Condo Living - August 2014 by Source Media Group

COntents a u g u s t 2 0 1 4 | V O L U M E 1 0 I SSU E 1 7 6

12 Focus On 12 | A bowlful of style Turn your side dish into the main dish in style Condo Profiles 20 | Stately success Groves of Varsity rolls into third building 25 | Genius squared Providence’s einstein2 is the smart condo buyer’s choice 31 | Copperfield Park’s three-quel Copperfield Park III aims to continue Brad Remington Homes’ winning streak 37 | Courtly charms Courtyards in Chestermere offer idyllic lifestyle 42 | New opportunities Stonecroft’s apartment condos in southeast appeal to first timer, empty nester set Community profiles 48 | The Kensington brand The hum of inner city life energizes Hillhurst-Sunnyside community

Cover Feature 14 | The heart of Kensington Bucci Developments introduces its latest inner-city gem CO N D O L I V I N G August 2014

COntents 64

Shopping 53 | Laminate your world New laminate flooring designs will floor you style 58 | Garden design – the YYC way Designing a garden to cope with Calgary’s unpredictable weather patterns

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

The joys of summer

The temperatures are in the mid to high 20 degrees Celsius as I write this, it is the height of summer — and after the winter we had, I am not about to complain about the heat. It’s time to enjoy the outdoors and frolic in the sun — yes, I said ‘frolic’ — that’s exactly the kind of joy that our features on Calgary’s best playgrounds and off-leash parks engender. For families with toddlers Dana Wheatley’s comprehensive list of the best tot lots to bring them in the city is quite helpful. While parents of babies of the four-legged kind can check out Janine Workman’s list of spots in the inner-city where puppies can be puppies. For folks who’d rather enjoy their time in the sun in the privacy of their own yard, we have David Crosson’s STYLE feature on garden design, and Karen Durrie’s special on flowerpot arrangements for condos and single-family homes. We didn’t forget indoor décor in this issue either in case it gets too hot outside. We have Kathy McCormick discussing the beauty of laminate flooring that can totally transform the look of your home, and Aaliya Essa’s Focus On photo essay on decorative bowls shows how easy it is to bring the colours of summer indoors. We pay special attention in this issue to the community of Hillhurst-Sunnyside, which welcomes its newest multi-family development — Kensington. Naming the new eight-storey development after the most common moniker the community is known by is a stroke of genius for Bucci Developments. It informs much on the identity of its second development in this inner-city community just north of the downtown core. We also have Elizabeth Booth writing about the joys of life in the community itself and how it has become one of the hottest condo markets despite last year’s flood. We have five other condo developments in this issue — normally one of the quietest months in the industry, but not this year as all developers report smoking hot sales. Brad Remington Homes is Next month: now going into its third Copperfield Park development, Richard White looks at as its last phase is already almost all sold out. Groves the influx of B.C.-based of Varsity is in its third and final building as well, and developers in Calgary’s both Stonecroft condos in the southeast communities of condo market. Copperfield and Auburn Bay are also doing extremely well. The Providence Group has a hit in their einstein2 project in Bridgeland (another inner city development). While Courtyards of Chestermere is on an incredible run as well in this outlying town east of the city. The market it seems is as hot as the weather right now, and hasn’t taken the usual respite during the summer months. I can only speculate at what happens in the fall — during what is traditionally the busiest time for the industry. But Condo Living will be there for the ride.

@CondoLivingYYC

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CondoLivingCalgary

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |

Editor | Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART director | Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designers

Lama Azhari lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Maria Bartolotti, Elizabeth Chorney Booth, David Crosson, Karen Durrie, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Angela Unsworth, Dana Wheatley, Richard White, Bernice Winter, Janine Workman, Jim Zang Photography

Pepper Rodriguez, Janine Workman ADVERTISING SALES | Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca accounting | Norma Robertson accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group Issue 176 • ISSN 1918-4409 © 2014 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Condo Living® is published 12 times per annum with copies available for distribution at more than 1,500 locations every month. Condo Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to: cleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. Condo Living® is a registered Trademark the property of Source Media Group Corp. Reg. USPTO 3,584,683 & 3,584,583. Contact: Source Media Group Corp., 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9; Tel 403.532.3101 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; www.sourcemediagroup.ca

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FOCUS ON |

A bowlful of style Turn your side dish into the main dish in style

By Aaliya Essa

Gone are the days where we must succumb to using whatever we have in the cupboard to serve side dishes at parties. Now, with so much variety at our fingertips, you can really make each dish as unique in its presentation, as in taste. Choose from large serving bowls, to plates, to trays to make your next event both stylish and one of a kind. CL

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| FOCUS ON

Sunflower glass serving bowl, $49.95 at Pier1 Imports.

2 Arabesque bowl – lime and teal, $49.95 and purple and teal, $32.95 at Pier1 Imports. 3 BÄRBAR, $5.99 at IKEA. 4 Rustic melamine serving bowl – turquoise, $36.85 at Williams-Sonoma. 5 Ginkgo leaf serving bowl, $49.95 at Pier1 Imports. 6 Pomegranate serving bowl, $95 at Williams-Sonoma. 7

Watermelon serving bowl, $11.95 - $49.95 at Pier1 Imports.

8 OFFENTLIG, $8.99 at IKEA. 9 Chalk note bowls & tray, $19.95 at Pier1 Imports.

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|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;advertising cover Featureâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|

THE HEART OF

Bucci Developments introduces its latest inner-city gem

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| advertising cover Feature |

Kensington will be known as one of the most stylish multi-family residences in the inner city.

he community on the northwest edge of downtown is officially known as Hillhurst-Sunnyside, but to many, this vibrant, one-of-a-kind neighbourhood filled with unique shops, diners and cafés is simply known as Kensington. And soon, Kensington will also be known as one of the most stylish multi-family residences in the inner city. Bucci Developments named their latest project after this iconic, historic neighbourhood just across the Bow River from Calgary’s downtown core. “Sometimes you get to over thinking the name of your latest development, this time we went for a simple, direct statement that marries the building and location in one name,” says Bucci sales and marketing director, Craig Anderson. Kensington will be Bucci’s second multi-family development in the community after VEN (which is already 90 per cent sold as of this writing). It will also be its fifth inner city condo to launch in Calgary since 2007 (coming after Xenex on 12th, Next, Tribeca, and VEN), and also marks a return to concrete construction. The last three developments were state-of-the-art low-rise, woodframe buildings; the 18-storey Xenex on 12th, which was finished in 2010, was Bucci’s last concrete build in Calgary. The new six-storey, mixed-use Kensington will capture the energetic, urban vibe of the neighbourhood. It is going up right on 10th Street and 2nd Avenue N.W. “right where the action is,” Anderson says. The Kensington condo will have over 10,000 square-feet of commercial space on the street level, which will feature more unique shops and restaurants to fit with the boutique personality of the development. “We want to add to the experience of the neighbourhood, which is filled with one-off shops, restaurants and diners, as well as add to the convenience and ease of living of our residents,” he adds. Kensington will have a total of 77 one- and two-bedroom suites, all with nine-foot ceilings and enormous windows — not to mention roomy patios — that give each unit a feel of stylish spaciousness and freedom. The B.C.-based developer knows how much Albertans value space, so units are typically larger than what you can find in the inner city. One-bedroom units start from the 625 square-feet, while two-bedroom homes are from 802 square-feet. Exact prices haven’t been nailed down yet, but Anderson says units will start from the mid $300,000s.

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| advertising cover Feature |

“About 65 per cent of our buyers are from today’s Apple generation, the 25 to 34 year-olds, and much of our design is catered to their tastes.” Much like VEN before it, Anderson expects Kensington will be attracting Calgary’s young crowd of urban professionals. “About 65 per cent of our buyers are from today’s Apple generation, the 25 to 34 year-olds, and much of our design is catered to their tastes. We’ll be including a lot of new technology in the suites, including USB plugs for their electronic devices and NEST automated thermostats.” Still, it is Kensington’s location that is it’s key feature. The community of Kensington is described as a “walker’s paradise” with over 70 restaurants and shops. “You can choose to walk to downtown across the 10th Street Bridge or hop on a C-Train at the nearby Hillhurst/ Sunnyside Station. There’s a Safeway right across the street for your groceries, and coffee shops and diners all around.” And since the community is a big part of their appeal, Bucci remains committed to be part of the community. “We had local artists Daniel Kirk and Katie Green create a 40-foot mural along 10th Street, which will be added to the side wall of the building once it’s completed,” Anderson says. The mural is a collage of people and faces found around Kensington and will serve as a connection to past and present. Sales haven’t even started though Anderson is confident that they will have similar success that previous Bucci Development projects enjoyed. “VEN had an overwhelming response when we launched it two years ago, and Kensington is in an even more vibrant location and we expect to pick up where we left off,” he adds. Anderson says sales they are expecting to launch in September with a fully refurbished show suite just across from the building site. “We will be renovating the old VEN sales centre on top of

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Midtown Café to give visitors a better idea of what we will be offering.” Bucci won the coveted SAM Awards for 2011 Multi-Family Builder of the Year and Anderson says they remain bullish on Calgary, and he sees Kensington as the inspired next step in creating the quintessential inner city multi-family development. The show suite on 306 10th Street N.W. (on top of the Midtown Cafe) will open in September. Interested parties are encouraged to register on-line at http:// www.bucci.com/kensington. n

FA S T FA C T S Community: Sunnyside/Hillhurst Project:

Kensington

Developer:

Bucci Developments

Style:

Apartment-style condos

Size:

From 625 sq. ft.

Price:

From the mid $300,000s

Sales Centre: 306 10th St. N.W. Hours:

To be announced

Website:

www.bucci.com/kensington to register

CONDO PROFILE |

Stately success Groves of Varsity rolls into third building By pepper rodriguez

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inding a condo home is not just about one thing, but a combination of several factors that work for your particular lifestyle. At The Groves of Varsity, it is the thorough understanding of these tangibles (and intangibles) that has made this northwest multi-family complex a certified hit. An amenity-rich location, spacious floor plans that appeal to the market, stylish finishes and unmatched affordability for the value they offer are some of the perceptible factors that has paved the way for the success of this Statesman Group project. But it is the developer’s understanding of what is entailed in a complete condo lifestyle that has been a major factor in their outstanding sales. It has been so successful, in fact, that the first two phases of the five-building project are already sold out, and the third building, Monterey III, is already 50 per cent sold. “Monterey III is Phase 3 of the development. It is the final phase of new condos that will be available at The Groves of Varsity,” says Statesman’s Mike Sali. The 12-storey building will have 108 suites — 10 suites in each of the first nine levels, and six larger suites on the top three penthouse and sub penthouse levels. From its construction methods to the in-house amenities it offers, The Groves of Varsity

provides an appealing package for condo buyers. It is also a rarity among steel and concrete towers because of the larger units they offer, Sali says. “Most of our competitors that offer steel and concrete construction are building smaller sizes up to a maximum of 1,000 square-feet, while our two-bedroom plans start at 1,120 square-feet.” The Groves of Varsity’s location is another key element. “Location is the number one reason that customers walk through our door. Varsity Estates is an extremely desirable community in which to live in Calgary, and the opportunity to own something brand new in Varsity Estates has not been available for a very long time — and it is quickly disappearing,” he points out.

