University District Announces Five New Additions Joining its Retail Main Street this YearDiverse new retailers include University District’s first flower shop and a tanning and wellness studio.
University District continues to develop its thriving Retail Main Street located along University Avenue N.W. with the addition of five new retailers, all expected to open later this year. Among the exciting additions to Calgary’s award-winning community include Flowers and Beyond, Bronze Baxx, Pho Pham, Swish Oral Care and Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic.
University District is currently home to more than 2,000 residents and boasts over 30 shops and services on its Retail Main Street. Upon completion, the neighbourhood will span across 200 acres, with more than 40 acres of greenspace offering residents a convenient lifestyle with everything they need within walking distance of their home.
Says Novy Cheema, president and CEO of University of Calgary Properties Group, “We warmly welcome these new retailers and services to our growing community. Each addition brings a unique offering and enhances the convenience of University District by providing a diverse spectrum of shops and services available within walking distance, further establishing University District as a prime destination to live, work and play.”
Flowers and Beyond will be the first flower boutique to call University District home. Says owner Elena Mansour, “A few years ago I asked myself what I wanted to do with my life and decided to open a flower shop. Soon after, I got a job at another local shop to learn the business and now I couldn’t be more excited to be fulfilling my dream by opening my own shop in University District.”
Bronze Baxx will be the first tanning and wellness studio to open in the community. This will be their eighth location, with existing stores throughout Calgary, Edmonton and Airdrie. Owner Rachel Husted says, “We specialize in more than just sunbeds and spray tanning, with other services including infrared sauna, lymphatic massage with the Ballancer Pro, our hydration station and red-light therapy. We are thrilled to be joining the energetic community of University District and to start serving new clients.”
Pho Pham will offer delicious Vietnamese cuisine to University District, and they have a great story to tell. Owner Lan Dang Pham, originally from Vietnam, came to Canada as a refugee in 1992 to escape war and poverty in her home country. After working for many years in Vietnamese restaurants, she saved enough money to open her own. In 2005, Lan opened Pho Pham’s sister restaurant, Pho Hoan Pasteur and has since opened multiple Vietnamese restaurants around the city. This new location in University District will be the second Pho Pham location.
Says Pham, “When designing our new location, we wanted to highlight one of our favourite cities in Vietnam, Hoi An, which is known for its thousands of colourful lanterns that illuminate the streets. We are hoping to create this same magical atmosphere in our newest location, honouring our home country and giving our guests the opportunity to embrace our rich Vietnamese heritage.
Also coming to U/D is Swish Oral Care, an innovative dentistry clinic offering a patient-centred service that focuses on a fear-free experience. Many people might recognize the clinic from this viral Tik Tok that helped make the demand for their unique experience skyrocket overnight.
Says Adam Jiwani, co–founder of Swish Oral Care, “When deciding where to open our highly anticipated second location, University District was an easy number one choice. We see University District as one of Calgary’s most intentional, innovative and community-minded neighbourhoods, a perfect fit as our next home.”
Founded in 1990, Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic has been providing pediatric patients with quality medical care from birth to adolescence for decades. With a team of 10 pediatric physicians, Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic will be moving its existing practice to University District.
Of the new retailers, Flowers and Beyond, Bronze Baxx and Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic are expected to open this spring, while Pho Pham and Swish Oral Care are anticipated to open this summer.
For more information about University District, visit http://www.myuniversitydistrict.ca/.
