Condo Living - January 2015 by Source Media Group

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COntents January 2015 | VOLUME 11

ISSUE 181

14 Focus On 14 | Tick tock See time in a new and stylish way Condo Profiles 21 | Juno’s style Juno townhomes exemplify stylish inner-city living 26 | Head West Avenue West End shines light on alluring part of downtown 31 | Hilltop haven The sexy, stylish thrill of Bridgeland Hill 36 | Inner-city opportunity Brookfield Residential is coming to Altadore Community Profile 41 | Natural beauty Walden’s close-to-nature approach creates environmental neighbourhood

Cover Feature 16 | Small is better Victory & Venture brings new style and affordability to urban living CO N D O L I V I N G JA N UA RY 2015

COntents Lifestyle 46 | That prairie feeling Skyview Ranch evokes feelings of home for Manitoba native A day in Bridgeland/renfrew 51 | Hipster vibe Rejuvenated Bridgeland/Renfrew community attracts young crowd Feature 56 | Cool fit Staying active during the chilly months is trendy, fun and good for you news 61 | Homexpo 2015 Homexpo presenters bring design and investment tips home

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

A new start

I know I may sound like I’m jumping the gun here, after all our January issue hits stands a few days even before Christmas. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity now. We’d like to kick off the year with the debut of our new regular feature: A Day in (community). Written by veteran lifestyle writer Shelley Boetcher, this feature aims to introduce Calgarians — particularly those new to the city — to the various amenities that can be found in a specific community, what you can find here when you spend a day or an afternoon. Think of it as a map for hidden treasures in the city. We start with A Day in Bridgeland/ Renfrew and Shelley gets to the bottom of why this historic community is often compared to Brooklyn, New York’s hipster haven. Of course, we still have David Crosson’s Style column, Kathy McCormick’s Shopping tips, and Aaliya Essa Focus On photo features to round out Condo Living’s lifestyle content. After all, we don’t just tell you which condo may best fit your lifestyle, we also offer a package of editorial features that give the best options on how to make the most of this lifestyle. As long as we’re talking about Bridgeland, our cover feature on Providence Group’s Victory & Venture puts a spotlight on the most affordable Next month:

A Day in Inglewood/ Ramsay

two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos in the heart of this trendy inner-city community. It’s a very inner-city-specific issue this month, as we take a look at the other developments going on around downtown’s fringes, including Avenue West End just to the west of the core; Juno in the rejuvenated Currie

Barracks community; Altadore 36 in — you guessed it — Altadore; and finally back to Bridgeland with GableCraft’s Bridgeland Hill. We also have Courtney Allen’s how to stay fit in the winter article, which would seem appropriate in the days after the holiday eating binge. We also want to remind everyone of the upcoming Homexpo 2015 happening in January, check out who’s coming in this issue. Last year saw a flurry of multi-family development activity, which pushed Calgary’s home starts to the stratosphere. It is expected to cool a little this year, but no matter what happens, Condo Living will be your best guide to what’s available out there. Happy New Year!

@CondoLivingYYC

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Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

Happy New Year, Calgary! Welcome to 2015!

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

Rylyn Kvarnberg rylyn.kvarnberg@sourcemediagroup.ca Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Courtney Allen, Maria Bartolotti, Elizabeth Booth, Darlene Casten, David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Richard White photography

Don Molyneaux 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 181 • 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

CondoLivingCalgary

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FOCUS ON |

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10 By Aaliya Essa

Tick c ttock

See time in a new and stylish way

Measuring time has certainly come a long way, from sand moving through an hourglass, or even the position of the sun, accuracy was a little trivial back in the day. Now though, clocks have an entirely new identity, one that is accompanied by a variety of stylish faces that tells you the exact time. Wall clocks don’t just tell time, they can be an elegant way of informing a home’s personality as well. CL

3 [1] Pendant Wall Clock, $49.99, at EQ3. [2] Telephone Clock, $45.95 at Pier1 Imports. [3] Infinity Instruments Helix Wall Clock, $69.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [4] Colourful Bicycle Clock, $49.95 at Pier1 Imports. [5] Antique Anchor Wall Clock, $39.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [6] Cupecoy Design Espresso Retro Wall Clock, $69.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [7] Spike Clock, $79.99 at EQ3. [8] Telephone Booth Clock, $64.95 at Pier1 Imports. [9] Karlsson 32-Inch DIY Grand Numbers Wall Clock, $89.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [10] Cupecoy Design Do-It-Yourself Chrome Ball Clock, $69.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. CO N D O L I V I N G JA N UA RY 2015

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| advertising cover Feature |

Small is better Victory & Venture brings new style and affordability to urban living

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he name of this new condo development from The Providence Group in Bridgeland is Victory & Venture, but a perfect alternative alliteration may be Win-and-Win, because it doesn’t take a genius to realize the unmatched affordability and lifestyle value it offers. This four-storey low rise on the corner of Edmonton Trail and 4th Avenue N.E. goes beyond the glitz of its modern, European-inspired design, to also offer the most affordable two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos this close to the downtown core. “Our two-bedroom, two-bath suites not only are the most affordable in the inner-city, but they exemplify the ‘right-size living’ ideal that we strive for,” says Providence Group President Gary Beyer. Not only is it smartly designed to suit the particular lifestyle of today’s young urban dwellers, they are priced to match their budget as well, starting at the very affordable $320,000 range. “Most of our buyers are in the 25- to 35-years-old range and we’ve designed our suites to cater to their tastes,” Beyer says. “They have a very active lifestyle and love to explore the community they live in. We found out that many in this demographic don’t really have a need for a dining space, so we just included a flex table with the central island to save space and bring in something that’s more useful and practical to their lifestyle, like a second bathroom.” This understanding of their target market has resulted in strong sales, with

