March 05, 2021 | Andrea Cox

Silverado combines big city amenities with a healthy dash of rural attractions

Silverado is a southwest community whose genesis and inspiration was driven by natural beauty. It borders the world-class equestrian centre of Spruce Meadows, along with wide-open farmers' fields peppered with grazing horses and their manes blowing in the Chinook winds.

The area's western-themed name derives from its locale.

"It's based on the equestrian heart of Spruce Meadows and the surrounding landscape," said Cheryl Heilman, marketing manager at Qualico Communities, the developer behind Silverado.

The community is a stone's throw from the foothills and the Rocky Mountains. And even though its borders spill onto some of the most stunning pastoral landscapes in the province, Silverado's location at the confluence of Highway 22X and Macleod Trail S.W. puts it within minutes of a multitude of amenities, from restaurants to grocery stores, and even the Shawnessy branch of the Calgary Public Library and state-of-the-art, family-centric YMCA.

Currently under construction, the 31 km southwest ring road will add another 14 interchanges, including a widening of Spruce Meadows Way, which will enhance access to Silverado on many levels.

With over 6,300 residents, Silverado offers all of the benefits of a mature neighbourhood.

"It's a quiet, established community with active living in mind," said Heilman.

Silverado has 8.7 kilometres of pathways designed for walking, cycling, and trail riding. There is also a 32-hectare natural reserve, which includes Radio Tower Creek and the adjoining wetlands.

Silverado has 8.7 kilometres of pathways designed for walking, cycling, and trail riding. There is also a 32-hectare natural reserve, which includes Radio Tower Creek and the adjoining wetlands.

"It's the perfect place for a nature walk, a relaxing picnic, or to catch a glimpse of the flora and fauna that inhabit the area," said Heilman.

Within Silverado, a retail hub provides all of the day-to-day necessities. This convenience is what really resonates with buyers.

For Maria Rocha Gil and Javier Gonzalez, Silverado's location was the selling feature when they made the decision to build a new home in Dressage, the final phase of the community. It's essentially an enclave within the community, offering a collection of lots with some backing onto the reserve lands.

When the couple moved to Calgary a few years ago, Maria fell in love with horses and show jumping. She eventually purchased a horse and boarded it nearby.

"We really got to know this part of the city well and spent a lot of time at Spruce Meadows. That is how we found out about Silverado . . . because it is literally right next door," said Javier.

The couple, who is expecting their first child this summer, didn't really take schools into consideration when they made their purchase.

"We didn't know that we were pregnant at the time," said Maria. She feels especially fortunate because a new school (one of two in the area) will open its doors in September across the street from their home.

"It's fantastic. We will be able to walk our daughter to school in minutes."

Home styles in Silverado include townhomes and stacked bungalows. There is also a selection of move-up, semi-estate and estate homes. Architectural styles include Prairie, French Country, Craftsman, Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary. The result is a creative synchronicity of pattern and design throughout the community – one that appeals to a broad range of tastes and preferences.

The community offers both a selection of resale and new build homes. Baywest is selling both move-up and estate homes in the community while Augusta Fine Homes offers estate homes. Hunter House by StreetSide Developments is offering a collection of stacked bungalows with appealing views.

Tagged: Andrea Cox | Augusta Fine Homes | Baywest | Calgary Community | qualico communities | silverado | Spruce Meadows | StreetSide Developments