PROFILE BY David Parker

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY Section23

Section 23 Developments, a locally owned family business and real estate collective, has opened The Edward, an independent-living retirement residence in the inner-city community of South Calgary, which will be operated by Optima Living.

The 90,000-square-foot luxury residence features 95 suites for lease. Each of the one- and two-bedroom units includes a full, compact European-style kitchen, and many offer downtown views and private balconies or patios.

One feature that sets The Edward apart is that each suite is self-contained with its own heating, ventilation and cooling system, in which fresh air is circulated and filtered from outside.

It is adjacent to the cSPACE King Edward arts hub, redeveloped from the former King Edward school, a historic sandstone Calgary landmark.

Section 23 founder Robert Ollerenshaw had the foresight to acquire the east parcel with a vision to design and develop an innovative seniors residence, believing the proximity to the arts hub would be an ideal location for independent active seniors.

Ollerenshaw has a passion for the arts and architecture, and most of all for building relationships and strengthening communities. Residents of The Edward will be encouraged to connect to the larger cSPACE community via a landscaped courtyard.

The building was designed by McKinley Burkart Architects as a contemporary residence with five levels of concrete above ground, with one level of spacious underground parking.

As expected in a curated retirement living layout, the amenities are outstanding.

In his own life, Ollerenshaw could see how older friends and family — his mother, Marjorie, in particular — were enriched by the time they spent interacting with people of all ages, and how that engaged lifestyle was an energizing force in their daily lives.

In contrast to traditional seniors residences, he envisioned an upscale setting with resort-inspired amenities and concierge services.

He says the on-site concierge will be like having a personal assistant; to book restaurants and theatre tickets, reserve the private dining room and a guest suite for out-of-town visitors, co-ordinate laundry, book group outings managed in its own bus, and — would you believe — arrange to go anywhere in style in The Edward’s chauffeur-driven gorgeous white Bentley.

The Edward also features an elegant lobby lounge, piano bar, theatre and creative arts studio. There is no need to leave home for hair appointments as The Hive Salon & Spa offers services right in the building.

Health and wellness are essential to a life well lived and The Edward’s team is dedicated to offering a lifestyle without compromise. An on-site registered nurse Wellness Navigator is available for consultation and guidance, plus residents have the use of a fitness studio with personal trainer and yoga classes, followed by a relaxing massage in the spa.

And healthy food is a must; breakfast is offered at The Nest Bistro, lunch and dinner in The Marjorie Dining Room, or take a quick Grab & Go Box.

Section23 selected Optima Living to operate the Edward in May 2022.

Click Here to View Full Article In Calgary Herald on November 29, 2020