Full steam ahead for new communities in Calgary

Calgary's residential development sector continues to move dirt, lay down infrastructure and create lots as it responds to current consumer interest and prepares for the inevitable economic turnaround.

Within the city limits are several active new-home communities that continue toward buildout or are adding phases.

"Despite Alberta's current economic challenges, there is still a demand for the homes we build in Calgary and Edmonton," said Jason Palacsko, vice-president of Calgary communities for Brookfield Residential. "We are confident in Calgary's future and are moving forward with major projects."

Cardel Lifestyles is enjoying a busy start to 2015. The multi-family builder has shovels in the ground at its new condo development in Auburn Bay, and recently opened new show suites in Sage Hill.

CREB®Now recently sat down with Brad Logel, sales and marketing manager for Cardel Lifestyles, to discuss everything from what's new with the company to how downsizers are shaping its business. Here's what he had to say:

CREB®Now:?What's new with Cardel Lifestyles?

Logel: We recently had the grand opening of five new condo show suites in northwest Calgary at Sage Place. We have started construction on our first condo building at Auburn Walk in southeast Calgary. We are about to release our townhomes at Cranston Ridge and our second building at Auburn Walk. Our company recently won the Homeowner Mark of Excellence for Alberta. This is awarded to the builder with the highest overall customer experience rating. This rating is based on customer surveys over a 13-month period. We also won the New Homebuyer's Choice Award earlier this year. Both of the awards are based on surveys done by Customer Insight and done for all Alberta New Home Warranty Builders and their new homeowners.

New developments can aid in vibrancy and evolution of established communities

In building a city, there comes a time when old needs to make way for new in the name of progress.

Yet a growing number of local builders say they are not yet ready to give up on Calgary's rich past, suggesting many often-overlooked historical areas of the city are ripe with opportunities.

For many Calgarians, small town living in the big city seems to be the Holy Grail of homeownership. Combining the best of both worlds, the appeal of pairing the charm of a rural community with all the vibrancy and amenities of an urban setting is one that's tough to beat.

By following that exact recipe, with a sizable dash of quality craftsmanship, the folks at Cardel seem to have cooked up yet another winning development in Elgin Village.