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over half of Victory & Venture’s 83 units already sold. Adding allure to its attractive price point and distinct modern style is its enviable location in Bridgeland — the historic inner-city community that is undergoing a renaissance and is now being compared to Brooklyn in New York for its flair and vibrancy. “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,” Beyer says. It’s a synergistic relationship between the development and the community, as Victory & Venture’s residents will add youthful energy and vitality to the streets of what is becoming one of Calgary’s most trendy neighbourhoods. Victory & Venture’s residents will get to enjoy the several dining establishments within walking distance, unique boutique shops that lend to an authentic local experience are all around. Best of all is that they can walk to work downtown. “From our location, residents can choose to walk to work downtown or to the LRT station, but Victory & Venture does also have a two-level heated, secured parkade, and almost all units are provided a parking stall.” Victory & Venture is the follow-up to Providence’s enormously successful V&V@Marda Loop, and similar to its predecessor, its genius is in the details. “Our units are 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. The concept for Victory & Venture is based on a contemporary European design, with creative storage solutions, allowing residents

…understanding of their target market has resulted in strong sales, with over half of Victory & Venture’s 83 units already sold.

» Residents can take full advantage of the two expansive roof top patios and gardens.

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| Advertising cover Feature |

Fa s t Fa c t s Community: Bridgeland Project:

Victory & Venture

Developer: Providence Group Size:

From 478 – 1,010 sq. ft.

Price:

From $320,000 – $375,000 and $389,000 – $475,000 for two-level units

Style:

Apartment style condos

Address:

514 4th Ave. N.E.

Sales Centre: Hours:

139 – 17th Ave. S.E.

Monday – Thursday noon to 6 p.m., Friday available by appointment only, Saturday – Sunday

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. The bathrooms are a masterpiece of modern design that includes a tiled open shower, floating sink vanity, and a tankless toilet, all laid out in an efficient plan that allows Providence to offer two-bedroom two-bath units. “Two bedroom units with just one bathroom doesn’t make much sense to us, this is just another way where we don’t compromise quality.” 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. Residents can also take full advantage of the two expansive roof top patios and gardens, “that give unobstructed views of the city,” says Beyer. “Everyone gets the million-dollar view of the downtown.” The patios include a space for lounging, a fireplace to cozy up and a space for yoga. There’s also an in-house fitness centre. There are one-, two-, and-three-bedroom options available, each showcasing their excellent use of space, and ability to allow for multi-functional rooms. Also available are two-storey residences that exemplify the best of urban multi-family living. These units range from 841 to

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noon to 4 p.m. Website: www.victoryandventure.com

1,010 square-feet and start from $389,000 to $475,000 — again, enormously affordable for the value it offers. 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 uncompromised living at its finest. Buyers can look forward to moving into the first building in the fall of 2015, and the second building later the same year. n

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Juno townhomes exemplify stylish inner-city living

Juno’S Style By PEPPEr rODrIguEz

uno is a name that resounds through mythology and Canadian history, and soon the name will become synonymous to the exclusive, stylish lifestyle offered in Avi Urban’s Juno townhome development in Currie Barracks. Juno is the name of the Canadian beachhead during the Normandy invasion of World War II, and the name fits well with the built-in historical value of Currie Barracks — the former military base in Calgary that is being converted into a premier inner-city neighbourhood. Besides being the Canadian version of the Grammys, Juno is also the name of the Roman queen of the gods, the wife of Jupiter, and buyers will indeed feel rewarded and blessed owning one of the only 20 townhomes. Juno will be Avi Urban’s third development in Currie Barracks and it looks like it will be another hit for the multi-family arm of Homes by Avi, as this exclusive development is being very well received.

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“Buoyed by our success at Victoria Cross Townhomes and The Terraces, we are very excited to present Juno” shares Charron Ungar, President, Avi Urban. “It is always a compliment when your product is well-accepted and the reception for Juno has been fantastic. With our groundbreaking, we now start the hard work of delivering on our vision for the development and over the next few months we will see the intended form come to life. It’s a very exciting time both to see Juno take shape and join in the growing community that the Canada Lands Company is nurturing at Currie Barracks.” Buyers can expect nothing short of top notch quality from Avi Urban, which took home the top prize for multi-family builder of the year at the 2014 Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Alberta Awards of Excellence in Housing. Juno itself scored a major coup when former NHL star Charlie Simmer and his wife, Jody, bought one of townhomes here. Simmer, now best known in town as a former TV commentator for the Calgary Flames, purchased a 1,503-square-foot two-bedroom home in Juno. “We are looking forward to moving into our Avi Urban townhouse at Currie Barracks and enjoying a great taste of inner-city living in a new exciting upscale community,” Charlie and Jody say. The 20 boutique homes in Juno at Currie Barracks range from

“IT’S A VERY EXCITING TIME BOTH TO SEE JUNO TAKE SHAPE AND JOIN IN THE GROWING COMMUNITY THAT THE CANADA LANDS COMPANY IS NURTURING AT CURRIE BARRACKS.”

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1,280 to 1,520 square-feet and feature detached garages and private backyards with lush landscaping. Custom accents like crafted mailboxes and plank porches create an east coast inspired streetscape. With pricing starting in the $600,000s, buying a home in Juno at Currie Barracks means embracing community, living local, and choosing a lifestyle that is authentically urban. Located in the heart of southwest Calgary, just off Crowchild Trail, Currie Barracks is a contemporary urban village where work and play rest in perfect balance, with vibrant amenity spaces just steps from your door. A distinctive, inviting and walkable community, Currie Barracks is only minutes from Calgary’s downtown core and will feature a network of diners, chic coffee shops and refined boutiques. With some of Calgary’s finest schools and parks nearby, life in this community is unmatched.

