On the north side of the Bow River, the inner-city communities of Bridgeland and Renfrew are attracting young, vibrant buyers in droves thanks to their funky vibe and smorgasbord of cool restaurants, coffee shops and eclectic boutiques. Here you can find local clothing designs, loads of vinyl and good local eats. Many of the venues pair up unlikely offerings, making the vibe even quirkier. Enjoy an old-fashioned shave while sipping on a vodka martini at barbershop/cocktail lounge Cannibale, or grab one of the best coffees in town at Lukes Drug Mart.

While it is not uncommon for a developer to stay busy in an area where it has had success, Bucci Developments has truly made itself at home in Bridgeland.

The B.C.-based developer is presently constructing its fifth residential project since 2006 in the historic north-Calgary neighbourhood.

Since the demolition of the Calgary General Hospital 21 years ago, the northeast neighbourhood of Bridgeland has undergone a massive transformation. In fact, that transformation is ongoing and will intensify over the next three years, as one of Calgary's oldest communities continues to reinvent itself.

City of Calgary Main Streets initiative aims to revitalize streetscapes and bring communities together

In late September, a throng of Bridgeland residents turned out for the first annual community-organized passeggiata, visiting cultural and business stops along the neighbourhood's main thoroughfare, ending in celebration at the street's General Square.

This passeggiata — a leisurely promenade or stroll in the Italian tradition — and other activities like it are exactly what the City of Calgary's Main Streets initiative is designed to encourage across 24 different city streets.