Stadium Yards, a signature urban project

In recent years, developers have sought to find creative new ways to stand out to get prospective renters or commercial tenants into their buildings. Incentives offering to pay the first few months’ rent have been popular, while some of the quirkiest have been a year of free avocado toast or wine.

Alberta-based Rohit Group of Companies has come up with arguably one of the most unique ways to attract small to midsize businesses and residential tenants to its signature urban project, Stadium Yards.

The family-owned Rohit Group launched The Cut, an entrepreneur competition, which includes a prize worth $125,000 that can be used to purchase equipment and/or furniture, pay for rent and use for upgrades to customize the brand-new retail commercial building. They also partnered with ATB Entrepreneur Centre to support the winner with mentorship and startup commercial banking advice.

“The concept is to help elevate a good creative business idea into a thriving neighbourhood amenity for the residents of Stadium Yards,” says Marty Pawlina of Rohit Group of Companies. “The Cut is a unique way to show Rohit Group’s commitment to building a complete community, from shared spaces, to complementary businesses integrated into the development.”
From the 47 entries received, the company narrowed the list to 10. The next cut happened Feb. 13, revealing the top five. On Thursday, Feb. 20, in front of a live audience at the Triffo Theatre at MacEwan University, the finalists will have five minutes each to pitch their concept. Following their presentations, six esteemed judges from the business community will announce the winner.

“The City and Brookfield created a canvas large enough where we could build something extraordinary in Stadium Yards. The redevelopment of Stadium LRT Station, new connections to Commonwealth Recreation Centre, walking trails to the River Valley, two new urban parks with pedestrian oriented lighting and enhanced landscaping. The unique character of Stadium Yards warranted an innovative approach to attract bespoke businesses and insightful residents,” adds Pawlina.
Ideally situated in Cromdale next to downtown, the 2,500 sq.-ft., stand-alone commercial/retail building will be nestled between two new residential buildings around a courtyard in the new Stadium Yards – an urban village sitting on seven acres.

This initiative is part of a bigger picture. Stadium Yards is an opportunity to create a different type of transit-oriented community in the heart of Edmonton — a dynamic live, work, play and shop environment with a unique sense of place. With its organic blend of urban life and natural allure, this mixed-use walkable community will enhance the lives of its residents, workers and visitors tackling issues like urban isolation by design.

The right commercial amenities enhance community; it’s where new connections, friendships, and experiences start. Rohit Group understands creative entrepreneurs are essential to make Stadium Yards the district of choice in the City.

“We want to partner with someone who will bring their passion and energy to help us build a thriving destination community,” says Pawlina.

For more information about The Cut, visit stadiumyards.com. Stadium Yards commercial building is part of the first phase of 96 residential units which are slated for completion in fall 2020. The winner will be declared in front of a live audience on Feb. 20.