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Everything customers want is conveniently located close to The Groves of Varsity including malls, grocery stores, banks, restaurants, doctors, great schools, the University of Calgary, parks, pathways, the C-Train and many more amenities. “Put the location together with steel and concrete construction and close to 40 years of buildings experience by The Statesman Group in Calgary and you have an award winning development.” The lifestyle element is also something that Statesman has invested in and they have outfitted The Groves of Varsity with the latest in-house amenities that serve to create and strengthen the bonds of community. “The Groves of Varsity is more than just real estate,” Sali says. “The Statesman Group concept of building a community within a community provides a lifestyle (which leads to fantastic resale value) that will eventually include amenities available on site, such as a health club and fitness centre, roof top patio and barbecue area, Garden Cafe/ Bistro, dining room, room service, house keeping, transportation, maintenance service and more.” The prices are very competitive with a 793-square-foot one-bedroom starting at $334,960, and a 1,120-square-foot two-bedroom two-bath suite is from $499,960. The spaciousness of the suites themselves is enhanced by the nine-foot ceilings (10 feet in penthouse levels) and by the oversized, high performance Solarban windows and curtain wall. Sali says interested parties can check out show suites by fall this year to see and experience just what The Groves of Varsity offers. Buyers have been consistently from two demographics: empty-nesters and young professionals. “The empty-nesters are looking for that maintenance-free, lock-and-leave lifestyle as they approach retirement and consider their options of travelling and not worrying about the house while they are away. They are preparing to downsize, however are not necessarily interested in squeezing into a tiny condo — so they are choosing our larger corner suites with huge windows that provide lots of natural light,” Sali says. “While the other demographic is the young professional that typically has completed their post-secondary education and is looking for a great place to live but not in a starter community. They want to be close to work and other amenities, which in the long run will provide them a great return on their investment to use as a stepping stone over the next several years as they transition to their next home. They are just plain smart.” What is clear is that The Groves of Varsity “is more than just real estate, it’s a total lifestyle,” he adds. CL

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Patricia show suite

Anchor show suite

F AST F A C TS Community: Varsity Estates Project: The Groves of Varsity Developer: Statesman Group of Companies Style: Apartment-style suites Size: From 793 to 2,463 sq. ft. Price: Starts from the low $300,000s Address: 5353 Crowchild Trail N.W. Hours: Closed Mon, Tues from 2-6 p.m., Wed & Thurs noon-6 p.m., Fri, Sat, Sun & holidays noon-5 p.m. Website: www.thegrovesofvarsity.com

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Genius squared Providence’s einstein2 is the smart condo buyer’s choice

By Aaliya Essa

he genius, as the saying goes, is in the details. And einstein2 offers plenty of those. That’s what makes this new condominium from The Providence Group such a smart choice for today’s savvy condo buyer. As a follow-up to its enormously successful e@Marda Loop, einstein2 is as sexy and savvy as its predecessor. It starts with the location. einstein2 is nestled right in the heart of the resurgent community of Bridgeland. Which may just be the hottest real estate area for multi-family developments in Calgary’s inner city right now. “Bridgeland is one of the most sought after and the most active redevelopment communities in the inner city close to downtown, river pathways, Bridgeland LRT station, not to mention all the services and amenities in the community,” says Gary Beyer, president of The Providence Group. Situated at the corner of Edmonton Trail and 4th Avenue N.E., einstein2 is centered around the unique lifestyle such a great location makes possible, including car-less transportation options like walking, cycling or taking the LRT to work. For downtown workers, it’s the perfect solution to the hassle of driving into the downtown core every day. Of course, when the workday’s over, you can walk and cycle those same river pathways just for fun. Bridgeland also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, all within the immediate vicinity, making it just that easy to meet up for brunch with a friend, or pick up some groceries from the Bridgeland Market on the way home. They don’t call Bridgeland ‘Little Italy’ for nothing and some of the city’s best Italian restaurants and food markets are located nearby.

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OWNERS WILL BE ABLE TO CONTROL VIRTUALLY EVERY ELECTRONIC ASPECT OF THEIR HOME THROUGH THEIR SMART PHONE, WHETHER ITS AN IPHONE, ANDROID OR A TABLET. Right in the middle of this eclectic milieu is einstein2, which will have two four-storey buildings, with 61 units available in the first building. “Following our release of the first 26 units in late March, we over-subscribed on sales,” says Beyer, “and in mid June we released the balance of the first building for a total of 61 homes. As of the end of June we are approximately 36 sold.” Which means there’s still time to get in on the opportunity to live in an exceptionally designed home with the latest technology. “Our units are very intelligently designed spaces,” says Beyer. “The bedrooms are able to easily accommodate a king-sized bed in the master suite and a queen in the second room, as well as two full bathrooms — by means of the Euro second bath. Every thing you want in your home,” he adds.

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There are one-, two-, and-three-bedroom options available, each showcasing their excellent use of space, and ability to allow for multi-functional rooms. The design concept for einstein2 is based on a contemporary European design, with creative storage solutions, allowing residents to manage their everyday lives — a space for everything and everything in it’s place. Floor to ceiling wardrobes add character in the bedrooms, helping organize storage space, while cabinetry in the kitchen is built right up to the ceiling, allowing for a tremendous amount of storage. They are even able to fit a second full bath in suites by using European design that includes a tiled open shower, floating sink vanity, and a tankless toilet, and voila! You now have a three-piece full bathroom. The kitchen includes a Euro appliance package, says Beyer, “only otherwise seen in luxury high-end condos, including quartz countertops.” The kitchen is the perfect example of a space that may be used for many purposes, where form and function come together, with an island that servers as a food prep station, a dining table, even a handy work space. And speaking of appliances, yes, a sparkling new in-suite washer and dryer are also part of the equation at einstein2. As is the natural gas hook-up on each suite’s patio, a must for hosting summer barbecues with friends.

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Each unit also comes with its own titled heated underground parking stall, a feature that helps make Calgary’s long winters just a little more bearable. There is also a storage locker for items that may be seasonal, or just plain hard to let go of. When it is summer, residents can take full advantage of the two expansive roof top patios and gardens, “that are not available anywhere else,” says Beyer. “At einstein2 everyone gets the million dollar view of the downtown.” The patios include a space for lounging, a fireplace to cozy up to, a space for yoga, and even access to the fitness room. Of course, any condo named after Albert Einstein brings with it certain expectations of intelligence, and the einstein2 condos don’t disappoint. Owners will be able to control virtually every electronic aspect of their home through their smart phone, whether it’s an iphone, android or a tablet. It’s the kind of application that today’s techno savvy condo buyers want, and it saves energy and money by controlling things like temperature and lighting with a press of a button, just for starters. The final piece of the puzzle that makes einstein2 such a special opportunity? Plain old dollars and cents. Prices are from $320,000, with homes ranging from 660 to 804 square-feet. Buyers can look forward to moving into the first building in the summer of 2015, and the second building in the late fall of 2015. It really is about balancing your investment in your home against other lifestyle priorities, says Beyer. “Buy the home with all the features you could want, while still having the room to vacation, and enjoy all of your other lifestyle choices.” It all adds up to a pretty good deal. CL

F AST F A C TS Community: Bridgeland Project: einstein2 Developer: Providence Group SIZE: From 660 sq. ft. Price: From $320,000 Style: Apartment style condos SALES CENTRE: 139 - 17th Ave. S.E. Hours: Monday - Thursday noon to 6 p.m., Friday available by appointment only, Saturday – Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. Website: www.einsteincalgary.com CO N D O L I V I N G august 2014

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COPPerFIeLD PArK’s

tHree-queL copperfield Park iii aims to continue Brad remington homes’ winning streak By aNgELa uNsWOrth

ew professionals. A couple looking to build a life together. A young family. People dreaming of buying a home to call their own. While prices of homes have steadily climbed in Calgary, wages and salaries haven’t been as quick to catch up. So, the dream is just that — a dream. Until Brad Remington Homes’ Copperfield Park condos came to the scene. Imagine you are a new professional, working your nine-to-five day and dreaming about buying your own home. Or you are a couple looking to build a life and your next step is moving in together. What if you are married and need space to grow your family? While prices of homes have steadily climbed in Calgary, wages and salaries haven’t been as quick to catch up. For many starting a life on their own, the rental market is the reality; and with the increasing rental rates, this is fast going out of reach too.

Brad Remington Homes has stepped up to the challenge with their Copperfield Park developments that offer affordable homes everyone can own, including singles, couples and downsizers, without having to compromise their ability to own a car, go on trips, or experience life as it should be lived. And buyers have responded resoundingly, as both Copperfield Parks I and II exceeded all sales expectations. And with Copperfield Park III now about to launch, the best condo home owning deals in town will continue for some time. The first Copperfield Park launched in 2011 and sold out in less than two years, their follow up Copperfield Park II had been even more successful, hitting the 98 per cent sold mark just two months after they opened six new show suites in May. Brad Remington Homes is getting ready to launch Copperfield Park III and there is no reason to think it won’t be another hit. “Our mission, ‘Love it, Live it, Afford it,’ is the driving force behind what we’re building,” says Brad Remington Homes’ vice-president of sales and marketing, Bryan Logel. “We know it’s important to have an emotional connection to your home. You need to love it to live it and underlying that, you need to be able to afford it.”

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Brad Remington Homes’ ability to offer well-designed one-bedroom condos starting from the $130,000s, two-bedrooms from the low $200,000s and three-bedroom units from the $230,000s has been a big part of their appeal. Coupled with their location in the established community of Copperfield in the southeast, and stylish open concept floor plans that lets homeowners’ personalities shine through, it’s easy to see why the Copperfield Park collection has been a favourite among condo buyers. Copperfield Park III is expected to continue this winning tradition when it launches sales in mid-September, as it will offer all 12 popular models from Copperfield Park II, and at much the same prices. The six show suites in the latter will still serve as a brilliant way of showing the lifestyle possibilities that will be available here. Among the innovative models is the F Plan, which is Brad Remington Homes’ version of the micro-suite that has been all the rage in urban centres in Europe and North America. At 525 square-feet, the F Plan is much larger than most of these so-called micro-suites and it has been a big hit at Copperfield Park II, as its open design meets the needs of most first time homeowners. It only seems small in space, but like all of the suites in the Copperfield Park series, the F Plan displays a sensible design that allows owners to maximize space without compromising comfort.

