As we head into 2025, we are reflecting on U/D’s incredible year of growth and impact. Our 2024 highlights include winning BILD Alberta’s Best Community Event award, reaching our 50th business now open on Retail Main Street and breaking ground on multiple new residential projects. Explore U/D’s biggest milestones of the year below!
Celebrating Builder Achievements
University District reached new heights this year with the launch and groundbreakings for several new residential and purpose-built rental projects:
Jayman BUILT – Magna
The much-anticipated Magna by Jayman BUILT launched on February 17 and broke ground on March 8 in University District. This thoughtfully designed concrete building will feature 82 one and two-bedroom condominium suites, including six exclusive penthouse suites, all crafted with high-end finishes. Future residents will enjoy the convenience of snow removal, landscaping, and package pickup, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a stress-free lifestyle.
The Jayman and University District Teams Celebrating the Groundbreaking of Magna.
Crystal Creek Homes – GUILD
GUILD’s launch on May 4 and groundbreaking on October 21 brought more energy to our growing neighbourhood. These luxury townhomes will be located on the northwest side of the community, backing onto the North Pond. Crystal Creek Homes will be developing 40 exquisitely designed two and three-bedroom homes that offer luxury finishes and sophisticated layouts that complement modern lifestyles with convenience and comfort. Each unit will boast over 2,000 square feet of space, private elevators, rooftop patios, double garages, main floor balconies, spacious layouts and unique design elements.
Pictured left to right: Greg Landry, Director/General Manager of Q Construction; Justin Bobier, Owner of Crystal Creek Homes; Novy Cheema, President and CEO of University of Calgary Properties Group Celebrating the Groundbreaking of GUILD by Crystal Creek Homes
Block 22 Groundbreaking with Gracorp Properties, Harrison Street and Graham Construction
Gracorp – Block 22 Announcement
Block 22 broke ground in October, marking the newest addition to our vibrant community. This exciting new purpose-built rental project is being developed by Gracorp Properties, Harrison Street and Graham Construction, and will feature 322 units. Stay tuned for more information as construction progresses.
Homes by Avi – Autumn Groundbreaking
On June 5, University District celebrated the groundbreaking for Autumn, Homes by Avi’s third project in the community. This thoughtfully designed condo development embodies the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and urban living. Just steps away from Central Commons Park, the bustling Retail Main Street and the University of Calgary, Autumn is poised to become a highly sought-after residence. The project features 162 expertly crafted units, with floor plans ranging from cozy studios to spacious one and two-bedroom condos.
Argyle building on University Avenue NW
Argyle Welcomes Residents and Retailers
Argyle by Homes by Avi officially welcomed residents and ground-floor retailers in May. Situated right along Retail Main Street, Argyle residents enjoy easy access to the bustling retail scene right below their homes. The ground floor is already home to some amazing local businesses, including Bronze Baxx Tanning and Wellness, Flowers & Beyond, Lagree YYC, Stephen Cleaners, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pho Pham Vietnamese, Easy Blink Optometry and Swish Oral Care.
U/D Welcomes its First Retail Tenants at The Forge
The Forge is welcoming new residents. In November, University District welcomed its first ground-floor retailers at The Forge, including UNA pizza + wine, Native Tongues Taqueria, Seed N Salt, Hot Yoga on University District, University District Vet Clinic and Servus Credit Union – all highly anticipated additions to the community.
Over 50 Businesses Now Open on Retail Main Street
In November 2024, University District proudly celebrated the opening of over 50 businesses, further cementing Retail Main Street as a premier destination in northwest Calgary for shopping, dining and everyday conveniences. Here’s a look at the businesses that joined us this year:
Bronze Baxx Luxury Tanning and Wellness
Hot Yoga on University District
University District Vet Clinic
Connecting at Community Events
University District is committed to developing signature community events aimed at bringing people together to experience the vibrant culture that defines us. In 2024, we hosted a number of successful community events including:
Winter Pop-ups
In January and February, University District welcomed the winter season with two Winter Pop-Up events. Visitors watched in awe at the live ice carving demonstrations from the talented Julian Lee, who turned blocks of ice into incredible works of art right before their eyes. DJ GOODBAR set the tone with upbeat tracks, keeping the energy high, while cozy fire pits offered a warm escape from the chilly air. It was a magical way to celebrate the season and bring the community together for some winter fun. February’s event featured a sledge hockey demonstration, thanks to AdaptAbility and the Straz Strong Foundation.
