Our Neighborhood in the Making, the Baking and the Mood for Fun!

From Daily Essentials to Artisan Breads and More, Keep Pace with the Changes at University District.

Around every corner there are new and exciting developments to share at University District. In recent months, we have celebrated the openings of Sesame, BarBurrito and Five Guys. And more recently Monogram Coffee and YYC Cycle! Read our recent blog post with the retail roundup!

Our community circle is getting wider and deeper. So let’s dive in and take a closer look at what’s new, next and coming soon on the retail main street, adjacent to the upcoming 3-acre Central Commons Park.

Framing Central Commons Park on the north side, are the Central Block and Block 23 buildings. Design work on these distinctive community destinations started in 2018; construction in 2019; and this year we are excited to announce the first retail businesses are moving in and opening up!

While we await the Spring 2023 opening of Central Commons Park — a hub for social events like winter skating and summer concerts, BBQ picnics and play areas — we can focus some attention to the newest NW energy percolating on the retail main street!

Cineplex VIP Cinemas

Ready for a night-out experience to unwind with friends or raise a glass with your love? The new VIP Cinema is a luxurious and unique destination for movie-loving adults to settle into plush recliners, enjoy food and drinks — like artisanal pizza and handcrafted cocktails — delivered to their seats using the Cineplex app. This VIP Cinema will also feature a licensed lounge where to relax before and after the movie. OPENING: November 2021

The Canadian Brewhouse

It doesn’t get more Canadian than this sports-friendly, family-friendly casual restaurant-meets-beerhall destination for lunch or dinner! A home away from home for sports fans where all the screens air all the sports you could want to cheer about. We have menu items to look forward to like Golden Garlic Fingers, Bacon Wrapped Chinook Jalapenos and –if you are up for it — the The Rita Burger Challenge! This giant six-patty burger with all the fixings served with a large poutine is free if you can finish your entire meal within one hour! OPENING: Early 2022

The Banquet

Who’s game for a good time? The Banquet promises a lively time with cocktails, draught beer, wine, an impressive food menu and games galore! Bowling! Shuffleboard! Billiards! Arcade games! Darts! Community coming together to play and relax again in a spacious new place, sounds like a welcome turn to us! OPENING: Early 2022

Staples

All the supplies — for work, school, art, home — under one roof is a neighbourhood essential and Staples has us covered. This hub for productivity opens in Spring 2022.

The Alley

For tea lovers, The Alley is, well, right up our alley! Stylish concoctions, artfully made set The Alley in a tea league of its own. Across Canada, its popularity is growing thanks to a rotation of special drinks like summery strawberry and blueberry tea, an energizing fresh fruit blend in a jasmine green tea base, or yummy toppings like house-made lychee jelly. OPENING: December 2021

Check out our time lapse video of Central Block in the making! Click here to to be awed! [tweet_dis url=”https://myuniversitydistrict.ca/blog/staycation-nw-calgary/” excerpt=”Curious about #nwyyc community news? @UDistrictYYC has a fresh time lapse video just for you. Take a look! #Calgary #udlife”][/tweet_dis]

Village Ice Cream

The saying that “villages are beautiful destinations” has never been more true at this local ice cream lovers’ paradise! Fresh, fun and fabulous hand-made ice cream by the scoop or by the pint awaits. Prepare to call yourself “a Villager” for inevitable loyalty! OPENING: January 2022

TIP: Outside the Discovery Centre every Thursday 3 – 6 pm from now to September 9, 2021, Village is hosting a pop-up experience where locals can enjoy a complimentary Little Villager single serving of Village Ice Cream. Donations are welcomed to support local charity I Can for Kids to help feed children and youth impacted by hunger all year long.

Cobs Bread

We sense a future ritual in the making … or should we say in the baking! Cobs is coming to U/D with its handcrafted bread and goodies. Whether your kitchen is calling for chia white loaf for sandwiches or your BBQ gang fans herb and garlic hot dog bun or your book club members love raspberry & custard danish to go with their coffees, Cobs is the place to go! OPENING: Spring 2022

Plantlife

Plantlife is an Albertan-owned and operated retailer offering Canadian cannabis flower, pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates, edibles, beverages, oils, capsules, topicals, seeds, and more. OPENING: Spring 2022

Just one of our major U/D developments, Central Block and Block 23 are also going to be home to offices and more retail destinations with news to come! Visit our retailer page for all the details and announcements as they unfold. Our Discovery Centre team is always ready to welcome you and you can sign up for our newsletter here!

There is a lot of newness at U/D! Are you a new University District resident? Check out out new resident checklist.  Click here!  [tweet_dis url=”https://myuniversitydistrict.ca/blog/staycation-nw-calgary/” excerpt=”#NW Calgary rolls out the welcome mat for newcomers! @UDistrictYYC has you covered! #yyc”][/tweet_dis]