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FA S T FAC TS Community: Currie Barracks Project: Juno Developer: Avi Urban Style: Two- and three-bedroom townhomes Size: Starts from 1,280 sq. ft. Price: Starts from the $600,000s Sales Centre: Currie Barracks Sales Centre at 2953 Battleford Ave. S.W Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Directions: From Crowchild Tr. take Flanders exit and follow the signs Website: www.aviurban.com

The street appeal of the Juno townhomes is enhanced by having detached (single- or two-car) rear garages that preserve the unique East Coast-inspired frontage that features custom accents like crafted mailboxes, wrought iron fences, and plank porches. The authentic architecture is made even more noteworthy by the sturdy upscale finishes like full brick and James Hardie fiber cement siding. Residents also get private backyards with lush landscaping that make the great outdoors an extension of your home. They also feature award-winning LEED ND approved landscaping, including local vegetation and engineered water management, so it’s environmentally friendly and a breeze to maintain. Homes in Juno come well appointed for an inner-city lifestyle. Features include kitchens with complete Whirlpool appliance package; stylish, and full-height glass backsplash; full-height, soft-close custom maple cabinetry. Modern conveniences such as tech savy combination plug and USB charger are also provided in the kitchen. To get in on the final release of Juno, visit the Sales Centre in Currie Barracks located at 2953 Battleford Avenue S.W. CL CO N D O L I V I N G JA N UA RY 2015

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head west Avenue West End shines light on alluring part of downtown

By pepper rodriguez

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he east side of Calgary’s downtown may seem to be getting all the attention right now, with plans for a new central library and music centre, but the West End remains the foremost area for living in the heart of the city. The two-tower Avenue West End by Grosvenor and Cressey presents the best opportunity to do just that. Simply put, Avenue West End is being built in an established neighbourhood where amenities already exist and where there is no second-guessing the kind of lifestyle that can be expected. The West End’s rich history and pedigree, and its idyllic location on the scenic edge of downtown makes it easy for homebuyers to see the promise of a comfortable lifestyle within walking distance to the great amenities that central Calgary offers. Once completed, Avenue West End will be the first new multi-family residential development to be built in the West End in 10 years and is an excellent example of progressive design in urban living spaces. Homes feature high quality materials and generous outdoors space including a porte cochere driveway and stunning hotel-like entrance. A purpose built gym, lounge and concierge complete the in-building amenities that urban dwellers have deemed very important. According to Per Hvidsten, Development Manager for Grosvenor, this 319home two tower complex is the epitome of live-work-play lifestyle. Referencing other cities such as Vancouver and San Francisco, Hvidsten is candid when speaking of the maturation of the Calgary real estate market and strong trend

toward city living. “Homebuyers are seeing the benefits of living near work, schools and recreational amenities. Time has become very precious for people and their buying decisions reflect this.” Avenue West End is located on the corner of 5th Avenue and 10th Street S.W. and is within steps to the Bow River Walk, close the first fare-free LRT stop into the core, and walking distance from the CBD of Calgary. It is also just a five-minute stroll to the vibrant commercial district of Kensington Village across the 10th Street Bridge. “We are just steps away from the expansive river path where residents can run, bicycle and walk their dogs,” Hvidsten adds. The project is designed by world renowned Architect James Cheng, and promises to not only add to the beauty of Calgary’s ever-changing skyline but bring a new sense of modern living to the downtown core. Avenue West End Tower I will be strictly residential, while Tower II

will be primarily residential with a 1,500-square-foot commercial space on the corner of 5th Avenue and 10th Street S.W. Townhomes will be located at ground level of both towers with a north facing exposure, and condominiums will be located in the tower and podium levels. Avenue West End Tower I will have a total of 195 homes made up of one bedrooms, one bedroom plus den, two bedrooms, two bedrooms plus den and townhomes. Homes will range from 572 to 1,734 squarefeet. Every home at Avenue West End will include one titled parking stall and storage locker with option of purchasing a second stall. Located next to other high-rise residential buildings, the Avenue site sat for years as an underutilized surface parking lot, Hvidsten says. “Avenue will, through modern design and architectural elements,

Avenue west end will be the first new multi-family residential development to be built in the west end in 10 years and is an excellent example of progressive design in urban living spaces. CO N D O L I V I N G JA N UA RY 2015

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bring new life into the area. The development will bring more residents to the west end and improve the frontage on 5th Avenue with attractive townhomes facing 5th Avenue and the river.” Particular attention was given to the suites’ interiors. Avenue will be Calgary’s first residential development to offer the renowned CresseyKitchenTM which aims to strike a perfect balance between a dedicated culinary workspace and natural extension of your living space. All homes include real hardwood floors, over-height ceilings, air conditioning and in-floor heating in the master bathrooms. The kitchen is as stylish as it is functional, expanding the traditional U-shaped kitchen, and featuring a premium appliance package that includes two side by side, fully integrated fridges surrounded by fullheight, deep storage pantries, an integrated dishwasher, microwave, and wall oven. The CresseyKitchenTM was designed to maximize every inch of the kitchen space, providing more storage and utility, such as the Chef’s Wall, which places the oven and microwave at eye level for ease of use. Grosvenor is developing Avenue in partnership with Cressey Development Group, and their reputation and experience in urban condominium projects assures the development’s success. Mr. Hvidsten says their vision for an urban condo lifestyle in the downtown is in sync with the City of Calgary’s initiative to develop inner-city living for more Calgarians. “Calgary, like so many growing and dynamic cities around the world, will continue to see rapidly growing demand for urban living,” Hvidsten says. Avenue West End’s on-site Presentation Centre has two display suites (a one bedroom and a two bedroom) so interested parties can visit and experience the design and features on display in each home. CL

