Blog

Evolution in East Village

Ally shows you Pulse at Evolution in East Village. Want to see it for yourself? Come join Ally’s YYC Condo Living 101 classes that happen twice a month! First stop: East Village on September 7 at 5:30pm. Bring a friend!

Sign up here: www.CarriePeddie.com/condo-living-101/

CONDO LIVING 101 Schedule:
September 21 – Eau Claire 5:30PM-7:30PM
October 12 – Victoria Park 5:30PM-7:30PM
October 26 – Bridgeland 5:30PM- 7.30PM

Continue reading

Mission

Feeling Good in the Neighbourhood

If you plan on visiting Calgary in the near future or anytime really, be sure to check out one of the best-kept secrets around, the Mission District area of town. This historic quarter, quietly nestled within verdant foliage on the bank of the Elbow River, should be on everyone’s must-see list.

Moreover, if you are considering making a move to Calgary, you’ll find this former French Canadian Settlement a wonderful mixture of residential-community and classic shopping at its best. This unique and quiet area (consisting of about 10 blocks) is one of Calgary’s most treasured areas.

The Present Meets the Past

Since its settling in the early 1900’s, the Mission District has seen a century of changes. No longer the sleepy little French-Canadian neighborhood of old, the Mission District is bustling with its renovated old pre-war homes, many transformed into unique retail shops replete with antique stores, boutique shopping, bakeries, and even a local brewery specializing in their own flavorful brand.

A ten-minute walk finds you downtown where even more stores, businesses and shops, all serve to create a bustling and exciting environment. More than the shops, homes and businesses however, it is the people and the culture that make the Mission District the family friendly area it has become.

While the area is ever evolving, according to Marilyn Williams, the heritage director of Mission-Cliff Bungalow, “Some of the old, original buildings still exist, such as the convent and the St. Mary’s Parish Hall,” says Williams. “And the area is also a cradle of Francophone culture.”

Shops Galore!

Take a leisurely stroll of the District and you will discover a plethora of wonderful and one-of-a-kind shops including restaurants, bakeries, gift shops and more.

Here are but few eateries you may wish to check out while there.

Fleur de sel is a must visit if you are looking to taste true French cuisine. This small but wonderful little bistro is quietly tucked away in the former Tivoli Theatre Building. Fleur offers great food coupled with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Yann Haute Patisserie offers customers authentic and delicious French pastry and more. From his delicious croissants to their practically famous sweet macarons (of which there are a dozen varieties), pastry chef Yann Blanchard puts his heart and soul into every sweet treat he creates.

Relax with a hot latte and enjoy sampling the goods in this special little French bakery.

Neal’s Yard Remedies sounds more like a landscaping company than it does an all-natural and organic shop specializing in health and beauty products for the skin and body, but that’s what it is.

The Mission District also plays host to special events each year including Jazz fests, arts and craft shows and many attractions unique to this special area.

You owe it to yourself to pay this quaint little area of Calgary a visit when you’re in town. It’s a great place to see and to live.

Eau Claire

360,000 sqft of retail and entertaiment

Downtown Calgary is on the rise, and if you are looking for the best place to go shopping, look no further than the Eau Claire Market. Eau Claire Market, located along the river, is one of many downtown redevelopment projects and is currently open for business while renovations occur. The sprawling complex plans boast beautiful green spaces, nearly 360,000 sqft of retail and entertainment, floor to ceiling statement glass architecture, and provides a whopping 2.1 million square feet dedicated to retail, office, hotel, and residential space. The proposed residential development will provide 1,000 new homes to the area.

Green Spaces with Hyper-Modern Design

To say that the proposed architectural renderings are impressive would be an understatement. The site plan is truly breathtaking and will provide Calgarians with a unique shopping, living and working environment. The development perfectly marries green spaces with hyper-modern design in a way that can only be described as singularly magnificent.

Outdoor Cafe, Outdoor park Spaces, Sky Bridges

The development company took special care in their design, even requesting input from the local community on what they would like to see in the finished product. As a result, the five-tower complex seems to include every possible amenity including outdoor park spaces, outdoor cafe seating, easy street access, and several sky-bridges connecting the various towers to adjacent buildings. These connections are part of the +15 connection system which is intended to provide quick access for residents to necessities like the grocery store, while also providing easy access for the attached office spaces as well.

Eau Claire Market Open for Business

While Eau Claire Market development continues, many of their retail spaces are already open for business. The Market currently has 59 retail outlets listed on the directory including 19 food and beverage options, a grocery store, a movie theatre, and 21 other clothing, beauty and specialty stores. There is also an indoor playground and a community meeting space which is available for parties, meetings and other events.

A Shift in Approach

The care taken in the design of Eau Claire Market is hopefully a sign of a shift in the approach to developing multi-use facilities. The Market’s new design is even meticulously shaped to provide the least shadowing along the plaza and Bow River Pathway and advertises that no shadows will be cast from April to August, and no shadows will overlay the Bow River Pathway at all. While renovations are still in progress, we are excited to see what may be Calgary’s newest architectural gem. In the meantime, visit the Eau Claire Market shops to see what all the buzz is about!

