Wishing to simplify one’s lifestyle without giving up any the urban conveniences yet still being able to leave a smaller carbon footprint on the environment may seem like a daunting task. Not so at the London at Heritage Station, the first multi- residential project to receive a Silver LEED certification. “When we first set out to design London at Heritage we wanted to incorporate a number of green ideas into the design and construction,” says Myron Borys, vice president of Development for Westcorp Properties, London at Heritage Station’s project developer. 

Beyond the conscious effort towards an environmentally friendly design, London at Heritage Station is also helping redefine the concept of the ideal residential and retail community. Consisting of five phases of development, with four high-rise residential towers and one commercial-retail base, there will be more than 1,200 suites at London once it’s complete. 

London will boast some of the best environmental and energy-friendly features, beginning with its location. “People don’t realize that location is one of the most important factors that affect the environment,” says Borys. London’s location, its proximity to the light-rail transit system (C-train) is a significant part of its eco-friendliness, giving residents direct access to the LRT, or to any part of the city or the downtown area without having to drive a car. A pedway bridge that will connect to the north side of the development and go directly to the train station will allow residents to ride a bike or walk to the LRT. 

One of the most significant eco-points London will have will be the on-demand hot water heating system in each unit. “It’s a combination of hot water and heating unit that’s been in use in Europe for a number of years and uses 58 per cent less energy than what’s in the market,” says Borys.

Other features that promote green living will include energy-efficient fixtures, low-E windows, low-flow toilets, a green roof on the 17th floor as well as a recycled water irrigation system that will be used to water gardens and vegetation. London also boasts nine different floor plans with English location names for emphasis—ranging from the one-bedroom, 543-square-foot Canterbury all the way up to the two-bedroom, 1093-square-foot Westminster. The suites all have fabulous open plans and reflect classic London architecture using the best of exterior materials like Tyndall stone and acrylic stucco. Standard interior features include granite countertops and porcelain tile flooring in the kitchens and bathrooms, garbage disposal in sink, as well as energy efficient appliances. Ceilings will reach up to ten-foot heights depending on the unit level. All units will also be ethernet-equipped with wireless capability.  

Buyers at London tend to be a blend of younger professionals who are either single or couples and those in their 50s whose children have moved away, as well as people moving into Calgary from another city. “It’s a nice mix of people who don’t want to be in the downtown core but still want the convenience of living near the downtown area,” says Jarrod Murray, sales manager for the London.

London will be amenities-rich, with a commercial-retail base that will consist of urban concept groceries and shops. South Centre and Chinook Centre shopping malls and the downtown stations are all on the LRT route. Putting value into the buildings’ community is also a Westcorp Properties vision, with the construction of a huge recreation facility within the premises. 

One-bedroom units will range from the $300,000s to the $400,000s and depending on the elevation and location, the two-bedroom units will range from the $400,000s to the $600,000s.London is another beautiful sight to add to Calgary’s cityscape. “It’s the type of development that the City of Calgary is pushing developers to make: high density and self sustaining,” says Murray.  Perhaps London is the way to go in the future: where people can utilize the LRT and the city transit while still going about their daily lives. “It’s also bringing the vitality of the downtown area out of the core and spreading it out a bit to make the rest of the city as vibrant and energy-efficient,” says Murray. For more information about London at Heritage Station, visit their website at http://www.ilikelondon.com.