A special stretch of residential development in Calgary, including communities that took root more than 100 years ago, continues to be a treasure trove for today's high-end homebuyers.

Marlo Giannaccari and Chris Roche rang in the new year with new Windsor Park duplex

Marlo Giannaccari, 33, and Chris Roche, 31, began their home search two years ago, armed with a strong vision of their dream oasis. Location was top of mind, as was a modernist design approach and lots of room for their two adorable pooches, Pinot and Bronco. The couple had been living in Marlo's Windsor Park townhome, but they wanted to create a home of their own together. Eventually, they found a four-bedroom, two-storey, new-build duplex in the inner-city neighbourhood of Windsor Park. They moved into their light-filled abode in December, just in time to celebrate the new year.

Jackie and Michael Bernard stayed put in their first house as the community around them blossomed

When self-professed inner-city people Jackie and Michael Bernard purchased their 1,100-square-foot bungalow as a starter home in 1992, they thought they would stay for a few years, build some equity and then move to a larger home closer to the core. At the time, their home in the Lynnwood Ridge district of Ogden was "really far away" from the action and bustle of the downtown, but over the years, shopping destinations and several other amenities have popped up within minutes of this secret gem of a neighbourhood. As a result, the couple decided to stay put, making their starter home their forever home.

Selection, convenience and one-of-a-kind design continue to draw crowds to CrossIron Mills 

Bigger isn't always better. However, CrossIron Mills is a classic example of the perfect combination of quantity and quality. The ambitious retail development has enjoyed smooth sailing, even through periods of economic downturn, and become the go-to shopping centre for area residents and visitors alike.

Located in Rocky View County, just north of Calgary on Highway 2, CrossIron Mills occupies 1.4 million square feet across 674 acres of land. It offers 200 specialty stores and premium-brand outlets, as well as 17 large-format anchor stores.

While mall patrons sing its praises, some feared the timing of its launch in 2009 might start things off on the wrong foot.

Construction to start in September

The City of Calgary has unveiled the final design for a new $13-million pedestrian bridge over Macloed Trail by 61st Avenue S.W.

The new bridge will include accessibility features such as elevators and escalators, have a covered four-metre walkway and a connection directly into the second level of Chinook Centre.

According to the City, the overpass will create a safe, accessible and convenient crossing for the more than 2,000 pedestrians that cross over Macleod Trail every day.

Calgary's Chinook Centre is amongst the top 10 most productive malls in North America, according to a report from US publication Retail Insider.

Placing tenth overall and fifth in Canada, the southwest Calgary mall brought in $1,108 per sq. ft. in 2013. In 2012, Chinook Centre ranked seventh overall bringing in $1,055 per sq. ft. while retaining its status as the fifth most productive shopping centre in the country.

One possible concern pointed out in the report is the impact of the declining Canadian dollar on retailers north of the border. With dollar amounts for U.S. shopping centres in US dollars and Canadian centres in Canadian dollars, next year's ranking could change significantly.