East Village

East Village is the talk of the town and is turning heads with it’s unique and chic urban development. With walkable access to some of the best restaurants in town, the New Central Library, the National Music Centre and beautiful public spaces such as St. Patrick’s Island, East Village will be home for 11,000 people once the buildout is complete.

Developers in the area include:

  • Evolution
  • First
  • Verve
  • N3
  • Ink

Want to know more about East Village and what properties are available? Call Calgary’s specialists in Inner City Living:

Carrie Peddie REALTORS 403-975-9931 – info@CarriePeddie.com

Crescent Heights

The beautiful community of Crescent Heights is located in Northwest Calgary, just north of the Bow River. Situated just north of downtown Calgary, this neighborhood holds some of Calgary’s most esteemed restaurants and is within walking distance to so many others.

With quick access to nature, following the Bow River on one side and with easy commutes through Edmonton Trail and the Trans-Canada Highway, this neighborhood is ideal for the young at heart.

Some Features of Crescent Heights:

  • Real Estate includes both Infills and Condos
  • Has the most incredible views
  • Walking distance to the Centre Street bridge which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016.
  • Walking distance to the Bow River and Downtown Calgary

Bridgeland

Overlooking Calgary’s downtown core and the Bow River, Bridgeland is one of Calgary’s vibrant NW communities. It is home to some of the best coffee shops, Italian eateries and a quaint main street featuring cafés, diners and specialty shops.

What’s Near By?

  • Real Estate includes both Infills and Condos
  • Walking distance to LRT, Downtown Core and East Village
  • Restaurants and markets such as Bridgeland Market and Luke’s Drug Mart

Despite being one of Calgary’s oldest neighborhoods, Bridgeland is only just becoming an “up and coming neighborhood.” Settled in the 1890’s by Russian and German immigrants, this area was originally called Germantown, before having its name changed to Bridgeland in 1908. The main reason for this change is due to a sudden population boom as a result of the General Hospital, which was built in 1910.

While the hospital was eventually closed in 1997, Bridgeland has now grown to house over 6,000 people, and was part of Calgary’s area redevelopment plan in 2006. Now over 100 years later, this once small, unassuming town is now an ever-growing urban neighborhood that might just be the home of your dreams.

Part of Bridgeland’s charm comes from a striking balance between old and new. Bridgeland combines a long, celebrated history with a plethora of new businesses including a Farmer’s Market, art galleries, restaurants, and even a Tool Library that allows you to borrow tools for your latest DIY. This sort of community-centric attitude resonates throughout the area, which is known as much for it’s tight-knit family-friendly vibe as it is for its steadily growing food options.

With over 30 restaurants open for business, and more opening each month, the food scene is sure to catch the eyes (and mouths) of food-lovers, with options including gourmet burgers, authentic Italian pizza, handmade Ramen, and more. Whether you’re looking for sushi, Italian, Caribbean, or just a sports bar, you’re likely to find something to love. And for those who prefer shopping to supper, there is a growing number of locally owned stores and shops where you can find clothing, vintage fashion, jewelry, and home goods.

Bridgeland also boasts some wonderful family-friendly amenities for those who are looking for entertainment for children. The Calgary Zoo is located on St. George’s island and houses over 1,000 animals from around the world. As the second-largest zoo in Calgary, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day with family. A new science center covering 14 acres is also in the works, and Bridgeland is proud to be the starting and finish line for the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon – the longest running marathon in Canada. The area is also home to numerous recreation activities such as tennis courts, swimming pools, bike paths, walking trails, and parks. There is truly something for everyone in this eclectic neighborhood.

While Bridgeland has a long way to go, this area is truly booming and growing into an ideal location for young entrepreneurs or families. As a neighborhood with something to offer for everyone, it’s hard to pass up.

From Giving Local to Shopping Local

You may not be surprised, but as realtors, the team at Carrie Peddie is heavily invested in our community. We are proud to be a local business, and we love to support our peers who are small business owners, which is why we were thrilled to hear about the new Made in Calgary campaign currently making its way through the city.

Slowly, but surely, the red dot stickers are popping up on local businesses all over town. The simple red circles have an even simpler message, “Made in Calgary.” These free badges are a way for local vendors to publicly proclaim that they’re a local business owner selling locally-made products. With an estimated 7 out of 10 local business owners claiming that their businesses are either declining or simply not growing* it is more important than ever to support our local leaders and spread news about some of the amazing home-grown stores right here in our own backyard.

In order to celebrate our local businesses, Carrie Peddie Realtors will be doing a video blog of 15 inner-city businesses, starting on April 15th. These videos will give you a look at some of our best and brightest local businesses. Follow us on Facebook, Youtube or Google+ to check out our videos and help spread the word.


We would also like to thank everyone who came out to our St. Paddy’s Day event at Nicastro’s Pub – we raised $1,320 for Children’s Miracle Network. This incredible organization has raised funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals and has played a part in providing treatment for over 6 million children each year.