Legacy goes for a timeless feel
There are still a lot of elements in the community of Bridgeland, one of the earliest communities in Calgary, that hearken back to earlier times. Trees arch over narrow streets, older and newer homes have front porches where neighbours can stand and chat, there is parkland, a neighbourhood shopping area, walkability — and character.
Take the time machine ahead several decades and get off in the suburban com- munity of McKenzie Towne by Brookfield Residential. Here you will find many of the Bridgeland elements — the High Street with its shops, narrower tree-lined streets, period-styled homes with front porches and rear garages, a town square with a clock tower and Victorian bandshell — in short, a modern version of yesteryear.
Bob Clark, senior vice-president of business development for Brookfield, says the vision for McKenzie Towne was to create a traditional “small-town feel in the midst of the city.”
McKenzie Towne was recognized by the Urban Land Institute as one of 26 exceptionally planned communities worldwide. “It has an eclectic mix of housing, and rear garages were incorporated into the community design to encourage pedestrian-friendly streets,” he adds.
The newest community to display its timelessness is Legacy by WestCreek Developments on the southern edge of Calgary.
“A key element to Legacy’s timelessness is the natural stone entry feature,” says company president Bravin Goldade.
“The western stone presents a strong sense of arrival to the whole neighbourhood.”
Though still early in its development, plans call for various housing styles and designs, more water features and parkland, a pathway system that takes residents right to the banks of Fish Creek and a large shopping centre.
Then there are the count- less housing styles that will cover more than five decades of architectural style.
“We are going to see a lot of homes with front porches and rear garages,” says Goldade. “Like the old days, they will provide interaction between neighbours, reduce the backyard living aspect and bring the community closer together.”
There’s even going to be a community garden. “All of this is our attempt to incorporate timelessness into Legacy,” Goldade adds.