U/D Night Market
Over the summer, the U/D Night Market series brought residents and visitors together for four unforgettable evenings in Central Commons Park. With local vendors offering unique products and a lineup of live entertainment including celebrated local musicians, bubble shows, circus performers and Chinook Country Dancers, there was something for everyone to enjoy. From delicious treats to handcrafted goods, the market celebrated some fantastic local talent and creativity in our city.
The 2024 U/D Night Market series attracted hundreds of Calgarians to the community to enjoy local artisan vendors, free entertainment and more.
Tails & Treasures
Our fifth annual Tails & Treasures took place in June and coincided with Father’s Day. The event featured a ‘barktacular’ performance by Global Pet Foods SuperDogs™ and local retailers engaging with the community and showcasing their offerings. To top it all off, furry friends and their owners enjoyed snapping adorable memories at the puppy photo booth, presented by Homes by Avi.
The Global Pet Foods SuperDogs™ performing at the 2024 Tails and Treasures event.
U/D Block Party
An estimated 3,200 visitors attended the U/D Block Party in September, enjoying a lively celebration of everything that makes University District special. It was the perfect opportunity to connect with new faces, explore our growing community and reflect on the incredible milestones of the past year. The event was buzzing with energy, featuring live music, roaming performers and activations along Retail Main Street.
In partnership with Save-on-Foods, the U/D Block Party raised money to support I Can for Kids, a Calgary-based charity working to alleviate food insecurity among children. All grocery store round-ups were donated to I Can for Kids, while University District matched proceeds up to $5,000. University District Dental also hosted an activation at the Discovery Centre called Portraits in the Park, offering custom portraits for donation during the event.
RMHC Hustle for the House
Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta (RMHC) hosted their annual Hustle for the House Run/Walk at Central Commons Park and throughout University District in September, offering a great opportunity for our community to support their mission. Last year, RMHC Alberta provided 22,200 nights of comfort to over 1,200 families from 296 communities across the province. Participants of the Hustle for the House Run fundraised money for RMHC, helping them continue to do impactful work in our community.
U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition
The holiday magic was undeniable during the U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition in Central Commons Park. Spanning two enchanting evenings in November and December, this event brought the festive spirit to life with a 50-foot igloo, free hot drinks, food bank donations and the official opening of the U/D ice rink. Local vendors filled the market, offering unique gifts and holiday treasures. Attendees enjoyed live entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony with help from the Ice Queen, and breathtaking choreographed skating performances, bringing holiday cheer to the whole community.
The U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition welcomed hundreds of Calgarian to the community to shop local vendors and enjoy free entertainment.
Upcoming 2025 Events
On January 11, 2025, Rohit Homes will be hosting an open house experience as part of their Dean’s Landing development in University District. Guests are invited to 301-4270 Norford Avenue NW between 12 – 5 pm to view the Fairfax, Barton and Cambridge townhomes, as well as enjoy light refreshments, entertainment and a pop-up cafe.
Mark your calendars for the annual University District Winter Pop-Up events happening on January 26 and February 16, 2025, at Central Commons Park from 1-4 p.m.
On January 26, visitors can expect to see live ice carving demonstrations, free s’more kits (while supplies last) and a DJ performance.
On February 16, the Winter Pop-Up will feature a free sledge hockey demonstration and complimentary hot chocolate provided by AdaptAbility, s’more kits (while supplies last) and a DJ performance.
Award Wins and Nominations
To cap off an already amazing year, University District was awarded Best Community Event by BILD Alberta for the 2023 U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition. We are honoured to receive this recognition from BILD Alberta and look forward to hosting more spectacular community events in the year ahead.
To learn more about everything that happened in U/D this month, visit our news section.
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