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Fa S t FaC tS COMMunIty: west end PrOJECt: avenue west end DEVELOPEr: grosvenor in partnership with cressey development group StyLE: condos and townhomes SIzE: 572 to 1,734 sq. ft. PrICE: starts from $374,900 aDDrESS: 1037 5th ave. s.w. hOurS: 12-6 p.m. saturday & sunday. 12-5 p.m. monday – thursday. closed Friday WEBSItE: www.avenuewestend.com

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Hilltop Haven

The sexy, stylish thrill of Bridgeland Hill

By pepper rodriguez

he dream used to be having a mansion on the hill, but with land prices the way they are in Calgary there’s no affordable way to make this dream come true, especially if you’re just starting out in your adult life. That is until Bridgeland Hill came along. Bridgeland Hill by GableCraft Homes offers 101 affordably priced apartment-style homes in the four-storey low-rise building along Edmonton Trail and 1st Avenue N.E. “It’s a terrific hilltop location with beautiful views of the city that you normally have to pay an arm-and-a-leg for,” says GableCraft’s Tiffany Ardolino. With prices starting in the low $300,000s, Bridgeland Hill does seem very appealing to young adults just getting their lives and careers started. As a matter of fact, hundreds of them lined up at the on-site sales centre when the project was launched in October. “When you see what we have to offer in terms of specs, and our prime location in Bridgeland, it’s easy to understand why buyers are so excited about this development,” Ardolino says. She says Bridgeland Hill’s tagline — “Young. Energetic. Connected” — encapsulates their appeal. “Not only is it a terrific price point but you get the benefit of living in a thriving, eclectic and inner-city community, in a building that offers terrific views of the city. It’s a million-dollar location at a fraction of the price.”

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One-, two-, and three-bedroom suites are available starting from 544 to 1,088 square-feet. Each suite displays an exquisite and simple design that provides the backdrop for refined living. Here you’ll find the perfect relaxing and entertaining space with everything essential and in its place. Enjoy your contemporary kitchen with premium quality appliances and a peaceful master bedroom with space to dream. The superior interior styling and finishing provides a warm welcome home. Oversized windows increase the flow of natural light and give residents that much more opportunity to enjoy the inspiring park and city views from their hilltop vantage. High quality, durable German-made HARO laminate floors throughout living, dining, and kitchen areas are standard and bring stylish elegance to each suite. Convenient USB outlets are placed in strategic locations in the master bedroom and kitchen for easy recharging of the ubiquitous electronic devices that are a staple of these modern times. Kitchens are as inspired in design as well with modern square-line cabinetry in high gloss or teak, luxurious polished square-edge

Each suite displays an exquisite and simple design that provides the backdrop for refined living.

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quartz slab countertops and large format gloss backsplash tiles. “We really went with high standard specs, you don’t really need to upgrade at all,” Ardolino says. Most suites also come with a parking stall in the heated and secure underground parkade. There is also a courtyard for residents to enjoy and where they can get to know their neighbours. “Sales have been terrific and we’re just about 45 per cent sold now,” says Bridgeland Hill sales manager Victoria Salter. “People are excited about what we have to offer.” Ardolino says that the GableCraft Homes — part of the Apex Builder Group — is quite keen on Bridgeland and all it has to offer. “Bridgeland Hill is our second development here,” she says, and comes after their successful Bridgeland

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Crossing development. “The first phase of Bridgeland Crossing is all but sold out and the second phase is going really well too,” Ardolino says. 2015 looks to be an even bigger year for the B.C.-based developer as they get ready to launch two more developments in the Calgary area, including a villa development in Airdrie, and townhomes in the northwest community of Sherwood. Construction has started at Bridgeland Hill and first possessions will in 18 to 20 months. Visit their sales centre on 736 1st Avenue N.E. CL

FA S T FAC TS Community: Bridgeland Project: Bridgeland Hill Developers: GableCraft Homes Style: Apartment-style condos Size: From 577 to 1,088 sq. ft

Oversized windows increase the flow of natural light and give residents that much more opportunity to enjoy the inspiring park and city views.

Price: From the low $300,000s Address: Corner of Edmonton Tr. and 4th Ave. N.E. Sales centre: 736 1st Avenue N.E. Hours: Daily noon to 6 p.m., closed Fridays Website: www.gablecrafthomes.ca

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Inner-city opportunity by Aaliya Essa

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Brookfield Residential is coming to Altadore!

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veryone has a wish list when looking for a new home. The top priorities for most people are generally: location, design and price. Altadore 36, the newest urban development by Brookfield Residential checks off all the boxes. Buyers will soon have the opportunity to experience living in a one of a kind development in Altadore, one of Calgary’s most sought after communities “One of the biggest selling features of Altadore 36 is the community and what the community has to offer,” says Ryan Moon, Associate General Manager for Brookfield Residential. “Altadore has all the amenities and is already a vibrant community with trendy Marda Loop a very short walk from the site,” he adds. ”Another great feature of Altadore 36 is that while it’s in a vibrant, established community close to downtown, you avoid the congestion in the downtown core. It’s really a location that offers the best of both worlds.” Altadore 36 will be located on 36th Avenue and 16th Street S.W. This development is a rare find for buyers looking to live in a high-end community at an affordable price, an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often.” There are only 62 homes making this an intimate development, which includes 34 Townhomes and 28 Penthouse Flats. The price of the townhomes will begin in the high $500,000s and low $600,000s, ranging in size from approximately 1,240 square feet to over 1,550 square feet. The price of the Penthouse Flats will begin in the low $300,000s, which range from approximately 580 to over 1,250 square-feet. With a variety of one and two bedroom floor plans to choose from, buyers will be able to find the floor plan that best fits their lifestyle. Whether for working professionals who enjoy the surrounding coffee shops and quick walk to the nearest lounge, or couples wishing to downsize in order to travel without the maintenance of yard work, Altadore 36 has a home to fit every stage of life. Style and quality are certainly two of the key ingredients in Altadore 36, “this project is going to include high end finish

