(Melcor Developments Ltd.)

By Sheldon Spackman

Neighbours With Nature

Melcor expanding exciting new development corridor in northeast Red Deer

Dec 17, 2019 | 2:57 PM

One of Red Deer’s newest neighbourhoods promises to bring the concept of ‘neighbours with nature’ to life through an extensive network of open space.

Localted in northeast Red Deer, Evergreen boasts double the green space of a typical Red Deer neighbourhood, according to officials with Melcor Developments Ltd. .

Tyler Hansen, Melcor’s development manager – Red Deer region, says the community is designed around the native topography of the land and includes a 30-acre central park with a treed ravine, naturalized pond with waterfall, and mature woodlands bisecting it from north to south.

“Dave Larratt Park is named in honour of the gentleman who owned the land and had a hand in creating the natural central park that is now at the heart of Evergreen,” says Hansen. “Evergreen also features enhanced amenities, including a lit bridge and lighted boulevard trees to welcome you to the neighbourhood.”

(Melcor Developments Ltd.)

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Hansen says Evergreen is the first community in a new development corridor located between Clearview Market Square and the River Bend Recreation Area.

“It’s adjacent to the river valley, the award winning Discovery Canyon, natural playgrounds, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and the golf course which anchors this quadrant of the city,” he explains. “Evergreen provides a real opportunity to live much closer to nature while still enjoying close proximity to the expanding Clearview Market Square and the new schools already built in the area.”

In addition, he says Evergreen features a home owners association for the long-term sustainability and maintenance of its enhanced amenities.

“The (association) will include a resident-led board to manage and govern once critical mass is reached in the community,” he explains. “In the meantime, Melcor operates the HOA for the benefit of residents.”

Hansen reveals there are other qualities the neighbourhood has as well that residents may also find interesting.

“Evergreen introduced a new home style to the Red Deer market,” says Hansen. “Streetscape homes focus on the architectural detail of the home while reducing the prominence of the garage. This brings the home closer to the street, and adds character and curb appeal while at the same time encouraging a greater sense of community with front verandahs.”

However, Hansen admits streetscape homes are only available in Phase 1, while upcoming phases are anticipated to introduce a mix of home types, including townhomes, duplex, single-family and large lot homes to meet the needs of families of all sizes.

Economic impact is another area Hansen points-out that Melcor has influenced – investing millions of dollars in underground utilities, roadways, and park development to build Evergreen and contribute significantly to the local economy.

”This investment started in 2015 just as Alberta’s economic downturn was beginning,” says Hansen. “Home construction began approximately one year ago and to date, 63 homes have been started by 10 local home builders using primarily local trades and suppliers. About a third of these homes are complete and we have had the pleasure of welcoming over 20 families to the neighbourhood.”

Ultimately, Hansen says Melcor has developed a number of renderings to assist in communicating a vision for the community.

“We have good photos of the current development, including a large portion of Dave Larratt Park that is already completely landscaped and developed, with the highlight being the waterfall and bridge lookout,” he explains. “The architectural style ties-into the natural surroundings and each home is required to integrate a natural element into its design. Treed boulevards run through the majority of the neighbourhood.”

Hansen concludes reaction to Evergreen has been very positive, adding they’ve already started underground servicing for the second stage of development.

”Phase 2 introduces additional housing types and the first block of lots that back onto the central park area,” he explains. “We expect Phase 2 home construction to start in the fall of 2020. It is difficult to project how long it will take to get to full build-out, but we will be coming out with stunning new phases as we work our way around the 30-acre central park.”