For this growing city where consumers are more educated than ever before and where mediocrity is not an option, it takes an integrated team structure as well as two promising communities with distinct flavour and versatility for Qualico Communities to withstand the fierce competition.

With over 50 years of experience backing this developer it is no wonder this year Qualico Communities was presented with two SAM awards, one for new community of the year for the Pillars of Royal Oak and the other for show home parade of the year for Evanston’s Symon’s Corner. “We are very honoured to win the awards,” says Lori Massé, marketing manager of Qualico Communities. “As developers we have to make a community stand out to protect the consumers’ investment.”

And stand out they do. Evanston, located in the northwest sector of Calgary, boasts 810 acres, 650 of it within city limits. This community combines the old with the new, offering old-fashioned neighbourhood charm with luxurious modern-day architecture. Branded as the neighbourly neighbourhood, Evanston caters to two different demographics with two distinctive phases—Symon’s Corner featuring starter show homes with Pacesetter, Broadview and NuVista and The Arrival featuring move-up showhomes with Jayman, Broadview, NuVista and Sterling.

“Symon’s Corner has smaller homes with laned lots, expansive verandas and character detailing all without compromising perfection,” says Massé. “Across the street is The Arrival, which is comprised of larger homes that boast vibrant exteriors in reds, browns, blues and greens.”

Surely with its projected completion in 2018, Evanston will continue to rise as one of Calgary’s most sought-after communities in the northwest.

Also in the northwest, the 37-acre development of the Pillars of Royal Oak offers yet another distinct flavour, a community based around a central park. “The park details include patterned stampede concrete, beautiful park benches and a community icon all leading you to natural walking paths,” Massé says.

Architecturally, Qualico Communities followed a Colonial influence for the pillars. Massé continues, “We have paid specific attention to the small details from the garage and front doors to the windows to the type of columns.” Better still, some premium lots back onto a wet pond and are surrounded by mature trees, which Massé says give it a very serene feeling. With its final phase now selling through NuVista’s showhome, lots are limited for this prestigious community.

However, these communities did not develop overnight and behind the scenes.

Qualico Communities must pay tribute to their integrated team structure. “A few years ago Qualico Communities restructured the company,” says Massé. The result: a full collaboration of the experts. While each department still operates separately and within its role, everybody’s involvement and input is required to design the look and feel of a new community. This allows each person to flourish within their own discipline but strengthens the overall image and function of the community. It is due to this alignment of the entire company that Qualico Communities can develop such communities as Evanston and Royal Oak.