Industry spokesperson says construction fund largely going unused

Players in one of the city's most active multi-family construction areas have made limited use of a cash-for-density fund established by the City of Calgary, says a spokesperson for the industry.

While a number of projects have been brought forward related to the Beltline Community Investment Fund (BCIF), the CHBA-UDI Calgary Region Association, the umbrella organization for the builders and developers in and around Calgary, is scratching its head about why the fund hasn't been used more.

Apartment sector prompts optimism for buyers

After living in southwest communities of Midnapore and Evergreen for 27 years, transitioning to an apartment in Mission was an easy decision for Michelle Norman.

"Condo living was a very easy adjustment," she said. "I like the idea of being surrounded by a good mix of young and older residents as well as not having to worry about such things as yard work and snow removal."

Developers creating public art 'for the people that belongs to the people'

It's Sunday morning and soft skiffs of white snow blanket the still green grass, while golden and red leaves cling tightly to drooping branches laden with the heaviness of an early fall storm.

As the sun streams through a parting overcast sky, melting the show of winter that has arrived all too soon, the landscape becomes an artistic vista – one of twinkling light and impressionistic colour as St. Patrick's Island awakens to the day.

Builders believe buyers will eventually see benefits of sans auto

Condo buyers in Calgary's Beltline will soon see vehicle ownership as a peripheral requirement, but it will still take some time for the current mindset to change, says a developer who brought the notion of "parking optional" to Calgary.

The Beltline – which stretches from 14th Street S.W. to the Elbow River and the rail tracks south to 17th Avenue, plus the Stampede Grounds – is one of Calgary's hottest and most densified communities. And many new condo buildings, first planned several years ago, are just now starting to spring up despite the downturn.

Although the N3 development in East Village received plenty of press recently for not including parking, it was Toronto-based Lamb Development Corp.'s 6th and Tenth project in the Beltline that first brought the concept to Calgary, said president and CEO Brad Lamb.

Condo developers respond to 'downsizing' needs

As the largest segment of the population in North America, baby boomers have shaped our world more than any other age group. And their impact on housing is profound.

Now, while this generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is becoming increasingly gray, the real estate industry is responding to their needs for housing.

Many developers in Alberta are turning their attention to high-density high-rises in centrally located neighbourhoods to reflect boomers' demand for stylish, worry-free living, said Parham Mahboubi, vice-president of planning and marketing at Qualex-Landmark — a Vancouver-based development firm which is the force behind Park Point in the Beltline along 12th Avenue S.W.

Facade to respect original design

Trading one of Calgary's historic landmarks for another, Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC) – the organization responsible for transforming East Village into one one of the city's most sought-after neighbourhoods – has relocated its offices from the Hillier Building at 429 Eighth Avenue S.E. to the historic St. Louis Hotel right across the street.

In anticipation of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway's arrival at Fort Calgary, Colonel James Walker developed the St. Louis Hotel in 1914. It underwent a major renovation in 1959, and in 2008 the City of Calgary designated the building as a Municipal Historic Resource.

New site opens at Cannaught Park

The City of Calgary has opened its first fenced inner-city off-leash area at Connaught Park.

"There are almost 650 dogs licensed in the Beltline, and during public engagement we identified a need for a safe and dedicated off-leash space in the area," says Doug Marter, development manager for Calgary Parks.

Connaught Park, located at 11th Street and 14 Avenue S.W., was selected for its central location and because it was originally designed as a multi-use park, said the City.

Evolution of Beltline area only the beginning, say advocates

True urban living: that's how Beltline Communities president Rob Taylor describes the resident experience just south of downtown.

Taylor has seen Calgary's Beltline district – bounded by the CPR tracks on the north, 17th Avenue to the south, 14th Street to the west and the Elbow River in the east – evolve extensively since he first moved into West Connaught in 1983. (The Beltline is made up of four neighbourhoods: West Connaught, Connaught Centre, Victoria Centre and East Victoria.)

"There has been a tremendous amount of development in the Beltline. We're very much focused on creating a vibrant community with high-density, urban living."

Beltline assisted-living building first for campaign

Calgarians at risk of homeless will soon have added housing options, with the news that Stepping Stone Manor, a 30-unit assisted-living apartment building in Calgary's Beltine, is near completion.

Representing the first new construction project to be completed through the RESOLVE campaign, the building has funded by donors, provincial grants and built by Cedarglen Living Inc.

Aging demographic continues to shape Calgary's housing market

As the largest segment of the population in North America, baby boomers have undoubtedly shaped our world more than any other age group. And their impact on housing is profound.

Now, while this generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is becoming increasingly gray, the real estate industry is responding to their needs for housing.

Many developers in Calgary are turning their attention to high-density high-rises in the Beltline and other centrally located neighbourhoods to reflect boomers' demand for stylish, worry-free living, said Parham Mahboubi, vice-president of planning and marketing at Qualex-Landmark—a Vancouver-based development firm which is the force behind Park Point in the Beltline along 12th Avenue S.W.