F AST F A C TS Community: Copperfield Project: Copperfield Park II and III Developer: Brad Remington Homes Style: Apartment condos Size: From 525 sq. ft. one-bedroom, to 973 sq. ft. two-bedrooms Price: From $139,900 plus GST Address: 755 Copperpond Blvd. S.E. Directions: South on 52 St. S.E. and east on 130 Ave. S.E. Website: www.copperfieldpark.com

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“We want to help Calgarians to build a livable life, starting with a home they love,” says Logel. “It’s important to us that homeowners can envision themselves living in these homes and not lose functionality. We put ourselves in the shoes of Calgarians, asking ourselves, ‘can I see myself living here?’ and our answer is yes.” The Copperfield Park condos are is built with an environmentally friendly design created for unique, creative and original homeowners. The innovative design provides quality and value for an affordable price. They all blend well into this suburban neighbourhood dotted with several parks and pathways. Speaking of the neighbourhood, Brad Remington Homes realizes the important role their

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location in Copperfield has played in their success. The accessibility of this vibrant southeast community has been a big factor for its appeal. It sits behind the newly opened Stoney Trail extension and is only a few blocks from 52nd Street S.E. and Deerfoot Trail. It is only a 20-minute drive to downtown and getting to the airport is even faster. It’s also close to the new South Health Campus hospital, and if you get the lights, you can be there and the rest of the Seton commercial complex in under 10 minutes. Professionals working in the hospital or the surrounding commercial and industrial complexes nearby find this amazing accessibility the perfect companion to the affordability Copperfield Park condos already offer. And if that’s not enough, residents also have access to a seven-acre wildflower pond just outside their doors, pathways to run and bike along, tennis courts, an outdoor skating rink for our long winters, neighbourhood playgrounds to bring your kids to and two toboggan hills the right size for kids and/or adults. Copperfield Park III will continue with the foundation built from Copperfield Park I and II and continue to cultivate an eclectic and unique community. While Copperfield Park II is virtually sold out, homeowners can still find an opportunity to buy their dream home; Brad Remington Homes will be accepting registration for Copperfield Park III in September. CL

Copperfield Park III will continue with the foundation built from Copperfield Park I and II and continue to cultivate an eclectic and unique community.

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COurtLY CHArMs courtyards in chestermere offer idyllic lifestyle By pEppEr rOdrIguEz

uxurious, laid-back lifestyle meets affordability in the Courtyards in Chestermere, and sales are surpassing expectations as buyers snap up this unique opportunity. It is the first multi-family development in the vibrant new community of Kinniburgh on the east side of Chestermere Lake, which is enjoying tremendous growth as it now houses the new Chestermere Community Health Centre, and a new K-9 public school is opening in September 2014. There is also a dedicated recreation area, a nature pond and a new commercial centre with a coffee house next to the Courtyards. “Kinniburgh offers residents a peace of mind very few new communities can offer, it already has plenty of amenities that makes life here easy,” says Courtyards in Chestermere’s Michael Yong.

“KinniBurgh oFFers residents a Peace oF mind very FeW neW communities can oFFer…” CO N D O L I V I N G AuGust 2014

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They have been so successful that the first phase is already sold out, the second phase is already in framing and will be ready for possessions by October. It is this enviable lifestyle that is attracting a wide range of buyers from couples, young families, retirees and empty-nesters, Yong tells Condo Living. “We’re only 20 minutes away from Calgary’s city centre, and the kind of homes we’re offering here are well-suited to fit a variety of lifestyles.” A total of 52 three-level townhomes are offered, divided among 20 models with double-sided attached garages and 32 with single attached garages. The former is available starting from 1,753 square-feet with two or three bedrooms, and the latter is from 1,382 square-feet with two bedrooms each with their own attached ensuite. “The floor plans are very spacious with dens, family rooms and attached garages, there’s lots of room for storage and flexibility to suit any lifestyle,” he points out. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops throughout and hardwood flooring in common areas are the standard. “It’s a very comprehensive standard package that would already be considered an upgrade in other developments.” The exteriors also blend well within the community with its

F AST F A C TS Community: Kinniburgh, Chestermere Project: Courtyards in Chestermere Developer: Courtyards in Chestermere Inc. Style: Three-level townhomes Size: Single-attached garage homes start from 1,382 sq. ft., double-attached garage home sstart from 1,753 sq. ft. Price: Starts from $309,900 plus GST Address: 248 Kinniburgh Boulevard, Chestermere, AB Hours: Monday to Thursday 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays from noon to 5 p.m. Directions: East on Highway 1, right on Chestermere Blvd., left on East Chestermere Dr., left on East Lakeview Rd. and follow the signs Website: www.chestermerecourtyards.com

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own Old English charm, with stucco and cultured brick accents. Yong says they have been so successful that the first phase is already sold out, the second phase is already in framing and will be ready for possessions by October. “Sales for the final phase have been going just as fast,” he says. The communal design of the Courtyards of Chestermere is also a key part of its charm. “All the homes face into the central courtyard, which will be equipped with benches, a playground and gazebo, there is also a private pathway that goes around the development,” Yong says. “We’re also introducing a community garden, where each owner gets a plot of land and they can plant their own herbs

and vegetables. This will go a long way in defining the community spirit of the Courtyards of Chestermere and build a stronger bond among neighbours,” he adds. “We’re creating a community within a community, a place where neighbours can mingle and enjoy the beautiful landscaping and a natural setting.” He says that Chestermere will be a centre for growth in the Greater Calgary Area for years to come. “We’re seeing a lot of local buyers who want to stay in the same area they’ve grown to love, but also from Calgary, Strathmore and Langdon who realize the enormous potential of settling here,” Yong says. CL

“We’re creating a community within a community, a place where neighbours can mingle and enjoy the beautiful landscaping and a natural setting.” CO N D O L I V I N G august 2014

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Stonecroft’s apartment condos in southeast appeal to first timer, empty nester set

New opportunities By pepper rodriguez

he benefits of a terrific location cannot be understated, and Stonecroft’s two multi-family developments in the southeast have enjoyed robust sales in no small part due to their excellent sites in the booming communities of Auburn Bay and Copperfield. Being in both communities also helps them offer apartment-style condos in a wider range of prices. “We can offer buyers a wider choice to fit their budget,” says Stonecroft’s Bob Carmichael. “We’ve got buyers going to Auburn Bay because they work at the South Calgary Health Campus and our site is just across the street. But even if they have a smaller budget, we can offer them the apartment condos in Copperfield — which is less than a ten minute drive to this new hospital,” he says. Stonecroft Auburn Bay will have a total of 200 apartment style condos in four, four-storey buildings, and Carmichael says only about 70 are left. Two-bedroom units from the $330,000s are the starting point in the current phase, but one-bedroom suites from the $220,000s and two-bedroom suites from the $280,000’s will be available again as soon as the next phase is released. “That should happen this summer,” Carmichael says. They met equal success in Copperfield where their Symmetry apartment condos have been selling well despite tighter competition. Only 24 units remain in the 84 unit four-storey building,

Stonecroft Copperfield adds to the community’s allure with its picture-perfect rows of the community’s many parks. They offer up the quiet living of suburbia, with quick

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of Craftsman-style condos in front of one access to bustling restaurants and shops.

where prices range from $190,000 to $272,000. “What I think really distinguishes us from our competitors here in Copperfield is that most of our buyers are end-users rather than investors who rent out their property,” says Cheryl Donnelly, who handles sales for Stonecroft Copperfield. Like Stonecroft Auburn Bay, the Symmetry apartment condos will have nine-foot ceilings and concrete floors with in-floor heating. Symmetry offers one-bedroom, one-bedroom-with-den and twobedroom-with-den units, most of which come with underground parking. They come in a variety of suite sizes, from 487 to 860 square-feet of well-designed space. Stainless steel kitchen appliances are standard and each apartment includes a deck to enjoy the sights and sounds of Copperfield. Stonecroft Copperfield adds to the community’s allure with its picture-perfect rows of Craftsman-style condos next to one of the community’s many parks. They offer up the quiet living of suburbia, with quick access to the bustling restaurants, retail shops and professional offices of South Trail Crossing off Deerfoot Trail and 130th Avenue S.E. Auburn Bay is equally interesting, with development of the Seton commercial center starting and the South Health Campus hospital already up and running. “People see real value in investing in a home here,” Carmichael tells Condo Living. There are eight floor plans available in Auburn Bay, ranging from a one-bedroom suites to two-bedroom-with-den homes. They range in size from 581 to 1,008 square-feet and come with quartz countertops, laminate hardwood flooring, ceramic tile in the bathrooms, and an electric fireplace in each unit. “These are upgrades

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in most developments but they are standards with us,” Carmichael says. All suites have nine-foot ceilings, in-floor heating, and full ceramic tile kitchen backsplash,” he adds. They come equipped with stainless steel kitchen appliances including glass top range with microwave oven, as seen in their on-site presentation centre. “We’re getting a lot of buyers not only among the hospital staff, but from those who work in the many employment centres in the southeast and this can only get better with the upcoming Seton commercial complex that’s growing just next door,” he adds. “The opening of the southeast portion of the ring road has also improved accessibility to the community almost overnight.” Donnelly noted the same thing in Copperfield. “Accessibility is one of the most important aspects in living here and with the opening of Stoney Trail, residents now have more options for getting anywhere in and around the city.” Both projects are a hit among first time homebuyers and downsizing couples alike, who enjoy the range of lifestyle choice and convenience they offer. “Many of them think that living in such premium neighborhoods may be out of reach, but that’s far from the truth, as Stonecroft Auburn Bay and Stonecroft Copperfield offer stylish, affordable condo living in two first-class communities,” Carmichael says. CL

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Fa s t Fac ts Commmunity: Copperfield and Auburn Bay Project: Stonecroft Copperfield and Stonecroft Auburn Bay DEVELOPER: Stonecroft Group STYLE: Townhomes and apartment style condos in Copperfield, apartment style condos in Auburn Bay size: From 487 sq. ft. one-bedroom in Copperfield, and 581 sq. ft. in Auburn Bay PRICE: Copperfield starts at $190,900 and Auburn Bay from $230,000s address: Copperfield show home is at 125 Copperpond Common S.E., and Auburn Bay show home is on corner of Auburn Bay Link and Seton Blvd. S.E. Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.stonecroft.ab.ca

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tHe KeNsINGtON By ELIzaBEth ChOrNEy-BOOth

or decades, Kensington has offered Calgary’s northwest a vibrant inner-city high street experience that has drawn in visitors and attracted loyal residents. “Kensington” actually refers to the Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) that runs along 10th Street N.W. and Kensington Road, but the name is often used as a catchall for the communities of Hillhurst and Sunnyside, which are filled with beautiful character homes, luxurious new builds, and increasingly, a number of new condo projects of all shapes and sizes. With new condos like Battistella Developments’ PIXEL and LIDO, Bucci Developments’ VEN, and Streetside Developments’ St. John’s on 10th all selling well (or being sold out completely) and more major developments on the way, Kensington is about to undergo a surge in its population density, meaning the already strong community should only continue to grow and thrive. Taking a look around the area, the

Battistella developments’ LIdO and pIxEL (left)

