Location offers quick access to city core and Rocky Mountains

“One side faces west and the other south, so it’s quite perfect for us,” Kirsten says.

Prices start at $299,000 and go up to $1.05 million before GST, which is the most spacious singlelevel floor plan at 1,736 square feet.

Gateway also features concretebuilt townhomes in two segments.

There are brownstones ranging from $720,400 to $899,950, and SkyTownhomes, ranging from $913,800 to $1,058,250 plus GST.

SkyTowns are two-storey corner homes.

“We are just having a change of lifestyle,” Kirsten says. “We also have a place out in the Kootenays, so it just works better for us to not have maintenance here.”

And while Gateway gave them the opportunity to downsize, it wasn’t a downgrade.

The couple was particularly impressed by the cooking space.

“The kitchen is always important to me,” says Kirsten, noting the large island and integrated appliances, which she compares to a “downtown style.”

Dave agrees, calling the appliances “upscale.”

“As far as fit and finish, it’s unmatched,” says Oliver Trutina, vice-president of Truman. “We spent the money and it shows and people appreciate that.”

Interest in Gateway has been strong, says Trutina, noting a sale for nearly $2.1 million from earlier this summer. Plans are underway for West District’s next two products, including a four-storey midrise, and an executive modernstyle brownstone development.

This fills in some of the product that isn’t fully offered at Gateway, says the developer.

West District’s 3.4-hectare (8.4-acre) park, for which Truman collaborated with HDR Architects, is planned to boast an amphitheatre, community garden, playground, skate park, restaurant overlooking the lake, wetland boardwalk, winter ice rink, spray

park, decorative fountain and multi-functional plazas and lawns.

“The wetlands, walking paths and skating in the winter will be great additions to the live-andplay in your neighbourhood lifestyle,” says Kirsten, adding the couple looks forward to enjoying it with their grandchildren.

West District, which Trutina expects to be a destination for both Calgarians and visitors to the city alike, is resonating with people who are in the market for a new home.

Trutina says people are “embracing the vision.” He also pointed to the prime location of the land.

“We’re on top of Bow Trail. We are basically the last, best innercity development inside the ring road anywhere in the southwest. This is, I believe, one of the most sought-after areas in Calgary.”

He highlights the balance, with quick access to both natural beauty in the Rocky Mountains, and the city’s core.

“With the ring road and the infrastructure upgrades (including the widening of Bow Trail), it’s going to change the whole paradigm for the city,” says Trutina.

“It’s going to change how people live in the city, and that’s only going to benefit West District and Gateway.”