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Exploring University District

Good Morning Magpie

Good Morning Magpie

— 4 min read
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Exploring University District

Given my interest in urban planning, I have been fascinated with University District for years. The idea of constructing a fresh neighbourhood like this stands as one of the enduring appeals of city building games like SimCity 2000 and Cities: Skylines. As for the neighbourhood itself, it has certainly been a long time coming. Back in 1995, the land that University District was developed upon was transferred from the provincial government to the University of Calgary with the University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) being established years later to steward that development and maintenance. Finally, by 2014, the University District Master Plan was completed to guide the neighbourhood's development and this planning emphasized that it would be sustainable neighbourhood (the first LEED-ND Platinum certification for a community in Alberta) and pedestrian-friendly with a gentle density. It has been nine years since construction started and there has been a lot of changed understandable, so I wanted to check it out.

Alexis and I went to explore University District for a few hours to get a sense of the ongoing project. As far as my judgement of the neighbour is concerned, we were only there for a few hours, so I could not possibly offer anything substantive. But to offer a brief comment, I will say that while I do appreciate the neighbourhood's pedestrian-friendly density and sustainable urban design, but I am challenged by a lack of vitality here – which is hard to even define in the first place. Given how recent the development of University District is and the continued work that is on the horizon, this should be taken with a grain of salt. In any case, I am excited to see how this project moves forward.

Photos

Boosterism is always an option to convince folks to buy into new neighbourhoods like University District.
Wide sidewalks along the main neighbourhood artery road are very pedestrian-friendly.
Lots of fancy cafes, beauty salons, and restaurants along University Avenue.
University District's Central Block (with access to underground parking).
This pedestrian zone connects University Avenue with Central Commons Park (including a slash pad for kids and a couple bars/restaurants too).
Central Commons Park (a skating rink can be found here in the winter).
Outdoor patio seating with a good view over Central Commons Park.
Public washrooms next to Central Commons Park.
It wouldn't be an urban neighbourhood without public transportation.
The intersection seems to act as the central axis for the neighbourhood.
Another view of University Avenue.
There is something uncanny about this row of townhouses.
Cute playground in the middle of a courtyard (beyond Alexis and I, there were no other humans in sight).
A small community garden nestled within an otherwise lifeless courtyard.
There is a certain monotony to these housing developments.
On the north-west edge of University District, they have this stormwater pond with plenty of seating - it reminds me of the University of Calgary campus with plenty of visual similarities.
Multi-use pathways connect neighbouring communities and provide ample space for active transportation options.
I loved the fountain!
There few cranes throughout University District are a reminder that this neighbourhood is a work in progress.
With the neighbourhood's development expected to be finished by 2034, there is still lots of construction to be done throughout the community.

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