“While it’s in a vibrant, established community close to downtown, you avoid the congestion in the What makescore.” this downtown

development so unique is that it all sits on a 50-footwide-by-140-feet-long parcel of land on Mission along the Elbow River. »

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FAST FACTS Community: Altadore Developer: Brookfield Residential Project: Altadore 36 Style: Townhomes and Penthouse Flats size: Townhomes 1,240 to 1,550 sq. ft.; Penthouse Flats 585 to 1,250 sq. ft. price: Townhomes starting from the high $500,000s; Penthouse Flats from around the $300,000s sales centre: Opening in spring of 2015 Website: www.altadore36.com

“It has been designed for someone who is going to truly live in Altadore; who wants to experience all that Altadore has to offer and be a part of this community.” es, for example; engineered hardwood floors, quartz countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom(s) and full sized, European stainless steel appliances in the modern kitchens. Each home will also have its own full size, in-suite laundry,” says Moon. Every Townhome and a majority of the two bedroom Penthouse Flats will include two underground, titled parking stalls, yes you read correctly, two titled parking stalls! A rare find in Calgary. Each of the one-bedroom penthouse flats will include one underground titled parking stall. Altadore 36 sets itself apart with the abundance of exterior amenity space. The development will include an interior landscaped courtyard and both private and public rooftop patios. These retreats will provide all owners with a place to entertain their friends or family and barbeque with the cityscape as their backdrop. The townhomes will each include their very own street front or courtyard oriented oversized patios, plus, access to the common area

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rooftop. Holding onto summer will be easy at Altadore 36. Brookfield Residential is an award winning developer that has been building homes since 1958. They have a well-earned reputation for excellence in the new home market, not only in Calgary, but in 11 other North American markets. Brookfield is not new to the inner city market, they have successfully developed and sold out projects such as, Axio, Mosaic Bridgeland, and are actively marketing Infills on 5th in West Hillhurst. “Altadore 36 is designed with the end user in mind,” says Moon. “It has been designed for someone who is going to truly live in Altadore; who wants to experience all that Altadore has to offer and be a part of this community. All homes have a connection back to the community through oversized windows, indoor living with a connection to the outdoors, and functional, yet stylish floor plans.” The owner can easily walk to River Park, coffee shops, grocery stores or come home from work and entertain on their choice of outdoor amenity spaces. Potential buyers are invited to learn more by registering at www.altadore36.com. The sales centre is expected to open in the Spring of 2015. Now is the perfect time to sign up in order to receive up to date information and be added to the VIP list for the first opportunity to purchase a home. As this is an intimate development and there are only so many homes available in this well sought after community. CL

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Natural beauty Walden’s closeto-nature approach creates environmental neighbourhood by Elizabeth Chorney-Booth

alden: A Life in the Woods, a classic work of literature by Henry David Thoreau, is an ode to the wonders of living in a natural setting. Thoreau’s musings may seem to be fairly far removed from what you’d expect from a suburban neighbourhood, but his love of the outdoors and the calm that nature can bring to people’s lives is exactly what inspired Genstar Development in the creation of Walden, a uniquely landscaped community located in Calgary’s southeast. Filled with a mix of new condos, townhomes, semi-detached, and single-family homes designed to complement their natural surroundings, the homes of Walden are built around several green spaces, including naturalized ponds. Even though the community is relatively new (construction started in 2008), there’s a maturity to the trees and parks that’s rarely seen in such a new community. Patrick Briscoe, Genstar’s Development Manager, says that the neighbourhood was designed around existing trees to maximize that sense of natural retreat.

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“The parks and open features were designed around tree stands that were already on the land to begin with,” Briscoe says. “Typically a developer would come in and knock down the trees and plant new trees in their parks, but we worked around them so you get that feel of established trees in a brand new community. You really get that feel of a big natural park setting that you can walk through.” Genstar aren’t just talking the talk with their dedication to outdoors with Walden — the developer also approached the project with environmentalism and sustainability in mind from its inception. Not only does the neighbourhood have that natural look that’s drawing in homebuyers, but Walden was the first community to hit all 11 of the City of Calgary’s sustainability principals. Maria Torralba and her family moved into a house in Walden in October of 2014. They chose Walden partially because of the look of the community and its commitment to green principles, but also because of its easy access to the rest of the city. The Torralbas wanted to stay in the SE (they previously lived in another community in the area) and with a clear path to both Mcleod Trail and Stony Trail, Walden seemed like the perfect fit for their family.

