The new, mixed-use condominium project is going up on a quiet hilltop on the corner of 17th Avenue and 24 Street in the southwest near Crowchild Trail. It is a quiet unassuming spot right now, but it is the epicentre of an uptown revitalization that will transform the landscape into a retail, entertainment and residential paradise.

“Plan It Calgary is calling for more of these kinds of developments, and we are taking the initiative in the revitalization efforts for the area,” says Niklas Group’s Joel Goralski. Plan It Calgary is the City’s long-term growth plan that calls for more multi-family developments along the core to combat urban sprawl

Casel is way ahead of the program as it features a total of 18,000-square-feet of commercial space in its first two floors, and it won’t be just your run-of-the-mill mom-and-pop stores that will set up shop here.

Goralski says only uniquely local shops will be considered for the planned Casel Marche, which will feature a bistro, wine shop, coffee bar, patisserie and community market on the two lower floors of the building. He says Casel Marche will provide an “enticing, low-cost opportunity to broaden the reach of locally grown produce or specialty brands.”

They already have an agreement for a French bistro, Cassis, to be a part of the project. Comfortable, inviting and exclusive, Cassis Bistro will have a light, flavourful menu infused with the spirit of Southern France. Headed by Chef Dominique Moussu (former Exceutive Chef at Teatro) the menu will change almost daily, dictated by what freshest local ingredients are available at any given time.

Goralski says they are also in talks to bring a boutique wine store into Casel. He assures that they are a very reputable, well-established wine seller in Calgary and not just any corner liquor store, which is in line with their vision for a high-end hot spot people will gravitate to.

Finally, they are also talking with select vendors from the Calgary Farmers’ Market to set up shop here. “A lot of the vendors at the farmers’ market want to retain a southwest presence once their current location at the old Currie Barracks closes, and we thought having them in our building will be a terrific service not just for our residents but for the whole community,” Goralski tells Condo Living.

“It is a back-to-basics kind of living that we provide, where residents can live, shop and play. There is great access to anywhere in town from our location, downtown is within walking distance and there is plenty of green space to promote a healthy living lifestyle,” he says.

Casel has 56 residential units available in one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, or two-bedroom options. A 676-square-foot, one-bedroom unit starts at $284,900. It represents top-notch inner city living at its very best, and upper floors offer unobstructed views of the mountains and the cityscape. Downtown is barely five minutes away.

Units have Coriane countertops, with walnut hardwood flooring for a very stylish feel. “We’ve already put the upgrades in, so that all buyers have to do is turn the key and they are at home,” Goralski adds

“Like any project we do at Niklas Group, we want to create an environment where I would want to live with my family, something that is lasting and benefits the greater community. I think we’ve achieved that with Casel.” 


Fast Facts
Community: Richmond
Project: Casel
Developer: Niklas Group
Style: Apartment style
Size: Starting at 600 sq. ft.
Price: From $279,000
Address: Corner of 17th Avenue and 24th Street S.W.
Show suite: 1503 15th Avenue S.W.
Hours: Mon and Tues by appointment Sat and Sun 12-4 p.m.
Website: http://www.mycasel.com