A massive, mixed-use development in the northern part of Calgary takes its name from the city’s historical roots and will create a vibrant, new urban community for thousands of residents and workers. The community of Livingston, by Brookfield Residential, just north of Stoney Trail on Centre Street North, was named in honour of Sam Livingston, who is often referred to as Calgary’s first settler.
The first show homes in Livingston opened to the public during a special celebration in early March and demand is high. More than 40 homes have been sold already. “We’re thrilled to open the doors to the Livingston community and extremely pleased to see the strong consumer demand – for Livingston’s homes and its community vision,” says Trent Edwards, chief operating officer, Brookfield Residential. “People tell me their community has a significant impact on their families’ quality of life, so creating the best places to call home for the thousands of Calgarians who will call Livingston home is truly exciting.”
When build out is complete, Livingston will be home to 30,000 people and 7,000 full-time jobs. As one of the first communities approved and delivered under Calgary’s current Municipal Development Plan and covering more than 1,200 acres north of Stoney Trail, development and construction of the community will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. It is also the first community in Calgary requiring sprinkler systems in all homes.
The show homes open to the public showcase a diversity of housing types and price points from starter condominiums to homes from Calgary builders Brookfield Residential, Morrison Homes, JaymanBUILT, Cedarglen Homes, Homes by Avi and Avi Urban.
The large-scale development will be an urban centre in itself with more than 11,000 homes in seven neighbourhoods, 12 parks, six schools, 20 per cent open space, thousands of trees, an anticipated one-million square feet in commercial and institutional space, a sustainable lighting system and an outdoor amphitheatre. The Main Street and commercial hub will be the length of downtown Calgary. As connectivity to other parts of Calgary is important, Livingston will have a dozen entry and exit points and is in close proximity to the QEII Highway and eventual C-Train service.
“Calgary and Brookfield are growing together,” says Edwards. “That’s clearly demonstrated by the vision of this community which is all about improving the quality of the lives of our residents.”
That comment resonates with the great-great-granddaughter of Sam Livingston. “Given his extraordinary influence with encouraging early settlement in the Calgary area, it is very fitting that he is being honoured in this way,” says Calgarian Shawna Lindsay. “As Livingston descendants, we look forward to watching as this wonderful community grows and embodies the spirit that Calgary has become so well known for.”