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“We just fell in love with Walden,” Torralba says. “Number one because of the location — it’s still very near the area that we prefer. Also, the feel of the community and the look of the houses here is quite unique and we were attracted to it right away.” Briscoe says that even though Walden is located in the developing suburban sector of the south, like Torralba, most residents find it very accessible to and from the rest of Calgary. The Shawnessy C-Train station is nearby for downtown commuters, and as Torralba mentioned, it’s easy to get to major commuter routes (there are also some major engineering firms nearby and many of those company’s employees, as well as health care workers from the South Health Campus, choose Walden for a particularly short commute). Even so, Briscoe says that many homeowners also enjoy that once they’re home at the end of the workday, they don’t have to go too far to get whatever they may need. The Walden Gate shopping centre is home to a number of shops and services, including a major grocery store. “People can come home, they can do their grocery shopping within their community and all the amenities are right there at their doorstep,” Briscoe says. “They can walk to the Walden Gate and grab a coffee, there’s s Starbucks there, there are banks there, there are restaurants. You don’t have to leave the community after you get there and that has really created a tight-knit community and is

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really attracting a lot of people to move there.” Residents can also expect a new, much larger, shopping centre to open in the coming years, something around the scope of the Shawnessy Towne Centre. That 65-acre project on 210 Avenue will be a joint effort between Genstar and West Creek Developments, with construction expected to start in a couple of years. Many homeowners are already happily living in Walden, but there is still plenty of opportunity for prospective residents to move into a brand new home in the community. In 2014 270 new lots were serviced in the neighbourhood, bringing the developer up to Phase 24 of the project, with 280 additional lots scheduled for 2015 and more new phases planned up to 2018. 2015 will see several show homes opening, including the reintroduction of new starter homes to the community as well as two new townhome projects, one from Avi Urban and one from Rockford Developments. Active show homes include townhomes in Avi Urban’s Edison project starting in the $330,000s; duplexes from Home by Avi starting in the $360,000s; single-family homes from Homes by Avi starting in the $480,000s; single-family homes from Cardel Homes starting in the $400,000s; single-family homes from Exel starting at $533,000; and a show home from California Homes priced at $850,000. New starter show homes from Exel Homes will open in spring or summer of 2015 and will start in the $390,000s for laned homes and in the $460,000s for homes with a front-drive garage. That’s a lot of choice and with even more options coming forth later this year, Walden is attracting a vibrant array of people. As it continues to grow, the community really has become the suburban refuge that the development team was inspired to build. CL

FA S T FAC TS Community: Walden Developer: Genstar Development Co. Builders: Multi-family from Avi Urban (Rockford Developments coming soon) Move-up homes from Cardel Homes, Centrex Homes, Excel Homes and Homes by Avi Semi-estate homes from Cardel Homes and California Homes Prices: Check with particular show homes for prices Directions: South on Macleod Tr. and left at 194 Ave. Website: www.genstar.com

Edison townhomes by Avi Urban

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That prairie feeling Skyview Ranch evokes feelings of home for Manitoba native Story by Darlene Casten Photos by Don Molyneaux

f you want to get to know Hannah, all you have to do is walk through her front door. The 29-year-old high school math and science teacher and Manitoba transplant lives in a three-story townhouse in the northeast community of Skyview Ranch. Hannah said the location of her house says almost as much about her as what you can find on the inside. Skyview Ranch, in Calgary’s far north, is where prairies meet city. “I love the prairies,” Hannah says. The native Manitoban grew up on the grasslands, but says it was the mountains that drew her to Calgary. As a youngster, Hannah said she and her family would make the 14-hour drive to Lake Louise for three days of skiing and then would hop back in the car for the trek home. During those couple of hours driving through the city, Hannah says she fell in love. “It’s got the prairies and the mountains,” she says, adding

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it was the perfect combination of feeling at home and providing the playground for her outdoor pursuits, which include hiking and skiing. After a year-and-a-half teaching at Tyndale Christian School, located near Chestermere, and renting an apartment Hannah decided it was time to find a home. Her search took her to northeast Calgary, which is close to her work and the mountains, where she spends many of her weekends. When she stepped into the show suite at the Marquis at Skyview Ranch townhomes, Hannah says she knew she had found her new home. The three-story, two-bedroom condominium by Lionsworthe Homes grabbed her attention immediately. “It was the right amount of space,” she says. “I wanted a sewing area and there is a bonus room that I use for my sewing area.” Many two-bedroom townhomes were using a two

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master-bedroom layout, she explains, but the bonus room was a big plus for her. She says because the master in this unit had an ensuite and a main bathroom, she knew it would work if she wanted a roommate or had guests and still gave her a space to be creative. The open concept main floor was also a plus, she adds, saying she could picture herself entertaining there. “When it caught my eye it was a Saturday and it was empty,” she recalls. “When I came back on Monday stuff was moving in and I said I wanted it.” A month later, Hannah was moving in and immediately began making the place her own. When asked to describe her style, Hannah says it’s simply ‘personal’. Looking around the 1,200-square-foot home, you can see what she means. Everything that she loves is on display. Whether it’s travel, her family, friends, her faith and even math are part of the décor that give Hannah’s tasteful home that personal touch. “Everything is made by my friends or are things I have done or are hand-me-downs,” she says. Mixing new with old and the pristine with the most basic materials makes for an eclectic

Mixing new with old and the pristine with the most basic materials makes for an eclectic mix that is all kept together with underlying farmhouse vibe. mix that is all kept together with underlying farmhouse vibe. In fact many of the materials used in the furniture she has made herself come from the farm she grew up on in Manitoba, where she says her father and uncle run one of the biggest greenhouses on the prairies. Hannah smiles while recalling taking plywood from a greenhouse delivery truck to create what is now her coffee table. Her brother helped her create the rough frame and then she set to work combining two of her passions — sewing and math to create a unique table cover. “It has a golden rectangle,” Hannah says, explaining that using the dimensions from a series of numbers, called the Fibonacci series, she created a series of squares that create a perfect rectangle. The series uses numbers that are often found in nature, which is an element she strives to have around her, whether its just outside her door, where there is a beautiful courtyard with a wood pergola and the Rockies to the west, or inside where pictures hang of her adventures in Alberta’s mountain ranges or on the west coast, where she recently hiked the west coast trail. When it comes to art and design, Hannah says she also gets a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, but she always takes the ideas and makes them her own.

