It’s exciting to write my first blog for RiverLife!
Many of you have probably noticed the big barren field of weeds and gravel adjacent to the Westbrook LRT station between Bow Tr & 17 Ave at 33 Street SW. This is the former site of Ernest Manning High School and it has been sitting undeveloped for close to four years. However, the City of Calgary recently announced the first developer to purchase a large parcel of land in this prime area.
Calgary-based Matco Development Corp. has purchased 10 acres of the 52 acre redevelopment area with plans to build a mixed-use, transit oriented development as part of the city’s larger Westbrook Village. It will feature homes, office space, retail outlets and community spaces such as a fitness centre and daycare. The buildings will also have urban plazas with pedestrian and cycling routes and, of course, a C-train station in the middle of it.
The larger plan is to replace the existing Westbrook Mall and surrounding business with shops, clinics, green space and a mix of medium- to high-density condos and townhouses. When Westbrook Village is finally completed (in roughly 20 years), it will be unrecognizable from how it looks right now – extensive details are found here!
So why is this good news? Well, Westbrook Village will positively impact several nearby neighborhoods such as Killarney, Rosscarrock, Glendale and Spruce Cliff. But none more so than the immediately adjacent neighborhood of Shaganappi.
Tucked between 17 Ave and Bow Trail SW , this little-known gem of an inner city-neighbourhood has 1500 residents and 862 dwellings and is evolving as a much-desired place to live. It has a mix of well-cared for bungalows with wide R2 lots and a smattering of new stylish infills.
Shaganappi offers excellent access to downtown Calgary by car (5 minute drive!) or transit (2 C-train stops away!) as well as great restaurants and pubs within walking distance on nearby 17 Ave. There is a vibrant community centre and park in a gorgeous cityscape setting. Come by to use the fantastic outdoor skating and hockey rinks this winter – they’re amazing! There is also a great elementary school (Alexander Ferguson) as well as easy access to junior and senior high schools for growing families in Shaganappi.
As Westbrook Village evolves, so will the number and quality of amenities for the people of Shaganappi. Property values are only going to get higher as the redevelopment progresses and it is poised to become one of the premier destination neighborhoods in Calgary when it’s done. So here’s a little hint: it’s worth taking a long look at Shaganappi now if you’re thinking about either buying an inner-city home you can stay in long term or for a fantastic investment property opportunity. There have been 19 homes sold in Shaganappi through the first three quarters of 2016, with a benchmark price of just over $570,000.
I may be a bit biased: I’ve lived in Shaganappi for 20 years. But this is a special place. If you would like to explore some properties in the areas around the Westbrook redevelopment area, let me know. I’d be happy to help you and answer any questions you might have.
– Bob
P.S. Also, Amie and I were recently featured in an interview published by Point2Homes – click here to take a look!
