Calgary Herald
Marty Hope
With the launch of four new communities in and around Calgary this year, Anthem United will reshape nearly 325 hectares into residential lots for more than 18,000 people.
Two of these communities are in the popular deep southwest area of Calgary west of Macleod Trail near the company’s successful Belmont community, which can already boast more than 100 home sales.
The two newcomers are Pine Creek, which will cover about 49 hectares and become home to an estimated 3,000 people, and Sirocco at Pine Creek, covering 71 hectares with a projected population of 4,000.
In Okotoks, where Anthem United is already well underway with the development of D’Arcy, the company has begun work on the 65-hectare community of Wedderburn, which will house about 3,800 people.
In fact, Wedderburn, across Northridge Drive from D’Arcy between 338 Avenue and Banister Gate, had its grand opening on May 25.
And the largest of the four new developments at 129 hectares, Chelsea is Anthem United’s initial foray in Alberta’s newest city, Chestermere, 15 minutes east of Calgary. Population at buildout could reach 7,600.
All of this construction is occurring at a time when the economy, while showing some increased signs of life, is still in a recovery mode. And Anthem United is confident of further economic strengthening.
“Calgary is a core market for Anthem,” says Elva Kim, vice-president of sales and marketing. “It is affordable, has a well-educated population and is a great place to raise a family.
“We see population and job growth continuing to strengthen, and Anthem will be here providing great spaces to those people requiring it.”
Ray Dietz, director of marketing, says the areas selected for launch this year represent growing areas in and around the Calgary area, each with its own look and feel while providing the affordability that many, including young families, are looking for.
“Each area offers a unique draw or personality,” says Dietz. “Families are seeking that authentic sense of place — whether it’s the natural backdrop and green amenities, defined architectural and landscape standards, established conveniences like shopping centres and reputable schools, or what homeowners describe as a strong sense of community.”
Development is at different stages across the four communities, and while Wedderburn has already held its grand opening, the other three have been pencilled in for this fall.
In addition to bringing on four new communities, corporate plans also call for the launch of four multi-family projects:
• Belmont Townhomes: A collection of 178 three-level residences in the Belmont community with a blend of two-, three-, and four-bedroom designs built around a central green space and with a community amenity building.
• A five-storey condominium building on Memorial Drive in Calgary with 93 units ranging from 590 to 1,709 square feet.
• Landmark at Waterfront: The final two buildings of the master-planned community of Waterfront will be on the market by September. There will be 20 homes with either two or three bedrooms measuring from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet.
As well, the final 25 homes in Parkside Waterfront will be released for sale. The wide range of floor plans range from 550 to 2,000 square feet and are priced from $369,900.
• In the Currie community, a mix of five-storey woodframe condo buildings with 148 units and another 36 row townhomes will kick sales off this fall.
Calgary offers several positives for the housing sector, including the fact it is less expensive than cities like Vancouver and Toronto, says Kim.
“As long as we can develop land, build homes, create work and retail spaces, we will continue to invest in Calgary,” she adds.
View the original article by Calgary Herald here.