News
& Media
Press Release
March 24, 2022
University District is in Bloom: Robust residential sales, new retailers and a construction kick-start demonstrate continued strong growth
The thriving NW Calgary community is proving to be a desirable place to live, work and play
University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) is pleased to announce incredible development progress in University District (U/D), a mindful and vibrant neighbourhood taking shape in the city’s northwest. In addition to strong condominium sales, several retailer openings and development projects are continuing to take shape.
The highly anticipated Germain Hotels property, Alt Hotel, has resumed construction along University Ave with an anticipated opening date of Summer 2023. The completed Alt Hotel in University District will stand 15 stories tall with 156 guest rooms, underground parking, and a signature restaurant.
James Robertson, UCPG President and CEO, says, “The Alt Hotel brand is recognized as a creative market leader in the Canadian hotelier industry. We are excited to see boots back on the ground and we look forward to celebrating their official grand opening next year.”
Representatives from Germain Hotels and University of Calgary Properties Group gather to celebrate the continuation of construction at the Alt Hotel, University District.
From L to R: Donna Marzolf, Director, Construction, UCPG; Maureen Henderson, Vice President, Community Experience, UCPG; Nadia Gravel, General Manager, Alt Hotel East Village; Lionel Houliat, Regional Manager, Western Canada, Alt Hotels; James Robertson, President and CEO, UCPG; Sandra Giorgetti, Regional Director of Sales, Le Germain Hotels, and Hugo Germain, Vice President, Operations, Germain Hotels.
Hugo Germain, Vice President, Operations, Germain Hotels, adds, “The past two years have required a tremendous amount of innovation and patience for the hotel industry around the world. We are so excited to be opening our doors in University District next year, as we welcome local Calgarians and visitors from around the world to enjoy our amenities and services.”
A brand recognized for its contemporary designs, eco-friendly features and affordable luxury, the Alt Hotel will become a beautiful focal point in University District.
The Alt Hotel will be among good company in University District as retailers and restaurants continue to open their doors. Since the start of 2022, U/D has welcomed OEB Breakfast Co., Village Ice Cream, Canadian Brewhouse, Cobs Bread, and Plantlife Cannabis to University Avenue.
Calgarians can look forward to the following grand openings this spring:
- The Banquet Dive Bar – April 2022
- The Alley – April 2022
- The Hearing Loss Clinic – June 2022
- Borough Bar + Grill – Spring/Summer 2022
Another highly anticipated addition to U/D is Central Commons Park. Currently under construction, the urban park will be the heart of University District, eventually including fire features, a splash area, and picnic spots. Many restaurants with south facing balconies including Borough Bar + Grill will have a front row seat to the park.
With construction well underway, Central Commons Park will become a main gathering point in University District later this year.
University District is gearing up for a busy summer of activations and events. Their annual dog-friendly event, Tails and Treasures, kicks off a summer of outdoor fun on Sunday, June 19. Follow University District on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest information about retail and residential offerings, market pop-ups, and other events taking place this summer.
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 planning 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. For more information about University District, visit its 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 Contact
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