Built to house the press during the 1988 Winter Olympics, this collection of modernist design, known to many as Olympic Village, has become an architectural and historical landmark. It was time, however, for an update – something that would restore, if not surpass the aesthetic sensibility of this legacy to its vibrant beginning. Todays Communities and WestCreek Developments have done just that and the result is really quite spectacular.

The old Olympic Village has been transformed into NEWS From Broadcast Hill - a very swanky collection of high end homes. “What we have done is taken a fabulous site and brought it up to speed,” says Judy Johnson, Project Sales Manager for NEWS.  “Essentially we completely renovated the interiors and finished them as new with lots of upscale features like cork flooring, granite countertops and slate and ceramic fireplace tile.”

Johnson explains that the basic bones of the development were fantastic. “Because of the unique tiered architecture that was designed to hug the hilled topography of the land, many of the suites have no shared walls.  So in some of the suites there is nobody above or below you,” explains Johnson. She  adds that this tiered design also allows for some lovely city views.

Because the development is well established, there is an abundance of green space, lots of mature trees, and landscaping that includes meandering pathways that connect the buildings. Amenity wise, NEWS features a main pavilion which houses a lap pool, hot tub, outdoor tennis court, fitness room, owners’ lounge and common barbecue area.

“It is just a phenomenal site,” says Johnson. “You’re 15 minutes from downtown. You’re 15 minutes from Bragg Creek and just a few more minutes to the mountains. It is also an opportunity for your home to be connected with the city’s history  - with the Olympics.”

The exteriors of the clean-lined, mid 20th century, modernist buildings have been updated with new windows and fresh paint in shades of taupe and chocolate brown.  Inside, huge changes have occurred resulting in eight open floor plans  that range in size from 584 square feet to almost 1100 square feet.  All are bright and give the feeling of space.  Each suite has a large terrace from which to enjoy the stunning scenery and a wood-burning fireplace for those cozy winter nights.  The real gems of the development are the two-storey two bedroom, two and a half bathroom loft homes. The two-storey designs boast a west facing patio accessed through French doors in the living room, as well as, a large terrace which, depending on the design, flows from either the master bedroom or the dining area.

Maple shaker kitchen cabinets decorated with chrome hardware, granite countertops, black kitchen appliances, washer & dryer, full height kitchen tile backsplash, eight-foot ceilings and five-inch baseboards are all standard features. Calgary interior designer, Glenda Bourk has composed four earth toned colour palettes that should offer appeal for every design sensibility.  If you are part of the martini crowd (or thinking of joining) and are looking to add some extra gloss to the already glamorous spec package, then upgrades like stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring and slate wall tile are available.

Buildings will be released over the next year and when finished, 230 homes will be available for purchase. Homes start at just under $200,000 and range upwards of $350,000 depending on size, location, views and upgrades. The price includes a parking stall and storage locker. And with quick possessions, you can be sitting on your terrace enjoying a stunning city view just in time to catch the first rays of summer sunshine.  CL


Sales Centre Now Open:
400 Village Gardens SW
Take Bow Trail west to Old Banff Coach RD.
Tel: 403.246.1113
Mon - Thur 1-7  Fri 1-5   Sat & Sun 12-5