We’ve heard of “live-work-play” communities where residents essentially don’t have to leave the confines of their neighbourhood in order to live their lives. With three large employment centres located within walking distance, the academic, medical, and creative class can turn to Brookfield Residential’s new Ivy townhomes in the University District as a special offering that checks all the boxes.
This 131-townhome Ivy development promises to be a game-changer with architecturally-progressive homes within a dynamic new community that was designed to be a connected, complete and “mindfully-made” place to live, work, shop, dine and visit.
It offers modern townhome options to a wide range of buyers who will benefit from its terrific location in this forward-thinking, 200-acre community that is part of the University of Calgary campus.
University District is located on the western edge of the main campus and sandwiched between the Alberta Children’s Hospital and Foothills Hospital. It will have 6,000 residential multi-family units on build out.
“University District is a very dynamic, unique community that was designed with the lifestyles of residents and their neighbours front of mind,” says Ryan Moon, Director of Business Development with Brookfield Residential.
Asides from its outstanding, amenity-rich location, Moon points out that University District is also a leader in sustainable practices. It is only the third community development in Canada to receive LEED®-ND certification — the highest level of sustainability excellence in energy and water consumption, recycling, connectivity and walkability. The other two are in Victoria and Vancouver where the 2010 Olympic athlete village was certified.
Ivy residents will get to enjoy everything this modern community will offer, and it is certainly designed to fit into this exciting milieu that presents the most viable way of living an active, connected, modern lifestyle in the northwest.
“We put customers first and what we’re bringing to the University District is inspired through their lens,” he says. “These homes interact with the public in such a way that it encourages residents to interact with their community. It’s really about bringing people together.”
The Ivy offers four models of urban-inspired townhomes ranging from 1,343 to 1,857 square-feet. All are designed with open concept layouts to create a vibrant atmosphere for residents to live, interact and fully connect with their surroundings.
There will be single- and two-car-garage options, as well as two- and three-bedroom options. Prices start from $500,000, including GST.
The exteriors are architecturally progressive, with large windows and a mix of concrete and metal siding; private concrete balconies on all units with glass/aluminum railing.
Interiors will be dressed up in a fashionable, contemporary style that include such standards as stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops in kitchen and ensuite, and a freestanding tub in the ensuite. Nine-foot ceilings in second and third floors are included, as are hardwood flooring on the main level, premium carpet in the upper level and tile in bathrooms and laundry.
Moon says The Ivy will appeal to a broad range of buyers including professionals look for access to the nearby hospitals; young families looking for an urban environment; and empty nesters who have lived in the surrounding communities for a long time and are now looking to downsize to a more manageable home size.
“The lifestyle will allow for residents to be in an urban setting, with restaurants, coffee shops, arts, fitness and so much more all within walking distance,” he says. “Parks, pathways, ponds and outdoor gathering places will be found throughout the community.”
The Ivy itself has a central park area with a community garden and play area, but one could walk to the heart of the campus in under 10 minutes or be a short bike ride away from the Foothills Hospital. There is transit nearby, and all major amenities including shopping, dining and more.
Furthermore, the mindfully planned development, combines pedestrian-oriented urban design in a live-work-play setting. The community offers everything you need within itself.
Unlike a lot of other communities in Calgary, University District falls under a 100-year lease with the University of Calgary. But Moon says it’s no different than any other type of homeownership.
“The 100-year pre-paid lease is just like homeownership in almost every way. Owners are free to sell or renovate their home as they need. Furthermore, the entire lease payment has been paid for upfront, which means at no point will owners face a lease payment, improvement fee or any further cost associated to the lease on the land.”
The vision put forward by the West Campus Development Trust, the developers of University District, will make the community a landmark destination in the city, and will hail as an innovative example of sustainable development in Canada. The Ivy is one of two multi-family developments going in the initial phase.
Since launching in mid-September, the market response has been extremely positive to The Ivy, Moon says. “Brookfield Residential is currently taking deposits of intent to purchase. Initial interest and deposits received have been very strong.
FAST FACTS
Development: The Ivy
Builder/Developer: Brookfield Residential
Community: University District
Style: Stack and row townhomes
Size: 1,343 to 1,857 sq. ft.
Price: From $500,000 including GST
Website: www.theivycalgary.com
