“With University District’s close proximity to two hospitals, the University of Calgary and University Innovation Quarter, we expect this offering to resonate with a wide variety of Calgarians who want to live in this area, including students, working professionals and empty nesters,” says Cheema. Read More
Truman partners with University of Calgary Properties Group on a rental building with a retail main floor.
Truman partners with University of Calgary Properties Group on a rental building with a retail main floor.
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Article content
Adding to a spate of award-winning housing offerings, Scholar, a 203-unit six-storey mixed-use purpose-built rental residence will set a new standard for rental offerings at University District.
Article content
Article content
Structured as the first in a series of collaborations between Calgary-based builder Truman and University of Calgary Properties Group, Scholar will be a joint-venture partnership, comprised of a 50/50 ownership split. UCPG will manage the main level retail platform, and Truman will manage the residential units.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
“This collaboration with Truman marks an exciting step forward in the evolution of University District,” says Novy Cheema, president and CEO of UCPG.
Article content
Noon News Roundup
Article content
The joint-partnership arrangement will allow UCPG to continue to optimize returns on the University of Calgary-owned land for the benefit of the University’s academic mission.
Article content
With architecture that showcases a clean, modern style with urban influences, Scholar will feature a 13,000-square-foot main-level retail podium, along with several amenities including a fitness facility and plenty of parking. Homes range from 500 to 906 sq. ft. and offer one- and two-bedroom options with five floor plans to choose from. All homes will feature a balcony and have in-suite washer and dryer units, along with high-end stone finishes.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Ideally located on the southeast corner of University Avenue and McCaig Street N.W., Scholar is within walking distance of all that University District offers including a retail main street with more than 50 shops and services, including Una Pizza and Wine, Charcut, Village Ice Cream, Shoppers’ Drug Mart, Staples and Save-On Foods. In addition to being a foodie haven, nature is also literally on the doorstep with Central Commons Park, a central hub just a few minutes walk away, along with several urban dog parks, and two beautiful ponds.
Article content
As part of University District, Scholar is also uniquely positioned as part of the second largest employment hub outside of downtown, next to many community pillars such as the University of Calgary, the Foothills Medical Centre, the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Market Mall, University Innovation Quarter and more, and major roadways such as Shaganappi Trail, Memorial Drive and 16th Avenue.
Advertisement 2
Advertisement
Article content
“With University District’s close proximity to two hospitals, the University of Calgary and University Innovation Quarter, we expect this offering to resonate with a wide variety of Calgarians who want to live in this area, including students, working professionals and empty nesters,” says Cheema.
Article content
Scholar adds to University District’s comprehensive for purchase and rental multi-family housing offerings, including four additional offerings by Truman: Academy (225 rental units, currently under construction), Esquire (a collection of 87 for purchase condominiums and 96 rental homes), Maple (independent seniors’ living), Noble (136 townhomes and condominiums for purchase).
Article content
“We’re thrilled to partner with University of Calgary Properties Group on this project to help deliver affordable, innovative housing solutions that support Calgary’s continued growth,” says George Trutina, founder of Truman.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Other rental projects in University District, in addition to Truman’s Esquire, Academy and Scholar, include Aria, Encore and Block 22 by Gracorp Properties and The Forge by Vivenda Group.
Article content
Additional builder groups at University District include Jayman Built, Brookfield Residential, Rohit, Crystal Creek Homes and Homes by Avi.
Article content
“As the developer behind U/D, it’s important that we have a strong understanding of the market needs and trends to ensure we are being responsive to the opportunities University District could offer. U/D is committed to offering a variety of housing options for people in all stages of life, while adapting to the current market,” says Cheema.
Article content
Given the popularity of the community and the accolades that it has achieved (Best New Community, Best Existing Community, Best Community Event for its Night Market and Best Community Feature for Northwest Commons Park), University District has found the sweet spot when it comes to both housing offerings and amenities, something that Cheema attributes to the community’s lifestyle and multi-generational diversity, which “focuses on a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes convenience and connection and builds on the rich history of Calgary’s northwest quadrant.”
Article content
“We created a design where a young professional couple can transition into an empty nester and a senior without having to leave the community allowing people to age in place. The mixed-use model allows us to offer various types of residences, green spaces and amenities, ensuring there is something for everyone here,” says Cheema.
Article content
At final build-out approximately 12,000 residents will call University District home.
Article content
Scholar is expected to break ground this summer with occupancy expected in 2027.
Article content
Share this article in your social network