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draws to potential condo owners are clear: for singles, young couples, downsizers, and families alike, the neighbourhood offers a lifestyle that is hard to match anywhere else in the city. One of the first things that pulls new residents into the Kensington area is the easy accessibility to downtown. The Sunnyside C-Train is located at the north end of the BRZ making downtown just a quick transit ride away, but the city’s core is also within short walking or biking distance for anyone who wants to build some exercise into their commute. Since the community is located on the north side of the Bow, it still feels far enough away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Calgary to retain a sense of laid-back charm. Dan and Samantha Bourassa recently decided to move from Bowness to the inner city and after looking at a few other options, bought a unit in the VEN so that they could be close to the core while still enjoying a relaxed lifestyle. “We wanted to live in a community that has some character and isn’t all windows and plastic and steel,” Samantha says, also not-

Bucci developments’ VEN

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photo courtesy Kensington Brz

BrAND

the hum of inner city life energizes hillhurst-sunnyside community

ing that the couple decided to sell one of their two cars, since they will no longer have to drive to work. “It’s downtown, but still has a little bit of a suburban feel to it.” Yet, while there is a neighbourly feel to Hillhurst and Sunnyside, the Kensington BRZ has all the amenities that you’d find in any dynamic inner-city stretch, starting with some great restaurants, cafes, and bars. Foodies can enjoy an upscale dining experience at Muse (107 10A Street N.W.) or the Chef’s Table at the Kensington Riverside Inn (1126 Memorial Drive N.W.), slightly more casual sit-down restaurants like the Brasserie Kensington (1131 Kensington Road N.W.) and Niko’s Bistro (1241 Kensington Road), and a number of pubs, different cuisines from around the world, quick service restaurants (including the iconic Chicken on the Way at 1443 Kensington Road), plus several excellent coffee shops and tea houses. There’s also the option to pick up something to enjoy at home from specialty food and beverage retailers like Crave Cookies and Cakes (1107 Kensington Road N.W.) and the Kensington Wine Market (1257 Kensington Road). The main streets also offer plenty of other retail opportunities — shoppers can explore the latest fashions at Purr (#101 1220 Kensington Road) or one of the other local boutiques, get spiffed up at one of the area’s salons or nail parlors, pick up something to read at Pages (1135 Kens-

streetside developments’ st. john’s

above photos courtesy Kensington Brz

... the neighBourhood oFFers a liFestyle that is hard to match anyWhere else in the city. CO N D O L I V I N G AuGust 2014

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ington Road), buy records at Hot Wax (114 10 Street N.W.), or catch a movie at the Plaza Theatre (1133 Kensington Road). But the BRZ is not all fun and games: in addition to the many places where residents and visitors can spend their disposable income, Kensington is also fully stocked with more essential amenities, including both a Safeway (410 10 Street) and a Shoppers Drug Mart (1436 Kensington Road), the smaller Sunnyside Market (338 10th Street ), several different banks, and professional services including dentists, lawyers, accountants, veterinarians, therapists, personal trainers, and much more. Residents don’t even have to leave the neighbourhood to meet most, if not any, of their basic needs. “You can do your generic errands, as well as the fun stuff too,” says Annie MacInnis, Executive Director of the Kensington BRZ. “People here are passionate about the community, both Sunnyside and Hillhurst. And the business owners are very passionate and engaged.” That sense of community shines through beyond the businesses. Kensington is filled with schools, playgrounds, and green spaces (including the vast Riley Park, which is home to one of the city’s most popular wading pools). The City recently also granted the Kensington BRZ funds to implement a Public Realm Improvement program, which will see the replacement or reparation of damaged sidewalks, furniture, street-lighting and other features in the neighbourhood. While the area was affected by the flooding of the Bow River in 2013, according to the City of Calgary, flood mitigation measures are being put in place by the City’s Water Services and the Hillhurst Sunnyside Flood Task Force. These measures include a system to automate the storm gates, the stormwater system being inspected by water services on a daily basis, and the investigation of other options including the potential installation of back-flow prevention valves are being considered to help mitigate any future flood damage. With all of these infrastructure improvements, Kensington is ready to open its arms to condo dwellers as each new development gives its residents the green light to move in. And, if the demand for new condo units in the area is any indication, this is a residential and business community that is just going to get stronger in the years to come. CL

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Photo courtesy Kensington BRZ

“People here are passionate about the community, both Sunnyside and Hillhurst. And the business owners are very passionate and engaged.”

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Laminate your world New laminate flooring designs will floor you By Kathy McCormick

ife today is so much more complicated than it ever was before — and so, for many people, a conscious decision has been made to make it simpler. The home is the perfect example. It’s no accident that contemporary, minimalist styling is so in vogue today. People love the uncluttered, dramatic look that aims to simplify the environment and create a space that’s calm and serene. But along with that is easy care, no-fuss furnishings and home décor. It starts with the flooring anchoring the spaces — and the popularity of hard surfaces embodies all of those simple themes. Hardwood is king, but many people today are choosing alternatives that create the same feel without the price tag and the extra care needed to keep the floors in optimal condition. “Laminate has established itself as an innovative and cost-efficient alternative to sold hardwood flooring,” says Ganesh Krishnan, senior merchant for flooring, Home Depot Canada. “Laminate is not only attractive, but available in a wide range of colours and grains.” Laminate flooring is created in four layers, with the bottom layer, a fibreboard core, a decorative layer and a tread layer. These are synthesized into an extremely dense surface, says Krishnan. “Made with melamine and fibreboard, it’s extremely durable — and thicker laminates generally indicate a more durable, comfortable product.” Realistic designs and textures abound — and that is a big advantage, says Sara M. Babinski, principal designer, hardwood and laminate for one of the largest floor manufacturers, Armstrong flooring. “For many consumers, it is difficult to distinguish between laminate and real wood — laminate looks that good!”

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TOP RIGHT: Architectural Remnants Antique Structure laminate.

Photo courtesy Armstrong Laminate Floors.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Cantabria Stone Monzone. Photo courtesy

Bruce Laminate.

BELOW: Architectural Remnants Woodland Reclaim laminate.

Photo courtesy Armstrong Laminate Floors.

Its durability is another big advantage, says Krishnan. “It’s also more dent and stain-resistant than solid or engineered hardwood flooring, making it the perfect choice for active households with young children or pets.” The advantages add up to good investment, says Brian P. Parker, laminate product manager for Armstrong. “Scratch resistance, dent resistance, wear resistance, fade resistance to sunlight, stain resistance; affordable and long-lasting; and easy to clean and maintain.” And it’s so easy to install, it’s the perfect D-I-Y project, say the experts. “On a scale from one to 10, installing laminate flooring requires a skill level of about a four,” says Krishnan. “Most laminates are designed to snap together without glue or nails and are engineered to ‘float’, meaning they are not attached to the subfloor. Instead, laminates are installed over a thin layer of foam cushioning and held in place by room walls.”

The boards are two- to three-times wider than a traditional hardwood board, so they cover the room in less time. “The simplified interlocking clicking system enables most do-it-yourselfers to install an entire floor in a single afternoon — and you can walk on it immediately,” Krishnan says. But there are some disadvantages to other types of flooring. The laminate can sound hollow when walking on the floor. “This can be reduced by using thicker laminate and better sound-proof under pad,” he says. It can’t be sanded, like real wood, “but with its great wear resistance, you won’t need to sand it,” says Babinski. And it isn’t waterproof, so “it is not suitable for wet and high-moisture environments, like indoor swimming pools and saunas,” she says. In fact, depending on the quality of the product, it may not be recommended for bathrooms and kitchens, either, Krishnan says. It really is all about the quality, says John Fitzsimmons, owner of Fitz Flooring in Calgary. “You really get what you pay for. If you’re buying a really cheap laminate from overseas countries that have no manufacturers’ regulations, then you have no idea what you are getting. There are no restrictions on such things as chemicals used or even the working conditions. Unless you are buying from a controlled environment, the quality is a concern.” He saw a lot of laminate that had to be pulled out

Luxury Vinyl Tile plank is “so easy to install, it’s extremely durable and really looks so good, it’s taking over our warehouse.” 54 |

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and thrown away after last year’s flood because of the poor quality in the first place. Even though many of the big manufacturers do have facilities overseas, they are developing the products to their own standards. As for Calgarians’ hot spots, look to rustic oaks, barn wood and dark greys, says Fitzsimmons. Armstrong favourites include: “rustic/vintage looks featuring nature’s fingerprints of knots, mineral streaks, graining, and colour variation — often including distressed, painted looks,” says Parker. “Colour ranges from the summery aesthetic of white, to hardy earth tones and into the strong interior statement of black and grey.” Over at Home Depot, demand is similar, says Krishnan. “The hottest colour trends in flooring definitely centre on brown and grey tones. There is an increasing demand for laminates with exotic wood looks.

“The simplified interlocking clicking system enables most do-it-yourselfers to install an entire floor in a single afternoon — and you can walk on it immediately.

Leather Maple laminate. Photo courtesy The Home Depot.

There is also a growing trend in hardwood to have a hand-scraped floor. Of course, this trend carries over to laminate as well.” Domestic exotic woods are gaining in popularity as well — walnut, maples, cherry, hickory, and oak, especially white. And the wider the planks, the better — five inches or more. Maintenance of laminate flooring is as easy as the installation. Simply vacuum and drymop to keep it looking as beautiful as the day it was installed, Krishnan says. “Avoid broom sweeping, as it may cause laminate flooring to scratch. To wash your laminate floor, use a no-wax cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.” At Armstrong, for instance, they have an Armstrong/Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner kit that includes: laminate spray cleaner, a swivel-head mop with telescoping pole; and two washable microfiber mop covers. “Simply spray and mop,” says Babinski. While laminates continue to be a staple for home flooring, a new product is really making a statement, especially in Calgary, says Fitzsimmons. People are often choosing LVTs instead, he says. Luxury Vinyl Tile plank is “so easy to install, it’s extremely durable and really looks so good, it’s taking over our warehouse,” he says. Simply stick it to the floor — and it can be installed over lino or flooring already in place. “It’s good for kitchens and baths — and there is not a lot of removal prep work to be done. It’s like a 3-M sticky tape — if you don’t like where you put it, just lift it up and put it in another place.” And it comes in a variety of colours and textures Hardwood remains the priciest flooring choice; LVTs are priced between hardwood and laminate flooring. And linoleum remains the most cost effective. Laminates at Home Depot range from .99 cents to $2.99 per-squarefoot, while Armstrong offers them from $2.99 to $3.99 per-square-foot, uninstalled. Fitz has laminates from .99 cents to $6 per-square-foot. Ironically, carpet is making a bit of a comeback as well — but just in bedrooms and maybe living rooms, says Fitzsimmons. But the hard surfaces are still the kings of the flooring world — and that’s not about to change any time soon. CL CO N D O L I V I N G august 2014

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Garden design — “M

ary, Mary, quite contrary; how does your garden grow? With blue bells and cockle shells and all of it covered in snow”. If you were a pessimist — or at least a recent transplant to YYC — you might think that’s how the old rhyme would have gone had Mary been a Calgarian. As we all know, in certain years our city can present some challenges when it comes to cultivating a green thumb… or anything else for that matter. Our growing season always seems to get off to a soggy start (‘June’ and ‘monsoon’ rhyme for a reason) and then fizzle just as bags of tiny chocolate bars hit grocery store shelves. Still, according to Peter Van Seggelen of The Landscape Artist, if you’ve decided to put down roots (literally or figuratively) here in Cowtown, a shortened spring/summer cycle really is more a matter of perception than reality. “I’d say our growing season is actually quite good; you’re looking at end-of-April through the middle or end of October for perennials and shrubs,” the 35-year industry veteran says. “Annuals and vegetables are another matter because we cool down at night — much more than Edmonton, even — but you can get around that by building raised beds.”