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Because where better than your own home to keep it personal.

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Her latest project, a white map of the world painted on pallet boards from her family greenhouse, is a reminder of her travels, which included a study abroad session in the Netherlands, which led to adventuring all over Europe. Hannah says the next place she wants to visit is Russia, so in her recently created library, there is of course a Russian book section. The library is cleverly tucked away in a nook just off the kitchen. Using two bookshelves a comfortable chair and a quilt she made with her mom it serves as a place to unwind and a place to store her many books and personalized artwork. Because where better than your own home to keep it personal, she muses. CL

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Hipster vibe

Rejuvenated Bridgeland/Renfrew community attracts young crowd by shelley Boetcher

sense of adventure and a handful Italian restaurants — La Dolce Vita, the LDV Pizza Bar of cash. That’s all you need to and La Brezza — and the Calgary Italian Club still dot become an urban explorer. Then the neighbourhood. pick a neighbourhood and allow Then head north on Edmonton Trail where, just before yourself an entire day — or a few hours — 16th Avenue, you’ll find the community of Renfrew. Setto wander. Check out stores you’ve always tled mostly in the 1940s, Renfrew was a Royal Canadian meant to visit, and have a meal (or at least Air Force training base during the Second World War. a good coffee.) And enjoy a mini-vacation Now it’s home to an eclectic mix of in-fills, condos and in your own city. little war-time homes. But be warned: you’ll be planning your Then meander along Edmonton Trail and check out next trip before you’ve finished visiting the eateries, coffee houses, tattoo shops, skateboards, Bridgeland and Renfrew. A few hours in lingerie, you name it! There’s even an honest-to-goodness these newly rejuvenated neighbourhoods brick-and-mortar comic book shop (Redd Skull Comics) won’t be enough to see all that they offer. here. Family-friendly entertainment is also well at hand One of Calgary’s oldest communities, with Telus Spark and the ever popular Calgary Zoo Bridgeland was settled in the 1800s by along the southeastern fringes of the neighbourhood. Russian-German immigrants, but by the There are way too many interesting places to mention 20th century, it had become home to a large here, suffice to say, Bridgeland-Renfrew is a great place Italian population. A handful of wonderful to while away an afternoon.

Telus Spark Science Centre

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Bridgeland Market

The Main Dish

1104 First Ave. N.E. The wonderful Bridgeland Market makes buying groceries cool. The shop specializes in fine groceries and products from local producers, but also carries delicious things from around the world, too. Pick up a baguette, cheese and cured meats for a casual dinner. And try some ice cream from Made by Marcus, handcrafted here in Calgary.

Tazza Fresh 1105 First Ave. N.E. www.tazzafresh.com Across the street from Bridgeland Market is Tazza Fresh, home to some of the city’s best Lebanese cuisine. The Chicken Shish Tawouk Platter is super-satisfying. Then again, so is the Shawarma Salad. And don’t forget some of the melt-in-your-mouth baklava for dessert.

The Main Dish 903 General Ave. N.E. www.tmdish.com The team at The Main Dish sponsor a slew of Olympic and pro athletes, inTazza Fresh cluding bobsledder Kaillie Humphries and speedskater Gilmore Junio, as well as Calgary Stampeders teammates Jon Cornish and Matt Walter. A favourite weekend dish is the Gold Medal Wrap filled with eggs, cheddar, kale, potatoes and guacamole. Nutritional information is available.

Vita Fitness 925 First Ave. N.E. | www.vitafitness.ca Burn off some calories at Vita Fitness, where you’ll find small classes and personal training to keep you looking and feeling your best. Cross training, kick boxing, spin classes and nutritional counseling are just a few of the offerings. Vita Fitness

Luke’s Drug Mart 112 Fourth St. N.E. www.lukesdrugmart.com A drug store, post office, general store and coffee bar, all rolled into one place! This is where hipsters go, but Grandpa will feel at home, too. Some of the great stuff here: Pendleton blankets, Stanley Thermoses, vinyl records, Four Barrel coffee, Moleskine notebooks, indie magazines and turntables. Oh, and shampoo and groceries, too.

Baya Rica Cafe 204-7A St. N.E. | www.bayaricacafe.ca Baya Rica baristas roast their own beans, sourced from a handful of carefully chosen farms. Stop in to watch the action as the gorgeous red Giesen roaster does its magic. Then, of course, buy fresh beans to take home.

Il Sogno 24 Fourth St. N.E. | www.ilsogno.org Located in a classy old brick building on the edge of the downtown, Il Sogno is an ideal spot for a romantic date. It’s Italian dining at its finest: truffles, antipasti, fresh pastas, risottos and, of course, an incredible wine list.

Carino 709 Edmonton Tr. N.E. | www.carinobistro.ca Japanese cuisine melds with Italian and French culinary traditions at Carino. Go for dinner, if you can, but the place also does a great brunch featuring dishes like omelettes with edamame and bean sprouts. And there’s good wine; owner Toshi Karino is one of the city’s best sommeliers.

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Big Fish Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar 1112 Edmonton Tr. N.E. | www.big-fish.ca Next door to its sister restaurant, Open Range (also wonderful), Big Fish features casual dining by one of the city’s best chefs. Try the pan-roasted Manitoba walleye, or the lobster-stuffed brioche. On Sundays, the paella dinner is a must!

Royal Board Shop 814 Edmonton Tr. N.E. | www.royalboardshop.com Waiting for a table at the popular Over Easy brunch spot nearby? Kill time checking out the latest in skateboard and snowboard gear. Maybe update your wardrobe with a cool jacket, toque or tee. There’s an on-site tech shop, and staff offer skateboarding clinics for newbies, too.

