vanguard is a limited collection of 28 three-storey townhomes offering 1,900 sq. ft. of living space. Each townhome will feature a double-car garage equipped for EV charging and curated design options inspired by six global cities, allowing buyers to select a unique aesthetic package.

U/D Welcomed Four New Retail Tenants

Retail Main Street continued to flourish this year as we welcomed several new tenants, including HEAL Wellness in Argyle, along with Verdex Capital, TD Wealth Management, and Stringam LLP in Central Block, further enhancing the mix of services and amenities available to residents and visitors. With Argyle now fully leased and leasing underway for Block 17 (Autumn) and Scholar by Truman and UCPG, University District’s vibrant retail scene continues to expand, offering even more convenience, variety and opportunity.

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HEAL Wellness opened in Block 16, expanding the University District’s health and wellness offerings with açaí bowls, smoothies, and wellness-focused items.

Community Events

Community life thrived in 2025 with signature events that brought neighbours together.  It was truly a standout year for University District, with several events that energized the community and encouraged residents and visitors alike to connect.

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The Winter Pop-up and U/D Night Markets bring neighbours together, creating unique experiences that elevate the neighbourhood’s sense of community.

Winter Pop-Up Events

University District helped residents and visitors embrace the winter season with festive pop-up events at Central Commons Park on Sunday, January 26, 2025, and Sunday, February 16, 2025. Guests could bring their skates for a spin on the outdoor rink, watch live ice carving demonstrations, or participate in a sledge hockey demo with U/D retailer, AdaptAbility. Attendees also enjoyed toasty fire features with s’mores and seasonal surprises, creating a warm, fun and interactive winter experience.

U/D Night Markets

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The U/D Night Market brought the community together all summer long to celebrate local artisans and entertainment.

Once again, the U/D Night Market ran all summer long, bringing residents and visitors together for warm Wednesday evenings filled with local culture and creativity. Held on the final Wednesday of each month from May to September in Central Commons Park, the market featured live music, free entertainment, and a wide selection of vendors.

Fifth Annual U/D Block Party

The fifth annual U/D Block Party brought the community together for a free, family- and pet-friendly celebration along Retail Main Street. Neighbours connected, explored the community and enjoyed live entertainment, interactive experiences and tons of family-friendly activities and special activations from U/D businesses. The event offered delicious eats, lively activities and plenty of community spirit, making it a highlight of the year and a true celebration of University District’s rich neighbourhood life and vibrant Retail Main Street

New in 2025: Show Suite Open Houses

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A wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and showcase the amenities and lifestyle that make living in University District truly special.

The Show Suite Open Houses, hosted at the Sales & Discovery Centre, took place on May 31, 2025 (Pianos & Petals), June 28, 2025 (Mingles & Melodies), and on October 18, 2025 (Harvest Social) allowing residents and prospective homeowners to experience the newest condos and townhomes from University District’s award-winning builders. Both open houses set the stage for an engaging and immersive experience, showcasing the thoughtful design, community spirit and elevated living that define University District.

Awards & Recognitions: U/D Celebrated for Community Excellence

U/D’s dedication to exceptional community design was showcased on the provincial stage this year as the U/D earned two BILD Alberta Awards for Best Community Feature. Central Commons Park’s fire features and outdoor rink were celebrated for their ability to bring residents together year-round and for exemplifying the thoughtful placemaking that defines University District. These awards highlight U/D’s continued leadership in building thriving, people-focused public spaces that enrich the community experience.

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Central Commons Park’s outdoor rink, recognized with a BILD Alberta Award, exemplifies University District’s commitment to thoughtfully designed community spaces that enhance the lives of its residents and visitors.

As 2025 comes to a close, we celebrate the milestones and partnerships that continue to shape University District. From new homes to thriving retail and memorable community experiences, this year has set a strong foundation for even more growth and excitement in 2026.

To learn more major announcements from U/D, visit this page.