Introducing animal statuary is a centuries-old tradition that continues to delight in the modern age. Image courtesy of Campania International

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Although they don’t actually have the power to extend the seasons, adding certain elements to your garden can provide focal points that look good year-round...

| Style

— the YYC way Designing a garden to cope with Calgary’s unpredictable weather patterns

While it may seem late to start an outdoor project, by Van Seggelen’s calculations you still have three months to enjoy the fruits of your labour (if not actual fruit). Better still, if you’re willing to venture beyond botanicals, there are ways of enjoying your outdoor space well into fall and even winter. Although they don’t actually have the power to extend the seasons, adding certain elements to your garden can provide focal points that look good year-round, not just in the ‘salad days’ of summer. Water features are a wonderful way to add dimension and interest to your outdoor space, be they elaborate falls and ponds or just small fountains that provide movement and the pleasant distraction of white noise. The Landscape Artist is known for creating stunning installations that take H20 to another level, utilizing multiple levels of rock, shrubs, flowers and trellises. “Each garden is different and you really should design landscape in keeping with the style of the house,” Van Seggelen says, “but there are many options when it comes to water features and other things that enhance a garden.” While everyone might not have the space for a full-scale feature, Rubaiyat on 17th Avenue carries a number of free-standing fountains by Campania, eye-catching pieces that suit everything from the humblest of condo balconies to the grandest of estates. Standouts from their line include the very modern “Precipice” and “Echo” models, both of which would look great in a simple, manicured garden or as an oasis of calm in a yard that is carefully cultivated to appear overblown and overgrown. Wild or groomed, keeping your garden in shape, literally, is also a really great way to maximize the beauty year-round — especially with the addition of a blanket of snow. For ultimate impact, try in

By David Crosson

Above: Water features large and small create a truly dynamic environment in any garden, offering a perfect counterpoint to flowers and greenery. Image courtesy The Landscape Artist. RIGHT: The Echo fountain is a study in minimalistic elegance. Image courtesy of Campania International. BELOW: The Precipice fountain does doubleduty as a stunning outdoor sculpture. Image courtesy of Campania International .

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rIght: Creating purpose-driven zones in an outdoor environment increases its appeal and function exponentially. Image courtesy the Landscape artist. BOttOM LEFt: a gazing ball on a pedestal offers a glamorous reflection of your garden season after season. Image courtesy of Campania International. BOttOM rIght: Even in winter a water feature creates a dramatic focal point in your outdoor space. Image courtesy the Landscape artist.

troducing dramatic elements such as wire sculptures, gazing balls, urns, frost-friendly statuary and other non-organic pieces. In the spring and summer, they will provide texture and a much-needed counterpoint to the softness of flowers and greenery, then take on a whole new life by providing a dramatic “garden of shapes” once the white stuff falls. Campania also offers a charming range of fauna to complement your flora, some of which are interpreted in a stylized fashion to impart even more charm. Whether it’s a classic raven or a regal lion, these chic beasts will definitely give your garden an edgy edge. Large or small, the right additions to a garden will pull their weight 365 days of the year. “When it comes to features — and I mean larger ones like gazebos and fireplaces — you want to make sure they’re visible from the interior for maximum impact,” says Van Seggelen. “On a clear winter day when it may only be five-below, you can actually make use of an outdoor fireplace if you bundle up or bring out some freestanding heaters”. Even frozen foliage and bare branches can contribute to the overall appeal: consider how dynamic tall grasses would be poking out of a shroud of snow on a crisp winter’s day, or how beautiful a silhouette cast by a leafless Japanese maple would look upon a frosty canvas. With the sharp shadow yielded by our city’s oft-sunny winter days, incorporating touches such as these is definitely more curation than cop-out. While Calgary might not have the most equitably distributed seasons, it is possible to enjoy all four equally. Mother Nature may be a natural beauty, but everyone can benefit from a few well-chosen accessories. Bear that in mind the next time you go to break ground on a new outdoor project. CL

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While Calgary might not have the most equitably distributed seasons, it is possible to enjoy all four equally. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Crosson is the owner of Barbarian Interior Decoration Ltd., which works with both residential and commercial clients in Calgary and beyond. He is also the author of the blog Hausfrau: Better Living Through Better Living and is frequently called upon to provide commentary in matters of life and style in the local media. For more information visit www.barbariandesign.ca

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FEATURE |

Pot art

Sculpt your private outdoor spot with flower pots by Karen durrie

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hether you’ve got a small condo patio or balcony or a rambling backyard deck, potscaping is a great way to bring some seasonal splash to your outdoor spaces. Potscaping — or landscaping with pots has taken the art of container gardening to new levels. Pots can be grouped together to make an artistic statement. Garden centres are burgeoning with an array of styles and sizes of pots with everything from carved concrete to Vietnamese glazed ceramics to featherweight foam molded to look like sandstone. Potscaping also means taking chances with new combinations — in other words, getting out of the geranium, lobelia and dracaena rut.

You can potscape with vegetables and herbs — tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cukes, squashes, and peas. With the right soil they should thrive. With our short growing season and poor • Include grasses such as blue fescue or bulsoil, container gardening is a popular choice, bous oat grass for height, hostas for nice bit and it’s something everyone can do. Here are leaves, and ivy for trailing. some how-to tips to make your potscaping pop. • A good mantra to keep in mind for every pot • Opt for a three-pot grouping rule. Choose is: thriller, filler and spiller. Thrillers add three of the same colour, but vary shape, height and drama, and are kept to the centre height, texture and size. For a more eclec- or back of the container. A spray of purple tic look choose two of the same hue and an fountain grass, canna lillies, or elephant ears. Fillers are lower, such as geraniums unexpected dash such as red or yellow. and petunias, impatiens, pansies, marigolds, coleus, zinnias and cosmos. Spillers include • Stuff them to the nines for a lush look. trailing lobelia, allysum, vinca, ivies, wave • It’s OK to mix annuals and perennials even petunias, million bells and verbena and are though you know they won’t survive the winter. planted around the edge to trail down. • You can potscape with vegetables and • A “perfect pot” recipe I got from a professionherbs — tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cukes, al horticulturist years ago includes: purple squashes, and peas. With the right soil they fountain grass for height, tricolour geraniums, should thrive. a couple of variegated ivies to spill down

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and soften the pot, o s t e o s p e r mu m and straw flowers for colour.

August, take perennials out of the planter and root them in the ground if prior to frost if you want to save them.

Not everything has to flower. Foliage also has dramatic impact. Coleus, for example, provides bright drama with its shades of deep red and greens.

• Potscape with herbs in a sunny spot near • Make sure your pots are the kitchen door so you can nip out and snip planted appropriately for the what you need. light conditions. Shade plants with shade, sun with sun. • Try a monochromatic pot. For instance, purple: black magic geraniums, purple wave • Not everything has to flower. Foliage also petunias, bingo pansies, purple potato vines, has dramatic impact. Coleus, for example, purple millet or purple fountain grass. provides bright drama with its shades of deep red and greens. • Don’t underplant a pot. Ignore planting di- • Berry bushes such as raspberries, blueberrections that tell you to space plants four ries and upright blackberries work well as • Choose pots with a hole in the bottom for inches apart, and just stuff it. If it gets out ornamental plants in pots. drainage. If they don’t have one, make sure of control, pull some things out. you can create one yourself or don’t buy it. It’s not too late to potscape your own yard, • When potscaping in groupings, try a com- deck, driveway, porch or patio. And with a few months of decent weather left • Use planter box mix instead of topsoil, it’s mon theme to tie pots together like has more nutrients. And fertilize often — up straw flowers. it’s also a great time to take advantage of the to three out of every four waterings, with sales of annuals and perennials cropping Calgary’s short season. up around town as June winds down. CL • Potscape in miniature pots for a • Consider trying succulents and tropicals tabletop. usually found inside in outside pots. Try hen and chicks, and cacti, then surround them with flowers for an unexpected surprise. Photo by Karen Durrie • If you’re going to put your pots in your garden bed, surround the bases of the pots with flowers, too, so it looks like they blend in and have been there forever. • Water pots daily — twice daily if it’s very hot. First thing in the morning is best. • Bring your favourite decorating colours from inside your house to the outside in pots and blooms for a pleasing, cohesive effect. • Shrubs do great in pots, but be sure to overwinter them. In late

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Play time!

Cliff Bungalow (by Mission) – Cliff Street and 22nd Avenue S.W. One of the prettiest playgrounds in the city, this playground has a forest theme and features accessible flooring and challenging climbing equipment for big kids and little kids.

Here are 15 of Calgary’s best playgrounds in 2014 By Dana Wheatley

hese playgrounds represent some of the best from around the city. About half of the playgrounds are new to the list this year, and about half were also on last year’s list of Calgary’s Best Playgrounds.

1 Used with permission from calgaryplaygroundreview.com

Applestone Park Playground

Applewood – Applestone Park, Applewood Drive S.E. This playground was newly installed last fall. It is a huge accessible playground with equipment suitable for kids of all ages and ability levels. Hands down one of Calgary’s best playgrounds. I would encourage everyone to make the trip to see it but especially if you have a child with special needs.

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Cliff Bungalow Community Centre Playground

Helicopter Playground

Elboya Park Playground

Parkdale/West Hillhurst – 5th Avenue and 27th Street NW. One of Calgary’s most beloved playgrounds. It’s large with plenty of equipment for older and younger kids and has a helicopter theme.

Elboya – 46 Avenue & 4a Street S.W. This playground is big and bright and sure to please. The playground has accessible flooring, and plenty of equipment for both older and younger kids. Making the playground even better is the landscaping surrounding it including small hills, rocks, pathways and trees.

Haultain Park Playground

Downtown – 225 13 Avenue S.W. (also known at 13 Avenue Park) Located next to the Parks Foundation Calgary building this huge playground has accessible flooring, a climber for big and little kids and a great ramp system.

Capitol Hill Dinosaur Playground

Capitol Hill – 20th Avenue and 15th Street N.W. The playground was newly installed last year. This playground provides great opportunities for imaginative play and will have your kids begging to go to the dinosaur playground.

Simons Valley School Playground

Nellie Breen Park – Inglewood

Sandstone – Sandarac Drive and Sandalwood Gate This playground is excellent, it features accessible flooring, a large Merry-go-round spinner (Apollo) and a musical array. To top it off there is another really good playground just a short walk across the field.

Inglewood – 14th Street and St. Monica Aveune S.E. This playground is within a beautiful little park with large mature trees. The park has a real community feel with picnic tables, a gazebo and outdoor carpet flooring making the play space accessible to everyone. This is one of the first playgrounds I reviewed and it is still one of my favorites.

