Since inception, U/D has grown to become a home to more than 2,000 residents, 30+ diverse retailers, a hotel, amazing parks, professional services, office spaces and so much more. 2023 has been a fabulous year for our award-winning community. From welcoming great new retailers to exciting builder announcements, University District is proud of all the growth we have accomplished in 2023. Here is a recap of some highlights.
UCPG has a New President and CEO:
In December, University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG), the developer for U/D and UIQ, announced its new President and CEO, Novy Cheema. Cheema has more than 15 years of experience working in real estate and development and joins UCPG after leading Alberta and prairie real estate development activities for a major North American development and construction company. Prior to this, he practiced commercial real estate law and also worked as counsel for a Calgary-based development company.
Builder Announcements:
University District celebrated the groundbreaking of Block 15 by Gracorp Properties (stay tuned for details). Block 15 is a new purpose built residential building and will be the largest building in University District to date, consisting of 303 rental units in an eight story midrise and 16 story tower.
The launch of Autumn by Homes by Avi took place earlier this year in May. The six-storey condominium project will offer 162 residential units including studio, one- and two-bedroom units set atop the Retail Main Street. The project is 50 per cent sold and construction is expected to begin in 2024. Stop by the Discovery Centre, located at 4410 University Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2K7 to learn more about the project.
Stay tuned for more exciting builders coming in 2024!
Community Events in 2023:
The U/D Night Market returned this year from May to September and included the addition of Holiday Edition Night Markets in November and December. In partnership with Marketspot, the U/D Night Market offered members of the Calgary community the opportunity to shop local vendors, experience live entertainment and connect with other residents in University District.
U/D is a great community for dog lovers alike. We also hosted our fourth annual Tails & Treasures event in June. With performances from the Global Pet Foods SuperDogs™, this event encouraged members of the community to head down to U/D with their furry friends to take in the festivities and participate in a best costume and best trick contest!
The annual U/D Block Party took place again in September and was a great opportunity for people to connect and see all the new additions to U/D including the growing list of retailers. People from across Calgary flocked to the community to partake in the fun. From bouncy castles to free samples, amazing roaming characters and a fan favourite; the Brasstactics, there was something at this event for everyone.
Save the Date: Central Commons Park will be hosting two Winter Pop-Ups on Sunday, January 28 and February 18, 2024 to help people warm up to winter. Featuring music and entertainment, these free outdoor events are a fun activity for the whole family (pups included!).
New Retailer Announcements
This year, we proudly announced the addition of many retailers coming to U/D in 2024. If you missed anything here is a quick recap:
Seed N Salt is an amazing restaurant helping Calgarians feel good. Offering healthy soups, salads and other options in a quick service format; they believe that fast food does not have to be filled with ingredients that hurt our bodies. With two existing locations in Calgary’s Mission and the Downtown, this beloved restaurant is a highly anticipated addition to University District.
UNA Pizza + Wine serves California-inspired pizza and side dishes using ingredient-focused recipes with almost every element made in-house. With existing locations in Calgary, Saskatoon and Banff, this trendy pizza spot will be the first of its kind in U/D.
Native Tongues Taqueria with much-loved, existing locations in the Beltline and Brittania, Native Tongues offers authentic Mexican cuisine and drinks. This restaurant is sure to be a popular stop in University District once it opens in 2024.
Lagree YYC is the first Pilates studio to call U/D home. Voted Top Fitness Center in Calgary for five consecutive years, Lagree will offer its patented Lagree Method to NW Calgarians suitable for all fitness levels. The Lagree Method incorporates slow and controlled movements to build muscle strength, muscle endurance and flexibility using a patented machine called The Megaformer.
Easy Blink Optometry will soon offer patients specialty eye treatment and designer eyewear in its new University District location. Expected to open in early 2024, this new offering will be very convenient for U/D’s residents as well as Calgarians living in other NW communities.
Olive Nail Bar will be the first nail salon to call University District home and they are very excited to soon service clients from the nearby area. Offering luxurious manicures, pedicures and other services, a local nail bar has been highly requested in this community.
Leading Edge Physiotherapy is a leading physiotherapy clinic with nine locations across Alberta. Its new location in University District will open in 2024 and will be the 10th location in Alberta.
Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada’s leading health, beauty and convenience retailer will also open its doors in University District in 2024. Adding to the convenience of the neighbourhood for University District residents, this new retailer brings lots of excitement to the community.
Other Exciting News from University District:
In June, The Alt Hotel Calgary University District officially opened its doors and welcomed guests to stay. There was an official launch event for the hotel in October with announcements coming soon on their restaurant and coffee shop.
Block 23 was officially fully leased this year and U/D continued to welcome office tenants. Businesses that opened office space included those specializing in eyecare, hearing, medical services and more.
In August, U/D was named an international finalist in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards in the Urban Design Category, which recognizes built projects that improve cities and neighbourhoods from around the world
2023 was another exciting year of growth for University District and we can’t wait for what’s ahead in 2024!
To learn more about all of these exciting updates, visit this link.
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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