News
& Media
Press Release
December 18, 2024
University District: A Year in Review Media Update
University District (U/D) has had an exciting year with significant growth, helping to expand its presence as a strong residential and destination community. From numerous builder announcements and groundbreakings to welcoming many new retailers and hosting successful community events, here is an update on what happened in the community this year:
MORE THAN 50 BUSINESSES NOW OPEN AT UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
This year, U/D marked a significant milestone with the opening of over 50 businesses; a testament to the vibrant, growing neighbourhood that has attracted a wide range of residents, visitors,
businesses and services since its first retailer opened on University Avenue in 2020.
Says Jeff Harris, Vice President, Commercial Real Estate of University of Calgary Properties Group, “We have been working hard to develop University District into a thriving community and reaching more than 50 businesses is a major milestone for our team. We appreciate the many businesses who choose to operate here and the customers who frequent
them. The continued success of University District reflects our commitment to creating a diverse community where people can live, shop and connect.”
BUSINESSES IN UNIVERSITY DISTRICT THAT OPENED IN 2024
- Bronze Baxx Luxury Tanning and Wellness
- Charcut
- Connie & John’s Pizza
- Easy Blink Optometry
- FarMor Architecture
- Flowers & Beyond
- Hot Yoga on University District
- Lagree YYC
- Leading Edge Physiotherapy
- Native Tongues Taqueria
- Olive Nail Bar
- Pho Pham
- Seed N Salt
- Servus Credit Union
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Stephen Cleaners
- Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic
- Swish Oral Care
- UNA pizza + wine
- University District Vet Clinic
BUILDER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GROUNDBREAKINGS
In 2024, University District welcomed two new builder partners, Jayman BUILT (Jayman) and Crystal Creek Homes, to the community as well as celebrated a number of significant groundbreakings.
Jayman launched its Magna project, a concrete-built residential project that will include one and two-bedroom condominium units as well as six total penthouse suites ranging from 637 to 2,540 sq. ft. Magna broke ground in the community in March 2024.
Pictured above are the UCPG and Jayman BUILT teams, celebrating the groundbreaking of Magna at
University District last March.
Crystal Creek Homes launched GUILD, offering 40, two and three-bedroom townhouse units across six buildings, combining elegance and comfort. Each unit will boast over 2,000 square feet, private elevators, rooftop patios, double garages and main floor balconies. GUILD celebrated its groundbreaking in October 2024.
Autumn by Homes by Avi also broke ground in June, beginning construction for the development that will include 162 residential units including studio, one- and two-bedroom units. The ground floor will be reserved for retail tenants on Retail Main Street.
Other projects which made progress in 2024 include The Forge by Vivenda Group, which is now complete and welcomed new ground floor tenants this year including Native Tongues Taqueria, Hot Yoga on University District, UNA pizza + wine, Servus Credit Union, Seed N Salt and University District Vet Clinic.
Gracorp Properties and Harrison Street continued the development of Encore at University District (Block 15), a purpose-built rental project and celebrated the announcement and groundbreaking of Block 22, their third rental project in the community located adjacent to Central Commons Park.
UCPG also began servicing and grading the South Lands this year in preparation for future development. The South Lands are located south of the Alberta Children’s Hospital and will boast
exceptional views of the bow river valley. New projects in this area will be announced in 2025.
U/D’S COMMUNITY EVENTS IN 2024
University District hosted signature community events throughout the year to bring people together and experience the vibrant culture that defines the area.
U/D Winter Pop-Ups
In January and February, University District welcomed the winter season with two Winter Pop-Up events featuring live ice carving demonstrations, free s’mores by the campfire, and a sledge hockey demonstration in partnership with AdaptAbility and the Straz Strong Foundation.
Tails & Treasures
Other community events in 2024 included Tails & Treasures event in June, dedicated to connecting with Calgarians and their four-legged friends for unique entertainment and dog-contests.
U/D Block Party
In September, the U/D Block Party brought over 3,000 people together to explore the growing and bustling Retail Main Street. As a growing community, this event is dedicated to highlighting businesses along University Avenue NW.
The U/D Night Market Series
The U/D Night Market returned this year, which happened monthly from May to September. The U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition also returned in November and December and the 2023 U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition was awarded the Best Community Event award by BILD Alberta.
In partnership with Marketspot, the U/D Night Market offered the opportunity to shop local vendors, experience live entertainment and celebrated local musicians and connect with community members.
As 2024 winds down, the team at U/D looks forward to more retail and residential announcements along with community events targeted at inviting neighbours to connect.
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 community members and University District Trust. The neighbourhood applies the best ideas in urban 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.
For more information about University District, visit its Discovery Centre at 4410 University Ave. N.W., Calgary (located on University Avenue accessible from Shaganappi Trail NW) or go online:
myuniversitydistrict.ca and visit Instagram, X, and Facebook, #UDLife
Media Contacts
Lorna Prediger
Director, Marketing
University of Calgary Properties Group
lprediger@ucpg.ca
(587) 747-5289
Jacqueline Tran
Manager, Marketing and Communications
University of Calgary Properties Group
jtran@ucpg.ca
(403) 903-6024
Rachel Redmond
Worthington PR & Story for University District
rredmond@worthingtonpr.com
(403) 305-0503