Prairie Winds Water Park and Playgrounds

Westwinds/Castleridge – 233 Castleridge Boulevard N.E. Located on the South side of Prairie Winds Park this playground features accessible flooring, saucer swings and a huge Merry-go-round spinner (Apollo).

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Millrise Drive Playground

Millrise – Corner of Millrise Drive and Millrise Way S.W. This playground features plenty of choices for climbing and spinning and the rock features give it a cool look.

Valleyview Park Playgrounds

Dover - 28 Street and 30 Avenue S.E. This beautiful park has two fantastic playgrounds both with accessible flooring. The preschool playground is inside a fenced area along with a spray park. The school-aged playground is just up the hill and has equipment that will challenge and entertain even your biggest kids.

Applewood Rotary Greenway Playground

New Brighton Treehouse Park

Vista Heights Jungle Playground

Renfrew Park Playground

Along the Rotary Greenway – access from the community of Applewood This playground features of this playground are shaped like rocks, logs, frogs and even a giant snake. This is a really unusual playground — it’s definitely worth a visit.

New Brighton - 2000 Brightoncrest Green S.E. Featuring accessible flooring and a cute treehouse theme this playground is sure to spark your child’s imagination.

Vista Heights – 1820 Valleyview Road N.E. This playground is geared towards toddlers and preschoolers. It features accessible flooring, a cute jungle theme and equipment perfect for their smaller size.

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Renfrew 811 Radford Road N.E. (Beside the Renfrew Community Association — NOT the athletic park) One of the best toddler playgrounds in the city. Your little ones will love running around a playground that is just their size. CL

FEATURE |

Walking the A

s condos rise in popularity, many Calgarians are choosing central core of a giant city when you are inner-city life and want to enjoy the affordability and conve- down there.” Along these pathways you can check out nience of that lifestyle with a four-legged friend. And while downtown living definitely comes with its own set of chal- the historic sandstone statues of Nat Christie lenges to pet-ownership, getting outside isn’t one of them. Calgary’s Park before following the river to the popular inner-city is dotted with parks, pathways and gorgeous natural areas Prince’s Island Park — a 20-hectare oasis in that offer plenty of places to take your dog for a wander. the heart of Calgary, full of lush green space “I have trained with a lot of dogs that live in condos and they are intersected with paths and surrounded by healthy, happy, fun-loving animals, they are a pleasure to be around,” water. says Ginette Gignac, canine behaviourist with PAWS Dog Daycare, a Keep heading east and you will find Sien downtown business that cares for dogs while their owners are at work. Lok Park, under the Centre Street Bridge. In fact, Gignac highly recommends urban exploring with your dog Guarded by two Chinese stone lions, this as it provides excellent training opportunities. park connects to the RiverWalk pathway, which eventually leads to the East Village. “The general diversity the downtown core areas offer you is something “You can keep going and going, it’s never that, if used correctly, is better than anything money can buy,” she explains. “They (dogs) learn not to be over stimulated and they learn ending,” says Gignac. to just be, the way that we are. We don’t jump back because a bus goes The Beltline, downtown core and surroundby or holler because someone is skateboarding beside us.” ing neighbourhoods also house numerous And where better to take in a little hustle and bustle than 17th Avenue. parks. Often with a piece of local history to Full of people, restaurants and shops, this road is also the home of tell these patches of green come to life in Tomkins Park — a small patch of green that is often the site of our warm months with flowers, people and, outdoor music shows and street vendors. of course, four-legged friends. “We have met really cool people on our “With access to the downtown core and 17th Avenue, we have walks,” says Tanya MacIntosh a Beltline access to smells, sights, sounds… every physical and mental resident and owner of Annie, a four-yearstimulation that we could need,” says Gignac. For longer walks, Gignac heads north up 14th Street — often old golden lab. “I would walk everywhere with upwards of eight dogs in tow — to the Bow River and its anyway, but when you have a dog it gives you umbrella of pathways. an excuse to explore all these communities.” “It loops the entire inner-city,” she says of the pathway For long walks, the pair usually head south system. “That, for me especially, is the best place to walk of 17th Avenue through Mission, Cliff Bunin our city. You will never realize that you are in the galow and lower Mount Royal, often ending

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| FEATURE

dog

Calgary’s inner-city pathways is every condo-dwelling dog owners’ dream Story and photos by Janine Workman

up in Elbow Park, an off-leash green space about half an hour walk south of downtown. On shorter walks they frequently stroll through Beaulieu Gardens, a small but beautiful park near their 15th Avenue home. With terraced gardens and tiered lawns, the park has historic roots as the grounds of the Lougheed House, now a museum and day-time restaurant. Bree Pierce and her dog Twiggy, a brindle Chihuahua mix rescued from the streets of Los Angeles, also live in a Beltline apartment and find plenty of places to explore around their 14th Avenue apartment. “It’s lively and interesting, that’s what Calgary’s downtown is. There is always stuff to see,” Pierce explains.

“The general diversity the downtown core areas offer you is something that, if used correctly, is better than anything money can buy.”

Ginette Gignac

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Weighing a miniscule six pounds, it doesn’t take much to tire Twiggy out. “She is so small, a quick little walk and she is all set.” says Pierce. “The longest walk we have been on is probably ten blocks, but she was super tired.” An easy visit for the pair is Central Memorial Park, around the corner from Pierce’s apartment. Inspired by Victorian-style gardens, and Calgary’s oldest park, this greenspace features geometric pathways, trees, benches and fountains complemented by clusters of bright tulips. And while there are no off-leash parks directly in the inner-city, many dog owners agree that River Park is a great nearby option for off-leash action. Located on a ridge above Sandy Beach and the Elbow River, this

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While there are no off-leash parks directly in the inner-city, many dog owners agree that River Park is a great nearby option for off-leash action. 21-hectare park is an easy 30-minute walk from downtown and has both wooded and grassy areas, a human/doggy fountain and river access for dogs to splash around. “I would say it’s one of the best ones (offleash areas) in the city, just for what it offers,” says Gignac. A friendly reminder, though, as we enjoy these walks with our furry friends, let’s not forget to pick up after them, and help keep these green spaces an enjoyable experience for everyone. CL

LEFT: Tanya MacIntosh and Annie BELOW: Bree Pierce and Twiggy

| Advertising Feature |

The value of a REALTOR® when buying a new condo ( Part II )

here are so many reasons to use a Realtor when buying a new condo that it would be impossible to list them all. Fundamentally, having a real estate agent represent you when purchasing a new home not only makes the process more pleasant. A Realtor will help you get the best value for your money, resulting in a home that retains its value and is everything you expected it to be after construction is complete.

Home Evaluation Home Evaluation, which is also called “Comparative Market Analysis”, is the process by which a Realtor compares your chosen development to similar developments in the area and to resale listings to determine market value. A Home Evaluation is vital in ensuring the property you purchase is worth what you are paying for it.

Building Plan and Floor Plan Review

the contracts to point out the following: Escalation and Termination Clauses determines if and when the developer can increase your purchase price or terminate the purchase contract Substantial Change Clause - determines if and how much a developer can change the specifications and square footage of the unit you purchase Deposit Clause - determines if your deposit money is deposited into the developer’s bank account or into a lawyer’s trust account; and if the developer can use your deposit funds.

Upgrade and Selections Review A Realtor will help you go over your upgrade options and determine what upgrades are of value. Some upgrades are worth doing through the developer, and others cost much less if done on your own after taking possession.

Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part special advertorial feature from CIR Realty | KORE Real Estate Team on the benefits of hiring a realtor when buying condos. to protect their interests. You need to have someone advocating for you to ensure the contract terms and clauses are fair for you as well. Experienced agents know what to look for and what needs to be changed before accepting a contract.

Pre-Delivery Inspection The Pre-Delivery Inspection, which is also referred to “Walkthrough Inspection” ensures needed repairs are noted on the deficiency list. The deficiency list is what is submitted to the developer, who will then correct the deficiencies and make repairs under the new home warranty program. Experienced Realtors have done walkthrough inspections hundreds of times and know what to look for to ensure nothing is missed.

For pre-construction sales, it is particularly important to have a real estate agent review the building plans and floor plans. Your Realtor will be able to look at the plans and determine whether or not they are functional, will retain resale value, and are what you are looking for. Your agent will be able to make sure you are aware of anything that can affect the value of the unit, as well as your enjoyment of your new condo, such as potential smell, noise, and security issues. Experienced agents will bring to your attention where the garbage chutes / sheds, mechanical rooms, entrances and mechanical rooms are in relation to your unit, and how they will affect you.

Negotiation of Terms and Clauses

Contract Review

Born and raised in Calgary, he has a thorough understanding of the Calgary real estate market as he has personally witnessed the rapid growth in the city over the last decade. He has a wealth of experience in all aspects of real estate having both his residential and commercial license. Peter brings real value to every client he works with through his strong reputation, investment knowledge, and marketing expertise.

By having a Realtor who will review your contract before you sign it, you can avoid many common pitfalls. A Realtor will review

Often times, there will be some room for negotiation in the contract terms and clauses. You will need an experienced Realtor to negotiate the most favourable terms for you. Developers often use their standard contracts, which are drafted by their lawyers

Deficiency Repair Follow-Up Your Realtor will follow up with you and the developer to ensure all of the deficiency list repairs have been completed. A professional Realtor will do this and provide you with complete end-to-end service. n

by Peter Ng, CIR Realty | KORE Real Estate Team Peter Ng has been a REALTOR® in Calgary for 9 years and has been actively involved in real estate ventures for over 12 years as an real estate marketer, investor, developer, and homebuilder. Over this time, he has established himself as a trusted real estate professionals specializing from condo pre-sales to investment properties.

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CONDOSCAPES By richard White

HOLY CONDO!

streetside’s condo ushered a new age of Kensington developments

ut of the ashes of the 2002 fire that destroyed the St. John’s Catholic Church (built in 1931) on 10th Street in Kensington has risen the St. John’s on 10th condo. Well, first Streetside Developments, the developer had to negotiate a deal to buy the land from the church, then as they were about to apply for a change in land-use in November 2006, the City decided they needed to amend the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Area Redevelopment Plan to include “Transit-Oriented Development” principles. Finally, with an approved development permit in December 2010, Streetside was able to begin building. The St. John’s on 10th condo is really two condos attached in the middle. One is an eight storey concrete, warehouse-looking red brick structure facing 10th Street N.W. with its retail spaces at street level and condos above, while the other is a four-storey, wood-framed building facing west onto 10A Street N.W.

