Calgary-based developer Section23 Developments today announced its selection of local firm McKinley Burkart as the architecture and design partner for its forthcoming Active Living residence at arts hub cSPACE. McKinley Burkart was selected from an initial pool of 16 architecture firms.

Section23 Developments is in the planning phase of the 0.9-acre project adjacent to cSPACE arts hub at the former King Edward School in south Calgary. Chris Plosz, Section23 Development’s president, says the residence will offer much-needed housing for a fast-growing segment of Calgary’s population.

“The City of Calgary forecasts that by 2022, 67 percent more seniors will call Calgary home,” he says. “That’s a significant increase, so we’re planning today to help meet the housing needs of tomorrow’s citizens. And we’re doing so in a way that’s very different than what’s been done in the past.”

In selecting the successful architecture and design partner, Plosz said Section23 Developments’ main criterion was a team who not only had a proven track record of innovative design, but also one who shares their vision for redefining how residential housing is integrated into the community.

McKinley Burkart’s founding partner, Walker McKinley, says his firm’s deep experience in luxury hospitality makes it the perfect partner for this multi-faceted facility. He believes the development will change how specialized housing is planned and designed in the future.
“The project will integrate into both the surrounding residential streets and the very exciting cSPACE project at the King Edward School,” says McKinley. “It will also create a new standard in Calgary for residential housing while serving as a vital addition to the community where mature, discerning buyers can live connected and active lives.”

Plosz says the development’s unique location will complement cSPACE’s mandate of connecting people and their ideas through places that fuel creativity, foster community, ignite collaboration and inspire change.

“Whenever we can bring different segments of the population together, it enriches the entire community,” says Plosz. “We, along with cSPACE, believe there are many unique opportunities to connect people with the arts community, thereby making this a vibrant place for all Calgarians to enjoy. It will be very exciting to see how the residences, and the area as a whole, grow together and evolve.”

According to Plosz, visioning and conceptual designs are underway with detailed designs being completed by the end of 2015. Construction of the development is slated to begin late 2016.