Calgary: Calgary’s largest retail transformation is underway as Deerfoot Mall and adjacent vacant lands are redeveloped into Destination: Deerfoot City. The master-planned super regional centre will feature shops, restaurants and entertainment in an outdoor-indoor setting that will include social zones designed to bring people together all year long. The redevelopment will be the first of its kind in the region, meeting the growing demand for vibrant, experience driven retail experiences and an urban feel that differs from traditional malls. Deerfoot City landlord Shape Properties is well underway in the leasing of Phase 2 in what is considered to be one of the most strategic locations in Calgary.
At its core, Destination: Deerfoot City is a pedestrian-friendly network of outdoor streets and plazas interspersed with indoor comforts, providing a central destination for community residents, commuters and tourists alike. The 80-acre property is strategically located along Alberta’s busiest stretch of highway, Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2) at the 64 Avenue NE interchange, with more than 160,000 vehicles passing by daily. Nearby Calgary International Airport boasts 24,000 employees and more than 35,000 passengers daily, and about 930,000 people living within a 20 minute drive of Destination: Deerfoot City.
“The retail offering has been slow to evolve in Canada,” says Executive Vice President of Shape Properties Darren Kwiatkowski, referring to the many enclosed malls and strip centres that pepper the country. “Destination: Deerfoot City will provide a unique and desired experience to Calgarians. The transformation of the centre is in response to how consumerism has evolved, people don’t live compartmentalized lifestyles anymore.”
The transformation is taking place over several phases. On January 31, the majority of the existing 623,000 square foot enclosed mall will close to make way for the next phase of redevelopment. Retailers like GoodLife Fitness and Winners with new locations in the enclosed centre will remain open during construction and incorporated into the massive, 1.1 million square foot open-air destination when complete.
Sporting retailer Cabela’s recently opened their first southern Alberta location at Deerfoot City, and two more anchors are set to open in the fourth quarter of this year. The Rec Room, a brand new dining, amusement gaming and entertainment concept from Cineplex Entertainment will open in a 50,000 square foot, two-level location in Q4 of 2016. Canadian Tire will also open a 93,000 square foot store in a new building near Cabela’s.
Deerfoot City will feature four architecturally unique ‘social zones’ that will bring higher brand exposure and drive deeper engagement with consumers: The ‘Restaurant Campus’, ‘Style District’, ‘Central Plaza’, and ‘Food Lodge’. Each is described below.
Restaurant Campus: Opening in the fourth quarter of 2017, The Restaurant Campus will feature a variety of options from fine dining to quick casual bites. Vibrant patios will spill onto sidewalks, surrounding the event-filled Central Plaza and its massive water feature.
Style District: Opening in the fourth quarter of 2017, The Style District will feature an eclectic collection of shops and services, with everything from emerging upstart designers and homegrown labels to popular international fashion brands.
Central Plaza: The social heart of Deerfoot City will feature stunning architecture, vibrant patios and lush landscapes surrounding a dramatic water feature, creating an ideal setting for lively events and entertainment.
Food Lodge: The lodge-like experience will provide shoppers a place to warm up by the fireplace — a terrific amenity for a chilly winter day. The Food Lodge will offer shoppers a central place to eat, meet, and rest their feet.
Landlord Shape Properties continues to seek retail tenants for the redevelopment of Destination Deerfoot City. For more information, contact: Brian Nosko, nosko@shapeproperties.com or 604-694-7457, and Graham Horton, ghorton@shapeproperties.com or 604-694-7452.
