The Cooper’s pioneering spirit and love of western living is upheld at Cooper’s Crossing—a 320-acre master-planned community in south Airdrie, and the namesake of a family that helped make the city the thriving centre it is today.

“The inspiration from the beginning was to create Airdrie’s premier community,” says Paul Gerla, development manager at Westmark Holdings, the developer behind the project. “Cooper’s Crossing is special in the way it combines so many of the features important to today’s buyers.”

The community’s five-kilometre park system is among its best attributes. Winding throughout the development, the meandering corridor connects each enclave of homes. It’s so extensive that 50 per cent of the lots in Cooper’s Crossing back onto it. Tot lots, water features, bridges and park benches dot the system along the way.

“We are particularly proud of the park system,” says Gerla. “It enriches the community on many levels. An abundance of green space makes for a visually attractive community, but beyond that it’s a safe place for kids to play, it encourages people to be more active and it provides a place for people to get to know their neighbours, creating a sense of community pride.”

Designed for build-out in approximately 30 phases, Cooper’s Crossing is a blend of impressive single-family residences, outstanding estate homes and a nice mix of multi-family and retail product put in for good measure.

“A variety of housing types plays an extremely important part in creating an interesting and vibrant community,” Gerla says. “Attractive designs and attention to detail will be common to all housing types, regardless of price. A town centre is planned, similar to inner-city communities like Kensington, that will be linked to the rest of the community via the park system.”

The Estates of Cooper’s Crossing is set in heart of the community. The value of homes in The Estates area hovers around the million-dollar mark, providing a level of residential elegance not found in other Airdrie communities.

“I imagine most people have no idea about the calibre of homes under construction in the neighbourhood. I don’t think you can find better homes in Alberta at similar price point.”

The Estates is comprised of three culs-de-sac with a variety of large lots to choose from. The first enclave—Cooper’s Park—is sold out. “Demand was so intense that we had to award many of the home sites on a lottery basis,” says Gerla. “We are now accepting names for the next estate phase.”

Four builders are active in Cooper’s Crossing and each has a uniquely impressive show home in the parade along Cooper’s Drive.

Beattie Homes’ contribution is The Victoria III—a 2,158-square-foot two-storey model that starts at $610,000 including lot and GST. The property has a number of gorgeous upgrades that create a sophisticated western-style décor theme. The showstopper is the hardwood floor—a wide plank, antiqued alder that covers the main level, exuding country elegance.

The Princeton is the contender for Homes by Avi. Decorated in a subtly modern ranch motif, the 2,337-square-foot home starts at $578,000 including lot and GST. The interior is bathed in dark tones like ochre and chocolate, but there is enough natural light to ensure a bright ambiance. The window seat on the landing between the first and second floor is a nice touch in this home, as are the fantastically large, south facing windows in the master bedroom.

Ashton Custom Homes brings The Ashley to the parade—a 2,488-square-foot property with a decidedly opulent décor. A walk-through pantry, vaulted ceiling in the great room and beautiful stone fireplace are among its many great features. The property starts at $492,000 including lot and GST.

Rounding out the builders’ list is McKee Homes, who brings The Stratford to the lineup. Once again, the feeling in this home is quite grand. The dark wood and vaulted ceilings establish much of the tone, but its more traditional layout—with the kitchen separated from the great room by arched wall—gives the home a truly unique aesthetic. It’s also the only property in the parade with a finished walkout basement.  NL

The show home parade is open 2 to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Take the Highway 2 north to Airdrie, exit on Yankee Valley Road west and look for the community’s primary entry on your left-hand side past the shopping complex.