Calgary's "new northeast" has recently captured the spotlight, as several new communities within established communities are being unveiled – giving house hunters a refreshing taste of new home designs, in addition to the bevy of resale product that already exists in the region.

Among these, the triad of communities accessible via Metis Trail and 80th Avenue northeast – Saddle Ridge, Martindale and Taradale – are turning heads. Located a stone's throw from Calgary's International Airport and many of the major thoroughfares that frame it, the area offers quick and easy access to a wealth of established amenities.

Calgary's East Village has perhaps seen more change over the last 20 years than any other community in the city. Since the idea of bringing East Village back to life resurfaced in 2005, the neighbourhood once known for its vacant lots and neglected buildings has been transformed into one of the city's more vibrant communities.

While there have been several key developments during that transformation – including the Simmons Building, RiverWalk pathway, St. Patrick's Island and a handful of condo projects that have brought residents back to the community – Calgary's Central Library stands out.

Many people talk about designing unique buildings, but the minds behind the new Calgary Central Library have truly succeeded. Located one block east of the former central library building and just behind city hall, the new digs are distinctive for all the right reasons.

Calgary's Genesis Centre earns its name

The word genesis means a beginning or origin. When it comes to this definition, the Genesis Centre in northeast Calgary was aptly named. Opened in January of 2012, the centre filled a longstanding void in sport, recreation, wellness and cultural services for residents.

Bringing people together sets new rec centre apart

Building a community and building a sense of community are two different things. The City of Calgary understands that distinction, and the new Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge is a prime example.

As construction of new neighbourhoods proceeds at a frantic pace, the City is doing its best to make these collections of houses feel like home. That's why it committed $480 million to develop four recreation centres in freshly built suburbs. One of those projects, approved in 2012 and set to open in January of 2018, is the new recreational facility in the northwest community of Rocky Ridge.

Facade to respect original design

Trading one of Calgary's historic landmarks for another, Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC) – the organization responsible for transforming East Village into one one of the city's most sought-after neighbourhoods – has relocated its offices from the Hillier Building at 429 Eighth Avenue S.E. to the historic St. Louis Hotel right across the street.

In anticipation of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway's arrival at Fort Calgary, Colonel James Walker developed the St. Louis Hotel in 1914. It underwent a major renovation in 1959, and in 2008 the City of Calgary designated the building as a Municipal Historic Resource.