IMpOrtaNCE OF LINKagEs

Calgary’s S2 Architecture, paid homage to the old St. John’s Church by using red brick as the main façade material. Red brick pilasters (an architectural term that refers to a rectangular column that gives the appearance of support but is only decorative) wrap around the base of both buildings, connecting them visually. The pilasters also link the ground floor commercial to the residential above. The use of red brick also makes links to the many other early 20th century red brick buildings that make Kensington Village one of Canada’s most charming urban

playgrounds. The architects and developer also successfully linked the new building to the existing land uses. For example, on 10th Street N.W., the retail spaces at grade enhance the goal of creating a contiguous pedestrian experience from the river to 5th Avenue. And, on the 10A Street N.W. side, the building slopes down to integrate with the single-family homes and small apartment across the street.

rIsE OF thE MId-rIsE

St. John’s on 10th is classified as a mid-rise building, defined as being between four and 12 floors. Calgarians can expect to see more and more of this type of building as part of the urban densification of our established communities. Especially those along key transportation corridors where the combination of transit, ground floor retail and upper floor residential are considered to be the best use of the land. St. John’s on 10th and other Kensington mid-rise condos like PIXEL and LIDO foreshadow what’s to come to other established communities as the City implements its Corridor initiative. Mid-rise buildings are preferred for sites adjacent to single-family homes as they are less foreboding and don’t cast long shadows. Visually, they seem more human scale and with shops at ground level, they are more pedestrian-friendly. Back story:

Paris’ city centre is almost entirely populated by buildings that are six to 10 floors, since without elevators (the elevator didn’t come into common use until the late 19th century), that was as high as most people would climb.

Last WOrd

One of the biggest challenges with the St. John’s on 10th project was the patience and persistence it took for Streetside to work with the City and the community to ensure the project met everyone’s immediate and long-term needs. The end result is a handsome, timeless building that everyone will be proud of for years to come. CL

richard White is the urban strategist at Ground3 Landscape Architects. He has written about urban living, urban development and urban design for 25 years. He can be followed @ everydaytourist or you can view more of his blogs, rants and essays at www.everydaytourist.ca CO N D O L I V I N G AuGust 2014

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Editor’s note: Readers are encouraged to ask their most confounding condo questions to our resident condo specialist: Maria Bartolotti.

ASK MARIA By maria Bartolotti

sPAM NO MOre

how canada’s new anti-spam legislation affects condo owners

anada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) came into effect on July 1, 2014, and it is a tough law that is meant to crack down on unwanted e-mails and texts, and it will apply to companies and organizations worldwide. The new Anti Spam laws do not just target spam. These new laws include aspects that include ANY electronic message that includes a commercial component. This can make the job of communicating between the condo board, the condo management company and the condo members that much more difficult. How does this affect you, well, like most management companies, on behalf of the Board of Directors you’ve been carefully collecting contact information, sending updates, holiday greetings and newsletters to your list of owners. Social media has evolved over the years and with twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other outlets, you will want to understand how CASL impacts your organization. CASL requires prior consent to send an individual any kind of electronic communication (email, text, instant message and so on) for the purpose of encouraging them to engage in a commercial activity. It’s up to the board, or management company to prove that they’ve been given that consent either express or implied. A great way to do this, is through an opt in or opt out mechanism on your website that will also have a record in your web logs of who has consented or unsubscribed from your services. CASL expressly provides for reliance on implied consent only in cases of

existing “business relationships” or “non-business relationships”. These are defined categories that are much more narrow than the ability to rely on the “reasonableness” test for implied consent under PIPEDA. Violators can be faced with heavy fines up to ten million dollars for not complying with the new legislation. I myself am still learning about the new legislation and would recommend to all management companies and boards to look into the potential risks involved with CASL. It is also important for you to understand the rules involved with CASL and to verify that your company email practices are consistent with those rules. Don’t get caught off guard, know the legislation. Until next time… CL

Maria Bartolotti

A.C.C.I, is the ownermanager of New Concept Management Inc. she has developed a strong reputation for rendering timely and eﬃcient services to the condominium industry. Maria believes that her company’s success hinges on her hands-on approach to condominium management as well as maintaining open lines of communications with her clientele. Maria is actively involved in her industry. For more information, visit www.newconceptmanagement.com CO N D O L I V I N G AuGust 2014

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HOPE AT LARGE By marty hope

BuILDING AN eMPIre Kevin mullen brings empire to multi-family market

hat the heck, if you’re gonna go, go big. Kevin Mullen saw his opportunity to get into the luxury townhouse market and jumped at it. Now, the president of Empire Custom Homes, recently named Calgary’s Builder of Merit by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region, is in a position to show that segment of the house-buying public what he has to offer. Maybe an asterisk should be put alongside that statement. At the beginning of this year, Empire purchased Valour Park — a 32-unit townhouse project in Currie Barracks — from the now defunct Greenboro Homes and set about getting the first nine residences ready to bring to the public. Construction of the second and third phases, which will complete a horseshoe arrangement around the commemorative Valour Park will commence in 2016. “Phase one was partially built when we bought it, and literally took construction back to the studs to make changes I thought were needed,” says Mullen from the boardroom of his Empire Kitchen & Bath — a successful business he established in 1991 to cater to discerning consumers looking for the best of the best in kitchen and bath brands. “We had to go back a bit to move the project forward. It was a complex undertaking but something that was essential to meet our standards,” he says of what will be a 32-home project when complete. Residences measuring from just over 2,900 square-feet to almost 3,600 squarefeet over three levels will be priced from about $1.8 million to $2.6 million, plus GST.

Each will have at least three baths, two or three bedrooms, a flex area, an option for a secondary suite in some, and personal elevator to all levels of the townhouse. In addition there will be individual underground double garages for all residents, decks with fireplaces looking onto Valour Park, caesarstone countertops, a selection of hardwood, carpet, and tile, stainless steel appliances, and in-floor radiant heating on all levels. Top-end brand names will include Downsview Kitchens, Waterworks plumbing fixtures, SubZero and Wolf appliances. “We’ll have a good chunk of the interiors done by mid-summer, and hope to have a sales centre open by the end of summer,” says Mullen. “It’s been a great process and we’re excited to bring something new to Calgary, a true luxury townhome.” For Empire, which has been building detached homes since 2003, this is the first foray into the multi-family — but it won’t be the last. “We’re going to use Valour Park to launch us into the luxury townhouse market,” he says. “We’re going to take what we’ve learned in the custom single-detached market and offer the same to those who want to buy a townhouse,” says Mullen. And those buyers, he expects, will be made up mostly of the 50-plus households with the kids already gone, or about to leave, the lock-and-leave crowd — those

Kevin mullen

looking for “true luxury living.” Valour Park is defined by three large statues representing the three branches of Canada’s armed forces — the army, navy, and air force. In addition to the statues, there are storyboards that describe the role of each of the services during the Second World War. Visit valourpark.com for more information on Valour Park luxury townhouses. CL

Marty hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry. CO N D O L I V I N G AuGust 2014

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AROUND TOWN By Pepper rodriguez

KnightsBridge enters east village With n3

new wave of vibrant, youthful energy is injected into Calgary’s East Village with the announcement of a new multi-family development that will cater to a new generation of homeowners who don’t necessarily depend on cars to get around. Knightsbridge Homes is the first Calgary-based developer to enter East Village’s condo market and they are offering a product that has never before been done in the city. Aptly named N3 to reflect the project vision — “New Attitude, New Living, New Vision” — the Knightsbridge development will only have parking for bikes and ‘micro cars’. “Our research has revealed that owning a car is not necessarily a priority among the new generation of homebuyers, especially in the downtown,” Knightsbridge Homes President Joe Starkman tells Condo Living. This allows Knightsbridge to offer condos from under $200,000 for a 480-square-foot one-bedroom unit. It is “enormously affordable” downtown living, Starkman says. The pedestrian-oriented lifestyle offered in East Village also suits this demographic. “We’re a

transit-oriented-development in every sense of the word, as N3 will be only 272 steps to the City Hall C-Train station.” N3 is also designed with lots of social open spaces for entertaining and hosting, Wi-Fi connectivity throughout and each unit comes fully furnished. Additionally, to support the marketing platform of — No car, No parking, No problem — each buyer will receive a lifetime membership with the Car2Go program as well as a $500 credit. Bicycles designed for the urban lifestyle are also provided. Two 14-storey towers are planned along 8th Avenue S.E., sandwiching the historic St. Louis Hotel building. They will have a total of 300 units (160 in the East Tower that is expected to go up first). One- and two-bedroom units are offered averaging around the $225,000 mark. Knightsbridge are the makers of the hit University City in Calgary’s northwest, which is already on its fourth tower with only 24 units left to be sold. “We intend to start registering interest in the project as soon as we receive our Development Permit,” Starkman says. He expects sales to begin by the fall.

chBa – calgary’s neW Board Facing steeP challenges

he Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region introduces the 2014-2015 Executive and Board of Directors. But the outgoing president warns that the new board will face increasingly difficult times for the industry. Outgoing CHBA – Calgary Region president Doug Whitney says that homebuilders are already feeling the pinch due to the tightening doug Whitney supply of available land for development. Whitney, the vice-president of sales for Crystal

Creek Homes, says smaller builders have already had to lay off staff because of this. He says Crystal Creek had to lay off 50 per cent of its staff this year and that other mid-sized builders with $40-$60 million in annual business face a similar plight. This comes even as a recent report by Will Dunning Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in housing market analysis, says there were 12,584 new housing starts in Calgary last year with 42,600 jobs in new home construction, renovation and related fields generating $2.7 billion in wages. Whitney says it’s important the new CHBA – Calgary Region board continue to work to ensure that the industry remains to be an engine of growth.

The new CHBA – Calgary Region executive board of directors are: President — Wayne Copeland, Director, Business Development, Double R Building Products Ltd. 1st Vice- PresiWayne copeland dent — Wendy Jabusch, Vice President, Calgary Housing, Brookfield Residential 2nd Vice-President — Roger Duurtsema, Director, Alberta Sales, Ply Gem Secretary/Treasurer — Howard Tse, President, Cedarglen Homes

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around toWn |

sPring creeK celeBrates 10th anniversary With annual BlocK Party

springcreek seniors residence

pring Creek celebrated its 10th Anniversary with its Annual Block Party in Canmore and the opening of its new Discovery Centre. Hosted by the Property Owners’ Association and Spring Creek, the Annual Block Party took on new meaning this year as it was a decade ago that Spring Creek unveiled its impressive vision for a neighbourhood community in the heart of downtown Canmore. “This was an occasion to thank the community for their support over the past decade,” says Frank Kernick, developer of Spring Creek. “Canmore’s spirit of community is great and continues to grow.” Kernick reinvented his grandparent’s dairy farm to carry on an 87-year old tradition to embrace his family’s commitment to the land. Spring Creek’s mountain neighborhood is bordered by two spring-fed creeks and is situated on 70 acres off Main Street in Canmore. It is comprised of mountain lodge condominiums, an active living +65 residence, villas, estate home sites and vacation suites. The event also marked the opening of Spring Creek’s Discovery Centre on the site of the new Creekstone Mountain Lodge. The newest Spring Creek lodge now open for sale includes luxury one, two and three bedroom condominium suites. Pre-construction pricing is starting at $349,000. The Lodge includes a courtyard with outdoor hot tub, an owners’ wine lounge and exercise rooms. It is appealing to both recreational property homebuyers and those seeking new permanent residences. Spring Creek is poised to unveil a new one-bedroom show suite demonstrating the level of luxury soon to be available at Origin at Spring Creek, the +65 residence opening in Spring 2015.

