Calgary's Macleod Trail is set for a major transformation. The city has outlined a 30-year plan to redevelop the corridor from 25th Avenue to Anderson Road into an urban boulevard, prioritizing pedestrians and urban living. The vision includes widening sidewalks, adding bike lanes, and creating green spaces to reduce the visual impact of cars. Additionally, the plan aims to diversify and densify the trail with more residential development and amenities.
Ranchman's Village Leads the Way
A key example of this vision is the redevelopment of the Ranchman's Cookhouse and Dancehall site. The owners announced its closure to make way for Ranchman's Village, a boutique urban hub with low-rise residential and commercial buildings. Initially, there were hopes that the iconic honky-tonk would relocate to downtown or Stampede Park to become a tourist attraction akin to Nashville's venues. However, the owners plan to temporarily move it to another suburban location while constructing a new building for it within Ranchman's Village, aligning perfectly with the city's goals.
This bold idea raises questions about mixing live music and residential living. Unlike Alvin's Jazz Club in Westman Village, Ranchman's is known for loud parties. Nevertheless, Westman Village serves as a potential model for Ranchman's Village on a smaller scale.
Other Residential Developments
Ranchman's Village is not alone. Heritage Plaza, a 26-storey residential building at Macleod Trail and Heritage Drive, is also underway. Opus Corp.'s Mission Landing added 70 homes last year. Older developments include The Gateway at South Centre (500 homes), The Pinnacle (27 storeys, 278 homes), Kingsland Junction (five buildings, 400 homes, 249 suites), and a cluster of six high-rise towers near 2nd and 3rd streets and 55th and 57th avenues S.W., adjacent to a green space and playground.
Transit-Oriented Opportunities
The South LRT line running parallel to Macleod Trail offers numerous transit-oriented development opportunities. The 39th Street Station is ripe for redevelopment and could anchor a funky industrial district in Manchester, further enhancing the urban boulevard vision.
