Question and Answer Time: University District Comes to Life
September 17, 2019 by University District
Stay Current with Community Progress, Promise and Pace!
More proud and confident strides into the future are defining University District’s connected and liveable community every day. The foundation is set for a turning point year in 2020 for University District. Residents are excited by the lively growth as innovative businesses and important amenities get established here at a positive and steady pace.
Every day, our dedicated Discovery Centre team listens to curious Calgarians’ questions about this area and the future of these prominent lands. To share answers and insights that help inform choices about where to rent or buy and enjoy life University District-style, we spoke with Maureen Henderson. She is West Campus Development Trust’s Director of Marketing and Communications.
Read on for the broad-stroke news and fun did-you-know details about University District’s plans as they grow to fruition.
Rendering of future Central Park in University District
Here at University District, you probably already know we’ve got a meticulously chosen batch of retailers taking root in our community, including Curious Salon for all your skin, nails and hair care needs! We spoke with the experts at Curious to learn about their plans, as well as some super simple DIY skincare ideas that will keep your skin feeling fresh, supple and nourished as fall and winter come down the pipe. Take a look here!
It’s an exciting time for University District with many shops and restaurants opening doors. Which retail stores and restaurants in University District should we know about now?
“One-hundred percent!” says Maureen. “Now is an exciting time here at U/D with the first wave of retailers set to open their doors early summer of 2020. The journey to get us there took careful planning, evaluations and the forging of important retailer relationships. We want to make sure we cover all the necessities for a good life and add a little extra quality-of-life flash for your wandering enjoyment!”
“The collection of stores and services in University District blends trusted brands with forward thinking merchants. From locally focused, fresh made food to innovative fitness solutions, every business curated for University District leads their field, and is doing something new and dynamic for their customers. These top-notch businesses start to open their doors in Summer 2020, with Save-on-Foods and Market Wines leading the way.”
More specifically, here’s the complete list for the grocery store block:
Teaser: Just like a pumpkin patch, this fall will yield a bountiful crop of trusted, innovative retail partners! Keep your eye out for beloved brands that offer burger, brews and views, signature flavours and old-time favourites and even handcrafted cocktails, lovingly crafted food, games and leisure for all ages and more. Fall just got more exciting!
There is no escaping Father Time! But we can all take steps to live our best lives as we get older. Tell us more about assisted seniors’ living at University District.
“Whether it’s lifelong learning or accessible healthcare or simply being part of a special neighbourhood, University District respects the needs we all face as time marches on!
“On the housing front, Cambridge Manor opens for occupancy in June 2020. This innovative aging-in-place living option is built in collaboration with the impressive and impactful Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging for Research and Education. Dignity and the pursuit of happiness make the mantra for this 240-unit complex. Beyond dining and recreational diversions, the therapeutic care offered to seniors here supports wellness and brings comfort and security to the people who live here. Their families gain peace of mind too.”
“Cambridge Manor will offer multiple levels of care to support aging in place,” says Brenda Strafford Foundation CEO Mike Conroy. “It’s one of the few facilities to offer the continuum of aging in place with supportive living and long-term care services.”
Cambridge Manor is connected by a +30 covered walkway to Maple by Truman, an innovative independent living condo development with a la carte services through Cambridge. This integrated model means residents can stay connected through proximity to their loved ones as easily as they can to the features and amenities they care about. This way, family members of all ages can stay connected in University District as needs and lifestyles change through life.
Photo credit: Neil Zeller
No matter what stage of life, there are homefront options for most people here. All walks of life! Are we right? What kind of residential housing will U/D have?
“Inclusive and truly urban, the backbone of University District features a diverse array of homes to choose from,” Maureen says. “One-, two- and 3-bedroom condos, townhomes, brownstones, apartment-style residences for purchase or to rent are all in close proximity to each other and to our integrated, curated community design features — the parks, shops, trails, restaurants, theatre, playground, pond and the University itself!”
“So what does this mean for University District’s residents? It means a closely-knit neighbourhood with genuine neighbourly experiences. It means community connection, ease of access to the lifestyle choices you care about. It means convenience, expansive views, maintenance-low living.”
Smart home automation is more than a nifty way to keep up with the latest technology. Whether it’s a smart thermostat, doorbell, lighting system, leak detection solution or smart appliances, automated homes give you the convenience and peace of mind that only comes with being connected. We met with the expects at LinkCasa to get the scoop on simple, budget-friendly smart home projects. Let’s take a look at their suggestions!
Rendering of the future Central Park in University District
Once people choose their perfect home, fashion it with furniture and settle in, what kind of amenities will the community have once they step outside?
The heart of any neighbourhood is its green, natural space, and Maureen speaks to that commitment from University District.
“Location, location, location!” she says. “There are 12 kilometers of interconnected pathways with a total of 40 acres of green space spread between six parks, two ponds and the three-acre central park at the heart of the community,” Maureen explained.
“The central park is the heart of the space, and the cultural centrepiece is nine blocks of curated retail encompassing entertainment, dining, grocery, pharmacy, pet conveniences, home and fashion, and day to day living.
“Our namesake, the University of Calgary, is a defining jewel of the community, so expect all of the concerts, sporting events, education and engagement one would expect from a world-class university minutes from their door.
“The community’s hub, functional since day one, is the Discovery Centre, which stays alive and vibrant throughout the growth of the community. Stop by and get a feel for what’s happening, what’s to come, and what you can do to get the most out of your daily life in U/D.”
Teaser: So many developments have already been announced for our thriving community, but October will bring even more exciting news about University District’s three-acre Central Park. Stay tuned on our social channels!
Let’s get down to the brass tacks! With every home they bring to the neighbourhood, our builders are bringing heart and uniqueness to U/D, but who are these builders and what are they building?
From Brookfield Residential and Avi Urban to Truman, the builders transforming University District are innovative, community driven, and dedicated to pushing design and engineering to a higher level. Integration, connection, and quality of life are common themes for them all.
Brookfield Residential’s Ivy welcomed its first residents in July 2018. It’s townhomes straddle the best of central urban life with the creature-comforts: attached garages, private front entrances, centralized amenities, and up to 2000 square feet of space.
Meanwhile, its landmark development, Capella, presents a revolutionary single level concept with luxury design elements and privacy! Capella will contain both urban condos and single-level estate residences, all crafted with the express goal of exceeding expectations.
Truman’s Noble is another active building, with many of its residents calling the place home for well over a year. As Maple by Truman nears completion, University District is excited to welcome its second wave of residents to fully appointed suites designed for independent seniors living.
Beyond Maple and Noble, Truman’s third contribution to U/D’s urban landscape is Esquire. Streamlined, premium design, green and healthy living add to the Esquire appeal. The building minimizes carbon and pollution output and maintains its warm and engaging aesthetic feel at a more than reasonable price. Its suite of amenities is also impressively appointed: typical features like landscaped green space is complemented by a 24\7 gym, dedicated bike storage, spin and movement studios, a workshop area, and a pet spa to keep your four legged pals so fresh and so clean.
Fresh, ergonomic design defines Avi Urban’s August, as natural green space, bright open designs, and connected, amenity rich living combine into one intentionally designed package.
Teaser: With its stunning foliage, pumpkin-spiced treats, and mild sweater weather, what’s not to love about autumn? Well this year, Fall is an especially magical season because we’ll be announcing another builder development in the heart of U/D!
Want to stay in the know about all things University District? Interested to learn about our dynamic retail community and what beloved brands will call U/D home? Join our newsletter for the latest!
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
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