Calling Ontario students…
Canadian real estate company, Longridge Partners, is turning to the next generation for insight into the future of their sprawling Melville Park property in Caledon, Ontario. Students are invited to take part in a contest to creatively reimagine the potential of the 624-acre picturesque estate – one where sustainability plays a central role.
The property is characterized by a natural oasis of rolling hills, open spaces, and mature forest. It also features protected woodlands and wetlands. The future development includes a 27-hole golf club, designed by world-renowned architect Doug Carrick, as well as 28 stay-and-play cottages, a full-service clubhouse, a banquet hall, and a driving range.
The competition provides a platform for students to showcase their talents and contribute fresh perspectives to the future of Melville Park. The goal is to design innovative development concepts that transform the current mixed-use space with creative designs and strong business plans that best align with the land’s unique characteristics. The breezy Greenbelt property sits outside of the protected Niagara Escarpment Commission and Oak Ridges Moraine areas. So, um, naturally, nature will be front and centre to its future design.
“Our firm is dedicated to providing immersed-in-nature experiences through our real estate holdings, as we firmly believe that spending time outdoors enhances communities and the quality of peoples’ lives,” said Mackenzie Crawford, CEO and Co-Founder of Longridge Partners. “We’re looking for original, creative entries that promote the natural features of this inspiring property, connecting people to each other and nature, in a development model that pursues financial viability.”
Mackenzie Crawford, CEO and Co-Founder of Longridge Partners
An esteemed panel of judges will review student submissions, with short-listed presentations taking place in 2025. Winning teams will be awarded differing amounts of the total $100,000 prize, based on the judging criteria.
The competition’s main goal is to uncover the potential future of the property – one that sits in a region with a growing population, close proximity to the town of Orangeville, and direct highway access. The winning proposal will be one that aligns with Town of Caledon’s goals and objectives, capitalizes on current and future trends, and unlocks the superior natural features and potential of this incredible property to benefit the entire community.
Entries must be original and focus on ideas that align with Longridge Partners’ values while also being profitable, says the company. Some things to consider include economic feasibility, innovation, and public access.
“In addition to investing in good nature through property, Longridge is investing in the next generation to consider the future needs of communities, prioritize sustainability, and create spaces that preserve and promote access to the environment,” says Crawford. “Longridge has always had this same lens at the forefront of all of our investments. By opening up this competition to students, we want to give budding professionals an opportunity to inspire the future of the region.”
Longridge already owns several properties in the Greenbelt, including The Pulpit Club, which they've revitalized to become one of Canada's Top Golf Courses.
To learn more about the competition’s objectives, scope, and submission guidelines, see the competition brief. The competition is open to any students who would like to participate, with those in architecture, business development, landscape architecture & environmental design, real estate, and urban planning highlighted as the most relevant. Entries can also be submitted by teams or individuals, with no limit on the number of participants. Good luck!
