Riverwalk Retirement Residence is a unique aging-in-place facility located in the established Cliff Bungalow community in Calgary. As one of the first projects to be developed under Calgary’s transformational Main Streets Program, Riverwalk aligns with the city’s vision to help residents “travel less and live more” by offering essential amenities within their communities.
The residence provides a continuum of care for seniors, ranging from independent supported living to assisted living and dementia/memory care. This compact, vertically stacked building features a comprehensive range of amenities, including below-grade parking, multiple dining venues, a wellness centre, a theatre and a community rooftop garden. Architecturally, the highly articulated building occupies a key position at a street intersection, with the massing concentrated at the corner and gradually stepping down to the south and east, creating a series of dedicated rooftop patio spaces for independent supportive living and memory care. The exterior materials are chosen for their warmth and durability, enhancing the outdoor areas.
Situated in a well-established neighborhood with an active community association, the project balances the community’s desire for shorter, less dense developments with the need for a supportive aging-in-place facility. By engaging the community through open events and listening to feedback, we were able to guide the project to a solution that earned the endorsement of City Council, city planning leadership, and local residents. As part of this collaborative effort, the project also includes improvements to the surrounding area, such as the refurbishment of a nearby park and support for a regional pathway of historic significance.
The design of Riverwalk is purpose-built to enable local seniors to live independently for as long as possible, with the assurance that support is readily available as their needs change. Achieving this vision required a building large enough to accommodate both residents and the essential non-residential components necessary for a full continuum of care. The successful execution of this ambitious plan is evident in the completed project.