These are exciting times for James Robertson as he watches the massive University District mixed-use development rise from the ground in northwest Calgary.

As president and chief executive officer of West Campus Development Trust, which is spearheading the impressive project, Robertson proudly points to some recent accomplishments as a clear indication that this proposal is now well on its way and not just a grandiose plan.

A roadway off of Shaganappi Trail N.W., leading directly to the site, opened at the beginning of December, providing easier access. A Discovery Centre opens March 11, which will include a 3,000-square-foot information area about the project as well as two areas that are 1,000-square-feet to serve as sales centres and show suites for builders Truman and Brookfield Residential.

1988 CREB® president Jerry Roberts recalls Winter Olympics arriving at the right time for Calgarians

Like many Calgarians, the first thing Jerry Roberts remembers about 1988 was the Winter Olympics.

The international sporting event transformed Calgary, as 1,423 athletes from 57 nations competed in 46 events over 16 days in February 1988.

But perhaps more importantly, it put Calgary, then a city of 675,000 and the first Canadian city to host a Winter Olympic Games, on the world map, said Roberts, who was president of CREB® that year.

CREB®Now looks back on 2016 with Calgary mayor

CREB®Now had the chance to sit down with Mayor Naheed Nenshi to get his birds-eye view on some of the city's most pressing issues over the past year, including who he believes is Calgary's hero for 2016. Here's what he had to say:

CREB®Now: There has been a lot of discussion regarding the cost of doing business in this city, both in the core and the suburban areas. What is the city doing to minimize their burden in the current economic climate?

Talking everything from what makes a great community to the favourite room in her house

What defines a great place? A mix of housing? A popular neighbourhood haunt? Walking and biking paths?

CREB® recently sat down with Eleanor Mohammed, president of the Alberta Professional Planners Institute and a director for the Canadian Institute of Planners, which organizes the annual Great Places competition. Here's what she had to say:

CREB®Now: Tell us a bit more about the Great Places competition?

Over the past five decades, Calgary's real estate industry has been bare to it all – from double-digit interest rates to densification. Starting today, CREB®Now will weave together an incredible narrative of how the local housing industry has evolved through the unique perspectives of CREB®'s 30 remaining past presidents.

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Change can be hard.

It can be messy.

It can be painful.

But it can also be necessary.

And with perspective, it can be the best thing that ever happens.

Real estate industry has undergone monumental shift, says CREB®'s longest-tenured past president

When Roy Wilson describes the early days in the 1950s in which he got his start in real estate, it quickly becomes clear just how much Calgary and the real estate industry has changed in one lifetime.

"I've seen lots of ups and downs," said Wilson, who headed up CREB®'s board of directors in 1961, officially making him the organization's longest-tenured past president.

In fact, he describes today's market as "taking a kick in the teeth" but, adds confidently, "it's going to turn around."

Bearspaw, Springbank appealing to a more diverse sect of buyers

Long admired for its opulence, the communities of Bearspaw and Springbank just outside of Calgary's northwest border are now attracting a wider range of buyers who are looking for a bit of everything, say industry professionals.

"Years ago, the area was big into horse culture – everyone wanted to buy a pony for their teenaged daughter. Now, it is more about organized sports, family vacations," said Jeff Neustaedter, a real estate professional whose office last year saw 35 transactions above the $1.1-million mark in Bearspaw alone, ranging from 40-hectare sites to secluded parcels.

While the area between Calgary and Cochrane has always been known for its stately homes, McKinley Masters Custom Homes owner Mark Kwasnicki noted homeowners want more these days – they want space to stretch their legs, but also to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

95 companies announced as 2015 SAM Awards finalists

Nearly 100 companies and professionals in the Calgary and area's residential construction industry were recognized Thursday as the newly amalgamated CHBA – UDI Calgary Region Association announced finalists for the 2015 Sales and Marketing (SAM) Awards.

The 29th annual awards, which celebrates and acknowledges innovation and excellence in the industry, will hand out 60 piece of hardware, including the top Grand SAMs – three builder categories (Builder of the Year, Builder of Merit for a small-volume builder and Multi-Family Builder of the Year).