News
& Media
Press Release
February 16, 2023
U/D Announces New Key Retailer and Breaks Ground on Largest Residential Building to Date
Canada’s Best Growing Community, University District, is continuing to evolve and grow as a vibrant place to work, live and play
University District is pleased to announce a new retailer to the growing community – Seed N Salt – as well as the rise of a new residential project in the award-winning NW Calgary community.
Seed N Salt is a quick service café providing healthy and delicious food choices. Co-owners Melodie-Joy Miller and Heather Merrett prioritize health and nutrition with their wide selection of bowls, salads, breakfasts, café drinks, smoothies, craft beer and regional wines, all created with fresh ingredients.
Says Melodie-Joy Miller, Co-owner of Seed N Salt, “We are planting seeds for a better tomorrow and our new home in University District will be just the place to build relationships, support the community and extend kindness along the way with nourishing food, great coffee and a fun atmosphere.”
Seed N Salt will be located along University Avenue on Retail Main Street, directly north of Central Block which is home to Village Ice Cream, Plantlife Cannabis and The Hearing Loss Clinic. The restaurant café is anticipated to open in the summer/fall of 2024.
Breaking ground on new vistas in University District
Gracorp Properties (Graham Group Ltd.) in partnership with Harrison Street, has broken ground on “Block 15”, which has a new name pending. 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 mid-rise and 16-story tower connected by a common podium and 2.5 floors of secure, underground, heated parking. Block 15 will incorporate modern and mindful design and beautiful aesthetics.
A rendering of “Block 15”, courtesy of Gracorp Properties (Graham Group Ltd.)
Building amenities include keyless entry, a full-service fitness facility, a dedicated study space, an indoor lounge space, secure bicycle storage and a communal rooftop courtyard with dedicated grill space, offering stunning views of both downtown Calgary and the Rocky Mountains.
“We are dedicated to creating another amenity-rich, tenant-focused development that aligns with University District’s vision,” says Novy Cheema, Vice President of Real Estate at Gracorp, “We look forward to helping more Calgarians find a great place to call home in one of the city’s most desirable communities.”
The sustainable development is poised to exceed Built Green Gold certification and will be solar ready. Pre-leasing is anticipated to begin in May 2025.
Says Maureen Henderson, Vice President, Community Experience of University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG), “Community is always at the forefront of our vision. Creating vibrant and sustainable communities and encouraging residents to explore on foot is a big part of our focus. We believe Block 15 will provide another excellent option for anyone looking to call University District home. The growing list of amenities including the exciting addition of Seed N Salt complements urban living and the convenience of having everything you need within walking distance.”
University District has also continued to expand its community events and experiences. This year it will continue to grow its Summer Pop-up and Night Markets, annual Tails & Treasures pet-friendly event, a residential Stampede-focused event, the annual U/D Block Party and Holiday Market. The newly-opened Central Commons Park, featuring an outdoor winter ice rink and year-round amenities, will continue to evolve as the heart of the community.
University District is the 2022 national award winner for the Best Growing Community recognized by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Award for Excellence.
About University of Calgary Properties Group
University of Calgary Properties Group Ltd. (UCPG) was created by the University of Calgary to oversee the development and management of university land projects. With a financial model that provides an innovative approach to land development, residual profits from UCPG are directed back to the University to fuel its academic mission. Setting a high standard for sustainable and progressive neighbourhood design, UCPG’s team and 14-member board of directors are dedicated to creating, developing and managing premier communities. With the masterplan for University District underway and portfolio diversification with University Innovation Quarter, UCPG is delivering on creating amazing places for people to thrive.
About University District
To the west of the University of Calgary and overlooking the Bow River and Rocky Mountains, University District is a comprehensive 200-acre community with a bold new vision for urban life in Calgary. Through a collaborative, people-first design process, the Master Plan and thorough engagement program forged strong respect between local stakeholders and UCPG. The neighbourhood applies the best ideas in city design and incorporates the wants and needs of surrounding legacy communities – weaving current aesthetic, technology, and lifestyle options into the strong social fabric of the city. University District is the 2022 national winner of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) Award for Best Growing Community.
For more information about University District, visit the Discovery Centre at 4410 University Ave. N.W., Calgary (just north of the Alberta Children’s Hospital) or go online: myuniversitydistrict.ca and visit Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, #UDLife.
Media Relations Contacts:
Maureen Henderson
VP, Community Experience
University of Calgary Properties Group
mhenderson@ucpg.ca
(403) 992-8388
Paula Worthington
Worthington PR & Story
paula@worthingtonpr.com
(403) 585-2429