Prized Calgary Currie Barracks lots to go on sale
CALGARY - It’s one of the most highly anticipated residential urban developments in Calgary and on Thursday sales are expected to begin for a small number of lots at the Currie Barracks. It’s all part of the first phase of a major redevelopment at the former military site that proponents say will create a marquee place to live and work. It’s also a major step in the conversion of the former CFB Calgary.
A small number of upscale “estate” lots for yet-to-be built homes are expected to go on sale Thursday, with another 37 single-family residential lots due to hit the market on Friday, according to Jonathan Allen, vice-president of investments with Unity Builders Group, which has about a third of those lots.
The prices for the properties are expected to range from $700,000 and up with the estate properties starting at about $1.6 million.
The project is also significant because it’s received the gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Neighbourhood Development. The prestigious designation is for sustainable development and the Currie Barracks project was the first to receive the distinction in Canada.
Given time, Allen said the certification will add signifi-cant value to property in the area. But Allen says he believes there is a more basic reason people are attracted to the development
Potential buyers, he said, look to how Canada Lands Company took other parts of the former military base and successfully redeveloped them into Garrison Woods and Garrison Green. The Currie Barracks, Allen said, will be the “piece de resistance.”
“It’s the capstone or the keystone, if you will, for the entire project,” Allen said.
“There are some very significant, very compelling attributes to the master plan for the entire community which I think Calgarians are going to appreciate.”
There also appears to be keen interest from potential purchasers. During four days last week, 800 people visited the sales centre at the Currie Barracks and got access to the array of builders, Allen said.
A representative with Canada Lands Corporation refused to comment on any potential sales, citing confidentiality
All of the 80-hectare Currie Barracks site will be redeveloped during 10 years and will feature offices, 3,200 housing units, a European-style High Street, and a Parade Square, among other amenities.
This first phase of the project will cover about 12.1 hectares and is located at the west corner of the Currie Barracks by Sarcee Road.
The alderman for the area, Brian Pincott, said the development puts special emphasis on public space. It’s the kind of project he wants duplicated in other parts of the city, from the inner parts of Calgary to the outskirts.
“Certainly this is the next wave of urban development that we need to do,” he said. “We’ve been waiting for it and anticipating this for a long time.”
The Currie Barracks development should prove to be a boon for the adjacent community of Rutland Park.
There is a small elementary school in their neighbourhood and more children in the area means that school can be sustained, according to Rutland Park community association president Peter Forte. There’s also talk of expanded public transportation and locals are looking forward to shopping along the High Street that will be built in the Currie Barracks.
“I think it’s been a long time coming,” said Forte, whose community association will represent new Currie Barracks residents. “It’s very creative and very imaginative. It won’t be . . . a cookie-cutter development.”
For more information concerning the new Currie Barracks development please call Lina Horner at 403-923-7237 or contact via email at homes@linahorner.com.
