THE EDWARD OFFERS LUXURIOUS LIVING FOR SENIORS
Low-rise with resort-inspired amenities, concierge services has 95 units for lease
Section 23 Developments, a locally owned family business and real estate collective, has opened The Edward, an independent-living retirement residence in the inner-city community of South Calgary.
The 90,000-square-foot luxury residence features 95 suites for lease. Each of the one- and two-bedroom units includes a full, compact European-style kitchen, and many offer downtown views and private balconies or patios.
One feature that sets The Edward apart is that each suite is self-contained, with its own heating, ventilation and cooling system, in which fresh air is circulated and filtered from outside.
It is adjacent to the CSPACE King Edward arts hub, redeveloped from the former King Edward school, a historic sandstone Calgary landmark.
Section 23 founder Robert Ollerenshaw had the foresight to acquire the east parcel with a vision to design and develop an innovative seniors residence, believing the proximity to the arts hub would be an ideal location for independent, active seniors.
Ollerenshaw has a passion for the arts and architecture, and most of all for building relationships and strengthening communities. Residents of The Edward will be encouraged to connect to the larger CSPACE community via a landscaped courtyard.
The building was designed by Mckinley Burkart Architects as a contemporary residence with five levels of concrete above ground and one level of spacious underground parking.
As expected in a curated retirement living layout, the amenities are outstanding.
In his own life, Ollerenshaw could see how older friends and family — his mother, Marjorie, in particular — were enriched by the time they spent interacting with people of all ages, and how that engaged lifestyle was an energizing force in their daily lives.
In contrast to traditional seniors residences, he envisioned an upscale setting with resortinspired amenities and concierge services.
He says the on-site concierge will be like having a personal assistant; to book restaurants and theatre tickets, reserve the private dining room and a guest suite for out-of-town visitors, co-ordinate laundry, book group outings in the building's own bus, and — would you believe — arrange to go anywhere in style in The Edward's chauffeur-driven gorgeous white Bentley.
The Edward also features an elegant lobby lounge, piano bar, theatre and creative arts studio. There is no need to leave home for hair appointments as The Hive Salon & Spa offers services right in the building.
Health and wellness are essential to a life well lived and The Edward's team is dedicated to offering a lifestyle without compromise. An on-site registered nurse Wellness Navigator is available for consultation and guidance, plus residents have the use of a fitness studio with personal trainer and yoga classes, followed by a relaxing massage in the spa.
And healthy food is a must; breakfast is offered at The Nest Bistro, lunch and dinner in The Marjorie Dining Room, or take a quick grab-and-go lunch box.
The Edward is a flagship property for Section 23 Developments, also the proud owner of Baywest Homes and developer of Rangeview, our first garden-to-table community in southeast Calgary.
NOTES
We are all aware of the effect COVID-19 is having on Calgary business owners, and there has been significant promotion urging Calgarians to buy local. MNP, the Calgary-based national accounting and consulting firm, is not only urging other companies to support them but has kicked off several initiatives of its own. MNP'S Support Local campaign began by purchasing billboards, print and radio ads to help people understand their roles in creating healthy and vibrant communities, and why local businesses are instrumental to that conversation. “We can offer a lot in terms of helping our clients optimize their balance sheet and run a more efficient business,” says Trevor Winkler, MNP'S regional managing partner. “But we also have a large platform to advocate for local entrepreneurs and get people through their doors — and that's the best thing we can do for them right now.” With no chance to hold its annual party, MNP is providing all of its approximately 500 Calgary team members with gift cards to be redeemed at locally owned restaurants to the tune of $75,000. Add to that a $12,500 donation to the Salvation Army and a holiday office fundraiser aiming to provide $20,000 and 500 pounds of food to the food bank, and MNP deserves to be applauded.
David Parker appears regularly in the Herald. Read his columns online at calgaryherald.com/ business. He can be reached at 403-830-4622 or by email at info@davidparker.ca.