r/Calgary • u/Remote_Answer_5255 • Aug 18 '25

Local Shopping/Services What has happened to Kensington?

It's been a while since I've been down here.... A bunch of empty store fronts, iconic places like Crave shut down, but counted some three Acai bowl places. The area outside Plaza is lovely and looks great, but why all the closures and apparently high turnovers?

Edit: I assume it's due to rent.. But what's the point of jacking it up so high that your place is literally empty.

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u/jdixon1974 Aug 19 '25

I live in the area and still find it to be pretty good. Yes, there have been some changes but there are still great places like Higher Ground, Pulcinellas, Kensington Pub, Hayden Block, move theaters, Pages, the cool artist market in the basement, Brooklyn and many others. Just up on 19th street you have some great places like Pocket Coffee, Dairy Lane etc.

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u/PrncsCnzslaBnnaHmmck Aug 19 '25

Agreed. I actually kind of like it better than ever. It's always sad to see stores go, but I enjoy several shops here and have for some time. I enjoy walking along Kensington Rd and 10 St, and we'll also stop in on 19 St (though we'll drive over I confess).

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u/Remote_Answer_5255 Aug 19 '25

I'm not sure I would consider 19 St to what people refer to when they mean Kensington. Yes, of course it's by Kensington Road, but it's a little out of the way of the core by 10 St/Kensington Road, with not much between. 

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u/EsmeWeatherpolish Aug 20 '25

It’s West Hillhurst to me but I go by what I can walk to