creekstone mountain lodge

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BrooKField donates art mural to Bridgeland

eading land developer and homebuilder leaves legacy with Bridgeland by gifting residents with an art mural to commemorate the community spirit shown during the June 2013 flood Together with Studio C, Brookfield Residential worked with residents to create an art mural for the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association after celebrating Neighbour Day with the community in June. Throughout the day, Calgarians joined in and painted on a canvas that ultimately depicted volunteers working together to clean up after the flood. The mural is meant to celebrate the community spirit of Bridgeland and will be installed permanently in the Bridgeland Community Hall at a later date. Bridgeland was one of the hardest hit areas during the flood, and as one of the builders in Bridgeland, Brookfield Residential’s employees spent a significant number of volunteer hours in the community to help with the relief efforts. “Brookfield Residential builds with a long term vision in mind in every community,” says Trent Edwards, Chief Operating Officer at Brookfield Residential Alberta. “In Bridgeland, the residents create a great sense of belonging, which is what attracted us there in the first place. The flood strengthened this community spirit, and we were proud to play a small part in helping out. We are thrilled to be l to r: mark vazquez — able to go back and celebrate with community resident, gian-carlo, trent edwards, Peggy Wouts Bridgeland on this special day.”

tela is underWay

onstruction for Mission’s latest condo sensation, tela Condominiums, is underway and buyers are taking notice. “The response has been great!” tela marketing and sales manager Louise Jefferies tells Around Town at the sales and information centre located on 23rd Avenue S.W. “The building site located on 22nd Avenue S.W. is being cleared and underway! We are confident that buyers will see what tela offers is a stylish lifestyle that matches the easy village vibe and walkable nature of Mission, you’re close to the action of 4th Street, you can walk to 17th Avenue or downtown, and you’re surrounded by conveniences yet tucked away in a quiet part of the neighbourhood.” With one- and two-bedroom units available in a wide variety of floor plans, Jefferies says the four-storey tela offers easy convenience and style hard to find in other multi-family developments. Suites range from 584 to over 1,100 square-feet and start from the $280,000s. “Our homes on the first floor boast beautiful private patio areas and 10-foot ceilings, the 2nd and 3rd floor suites all have nine-foot ceilings and the fourth floor suites have 12-foot ceilings throughout with skylights overtop the kitchen islands; that give all suites plenty of light and airy spaces. All our units also have tall, ceiling-height windows that add to this allure.” Anticipated occupancy is Fall 2015.

| AROUND TOWN

Trump Vancouver attracts Calgary buyers

ancouver will be the site of the latest Trump Tower, but its clientele is expected to have a more international flavour with buyers from all over the world, including Calgary. Calgary’s reputation as a warm, welcoming city is much deserved; and its economic strength certainly adds weight to its attractiveness. The reception that the Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver received during the sales launch here was a strong validation for both those qualities. “We were very happy with the reception this luxury Vancouver project got here,” says Lily Korstanje, managing director of Magnum Projects, which is handling sales for this first Trump Tower in western Canada. “The interests we generated validates the entire raison d’etre of our trip out here,” she tells Around Town. Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver is expected to be completed in 2016, and the twisting tower will stand at 616 feet (63 stories) above Vancouver’s Golden Mile. It will have 218 residential condos starting at 599 square-feet at $762,300. “It will have the utmost in luxury finishes and price is up to $2,000 per square-foot, but I think its most distinguishing feature is its location on Georgia Street in Downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. “We’ve already had buyers from Russia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and I believe Calgarians will fit in well with this crowd, it’s certainly perfect as a second home as we’re only an hour’s flight away from Calgary,” she adds. Interested parties can go to www.sqftrealestate.com for more information. CL CO N D O L I V I N G august 2014

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calgary map | North West, North East and Inner City MAP LEGEND

High Volume Roads Main Roads

Parks Bodies of Water

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See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

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North West, North East and Inner Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;calgary 17

map

Inner City

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11 13 7

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North West | North East Projects 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Viridian Arrive @ SkyView Ranch Landings at Cougar Ridge

Sonoma at Sage Hill Panorama West Kincora Summit Emerald Sky Albert Park Station 43 Park The Post

Inner City Projects 1

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12 Groves of Varsity 13 Villas at Watermark

14 STEPS Bridgeland 15 Sage Place

16 Bridgeland Crossings 17 University City

18 Willow at Sherwood 19 einstein2

20 Arrive @ Redstone

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Vogue The Concord Avenue West End VEN Smith Drake The Park LIDO Riverfront Pointe Waterfront 6th and Tenth Mission 34 The Guardian South Verve District Evolution Kensington

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increase your advertising visibility take advantage of premium positions contact:

Heather Dougall 403.532.3101 heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca

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calgary map | South West, South East and Calgary Area

24 10 12

29 4

31 25

AIRDRIE

MAP LEGEND High Volume Roads Main Roads

5 7 9

Parks Bodies of Water

6 4

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

3 2

COCHRANE

1 1

CHESTERMERE

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OKOTOKS

South West, South East and Calgary Area | calgary 1 ZEN Auburn Bay 2 Ebony 3 The Gates 4 Einstein @ Marda Loop 5 Harvest Mosaic 6 Legacy Gate 7 Stonecroft Auburn Bay 8 Juno 9 Canoe

10 The District 11 Champagne

12 tela 13 Aura in Copperfield

Airdrie

11 3

16 Sobow 17 Chalet No 4 & No 5 18 Stonecroft at

Copperfield

19 Cranston Place 20 Bristol Townhomes 21 Sawyer Silverado

27 Copperfield Park II & III

28 Cranston Ridge 29 The Alexander

30 Valmont at Aspen Stone 31 THERIVER

of Quarry Park

23 Side by Side

Auburn Bay

Cochrane 1 Riviera Riversong

2 Windsong 3 Creekside Village 4 Waterscape at

2 Jumping Pound 3 4 5 6 7 9

25 Mission34 26 Mosaic Riverstone

22 Boulevard Townes

24 The Block

14 Mint 15 Hunter House

1 The Edge

Cooper’s Crossing 5 Stone Keep at King’s Heights 6 Ravenswood Townhomes

map

Townhomes Stonecreek Landing Trading Post The Village Townhomes in Sunset Ridge Heartland RiverReach The Range

CHESTERMERE 1 The Courtyards in

Chestermere

2 Townhomes of

Chestermere Station

Okotoks 1 ZEN Okotoks

13 14

18 27

9 19

28 26

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ADVERTISERS INDEX | Altadore Brookfield Residential page 2 ARRIVE Partners Development page 69 Aura Aldebaran Enterprises page 57 Avid Ratings page 82 Birchwood page 87 Brownstones, Sage Meadows Genesis page 11

Champagne Remington Development Corp., page 56 CHBA – Calgary Region page 78 Copperfield Park II Brad Remington Homes pages 91 & 96 District Boulevard Investments page 92 Evolution Embassy/Bosa page 6

Kincora Summit Cove Properties page 4 Kore Real Estate page 77

The Alexander Assured Communities page 47

Lido Battistella page 5

The Armory Cove Properties page 5

Liftt Vericon page 73

The Edge Streetside Developments page 93

Market Place Events page 67

The Gates Remington Development Corp. page 47

Morena West Rockford, page 63

Glas Avalon Master Builder page 30

Outlook at Waterfront Anthem Properties page 3

Guardian Hon Developments page 68

Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 51

Carlisle Group pages 18-19

Hunter House Streetside Developments page 46

SoBow M2i page 84

Chalet No 5 Sabal page 35

Kensington Bucci FC, pages 14-17

Stonecroft pages 40-41

Canoe at Auburn Bay Avi Urban page 80 Cardel Lifestyles page 9

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Tela page 52

The Groves of Varsity Statesman, page 23 The Landing at Rocky Ridge Swan Group, page 62 The Orchard Lamb Development Corp., page 43 The River page 95

Valmont Riverbend Developments page 34 Verve Fram/Slokker Developments page 29 Willow Avi Urban page 24 Zen, Auburn Bay Avalon Master Builder page 61 Zen, Okotoks Avalon Master Builder page 28

Feature | tales from the condo zone Got an interesting Condo Tale to tell? Email us at jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

home is where the heart is stOry By jIM zaNg ILLustratION By LaMa azharI

few years back, my Dad had a heart attack. Turns out it wasn’t the first he’d had, just the first we’d found out about, because it put him in the hospital and they had to find next of kin. My brother has had my Dad’s power of attorney for a few years, he is a lawyer, after all, so his name was in the system and he got the call. Not only is my brother my Dad’s lawyer, but also his landlord. He bought a condo in Vancouver, because that’s where Dad wanted to live, and let him stay there. After the heart scare it was determined bypass surgery was necessary, and soon, so my brother, sister and I took turns flying out and checking in on Dad for a couple of days every week until the big day. Lucky me, as the oldest, I got to be there the day of his actual open heart sugery. WestJet has so many flights, and I’m flying carry-on, so I’m literally at the airport in Calgary, on my plane and touching down in Vancouver in about an hour and a half. Sure beats that 12 hour drive I’ve done so often. I’ve never been to the condo before. Dad’s

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always come to Calgary to visit us, usually during Stampede. Turns out, it’s a pretty nice place. Not big, about 700 square-feet, with two decent-sized bedrooms and a stacked washer/dryer set in its own closet. The living room is comfortable, with a huge picture window, the kind my Dad loves to sit in front of, and a small balcony off to the side. The kitchen is another story. It’s absolutely the smallest kitchen nook I have ever seen. Ever. Anywhere. Of course, when all you really ever cook is oatmeal, how much kitchen do you need? The building itself is in good shape, quite sharp looking actually, with a small gated courtyard. The location, smack in the middle of Kitsilano, walking distance to Jericho Beach and the Yacht Club, is perfect. There’s all kinds of boutique stores and coffee shops in the area and the bus to UBC stops just a block over. The trees are in bud and flowers in bloom and it’s only March. I’m starting to see what he likes about living here. Inside, he’s got the place decorated early cowboy, unlike any other condo in trendy Kits I’m sure. There’s a photo of his horses, Chipper and Miracle. There’s a photo collage

with stars like John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart and the like, with a photo of my Dad literally cut and pasted strategically onto the page. I guess that’s how they did it before photoshop. There’s his hockey and football trophies, and we won a lot of them. All the kids wanted to play for Mr. Zang’s team. And not just because we won, but because we had fun, and free Mr. Soft Drink pops after ever game. There’s the engraved platter my Dad got from his hockey team one year. That was the first year I didn’t play for him. He signed up to coach and then I made the team above that level, for the first time ever. There’s his photos of our family. My sister and her two kids. My brother and his girlfriend. My wife and our two kids. And some photos of Disneyland, of course. My Dad loves Disneyland. In fact, when he dies he wants us to scatter his ashes on Tom Sawyer Island. “Sure, Dad,” I said as they wheeled him into surgery. “But what will we do with that great condo?” “You’re right,” he said. “See you in a few hours.” CL

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