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Calgary's University District shows no sign of slowing down despite Calgary's sluggish economy. Last week another exciting project was unveiled for the rapidly rising district. West Campus Development Trust (WCDT) unveiled plans for its new central park and a pair of retail buildings that will be connected to the park.
Known as Block 23 and Central Park, the project is a combination of a large central park space, coupled with a retail development. The Park will be located on Block 14, a parcel of land in the master planned University District that was always slated to be a park. The unveiled plan shows block 14 designed as an urban park with green-space and public areas, while the retail development will be situated on block 23 - the adjacent parcel to the north. It will house two low rise mixed use buildings, with both buildings sporting retail as well as some office space.
Retail spaces will front on University Aveune, that districts main artery, with the retail portion in the east building having larger spaces available. Tenants Staples and Cineplex have already signed up for those spots. There will also be smaller retail spaces and the east building will host a pair of restaurants that will overlook the park. The buildings were designed by Calgary based Gibbs Gage, and will be developed by WCDT themselves.
With Rhapsody right next door having more retail units - including a grocery store, and an ALT hotel going up across the street, as well as more retail in neighboring August and Argyle, the University District is well on its way to becoming a fully functional vibrant neighborhood before it's even finished.
SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.