Telus Spark 220 St. George’s Dr. N.E. | www.sparkscience.ca On the east edge of Bridgeland, Telus Spark is Calgary’s science centre. It’s famous for its family programming, but it also has adults-only nights featuring a licensed bar and programming just for grown-ups. On Jan. 8, you can check out Eats, Drinks and Chemistry, a night of “delicious science,” including hands-on explorations of molecular gastronomy and mixology. Then, on Feb. 14, couples and singles can explore the theme Love vs. Hate. You’ll create break-up animations and perhaps dissect a sheep heart. Buy tickets for either event and more online.

The Calgary Zoo 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E. www.calgaryzoo.com Penguins, giraffes, gorillas, tigers — there is so much to see and do for all ages at the Calgary Zoo. Book in advance online and go behind the scenes with the penguins, or check out one of the other special events. Pack a picnic to enjoy outside on a nice day, or nosh at one of the myriad on-site eateries. CL

Carino Bistro

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COOL FIT

Stair masters: allan and Caitlyn running up the Mchugh Bluﬀ s stairs.

Staying active during the chilly months is trendy, fun and good for you

By COurtnEy aLLEn

mages conjured up by the phrase, “staying fit during the winter months”, often looks like trudging through the snowy parking lot of your local fitness centre after work to make it to the six o’clock class or to sweat it out on the machines for 60 minutes while dreaming of that ice cold beer waiting in the fridge. Not a bad way to stay in shape during turkey season, if you’ve got the discipline; but let’s face it, this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re a traditional, consistent gym-goer, you’ve probably heard of some of Calgary’s premier fitness locales like Talisman Centre, The Winter Club and Western Canada Place. A membership affords you the space to workout, the expertise of trained gurus and the chance to beat the winter blues by getting those endorphins up as many days a week as you can handle. Another option is your local community centre, often staffed with energetic experts eager to help you find your groove in the world of healthful living. Beyond the circuit training and land of treadmills are step classes, cardio classes and the very popular dance ‘til you drop, Zumba! Not for the faint of heart, participants dance to Latin inspired, exuberant music in an environment that encourages confidence, friendship and support. Classes vary from place to place with some being drop-in and others registration required, so it’s best to check with your local gym to see what’s needed to attend. For those who can’t stand being cooped up in

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| Feature Mchugh Bluﬀ s stairs

yoga Passage

Caitlyn, boot camp member with kettlebells.

gyms, there’s plenty of outdoor fitness training options all over the city, but a popular spot is the stairs over on McHugh Bluffs. The 11-flights of stairs climbing from the base of the Calgary Curling Club off Memorial Drive up to Crescent Road N.W. at the top provide an energetic cardio workout that is not for the weak-willed. Allan Tigley runs the Bankers’ Hall Club boot camp that uses these stairs as a main part of their workout — weather permitting. “We run an intense 45-minute to an hour and a half workout and, it’s not for the faint of heart,” he says. They train indoors mostly in the winter, but some like — club member, Caitlyn, relish the outdoors and say -15 Celsius is her cutoff. The stairs are there for anyone to use as part of their training regimen. But — a note of caution — it does get slippery and Tigley says he’s been hurt there. “You don’t want to be running up and down those stairs when it’s wet and icy.” For the socially fit Calgarian, the Calgary Sport and Social Club launched the 2015 Winter League Season last December. Offering sports for co-ed teams of various ages and skill levels, there is a place for everyone and a time that works for almost every schedule and situation. Located all over the city, games are posted in advance and the opportunity to play as a sub makes it easy to get off the couch and get moving while

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Yoga Passage

ABOVE: YYC Cycle. Calgary’s zealous spin studio community has made its way into urban and inner-city centres with multiple studios around the city.

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making new friends. Tournaments, Events and Leagues are organized and refereed by sport-enthusiast staffers with a desire to provide fun recreation for all. It’s not uncommon for the group to head to a local pub or eatery after a game or event, thus enhancing one’s social circle. Still not your scene? Are you looking for a way to stay fit while developing a passion and way of life? How about spin class! Calgary’s zealous spin studio community has made its way into urban and inner-city centres with multiple studios around the city. YYC Cycle’s Andrew Obrecht says spin offers more than sixty minutes of sweat, “For us, it goes way beyond spin. The bikes become a platform for so many amazing things, the things that we list on this Mantra which can be seen when you enter our studio.” Amongst the list are betterment, motivation and happiness, goals often driving new years resolutions and the determination to stay fit during the chilly months. Along with the spin sensation is the fast growing fitness favourite of hot yoga. Kind of like a vacation to the tropics during the deep-freeze of January? Not quite. The temperatures are balmy for sure, but this is a workout, make no mistake. Yoga adds meaning and depth to life with its philosophy and encouragement of inner peace and finding your centre. Hot yoga has benefits for the joints by increasing flexibility in the warmth of the studio. Originating in India, where the climate is considerably warmer than Calgary in the winter, hot yoga studios aim to replicate the warmth and humidity the first Yogi’s practiced in. What about those days when the sun comes out and glistens off the snow, those days that remind us why we live in this beautiful city? For the adventurous, outdoor seeking Calgarian, there are several options. Strap on the cleats and run the trails frequented en masse during the summer months. Ice and snow doesn’t have to quash your routine. You’re in Calgary, baby, finding fun and fitness in winter is a must! Whether it’s weather, turkey, your desk job or an on-going goal to stay fit that’s driving you to stay in shape, Calgary is a mecca of opportunity for fitness seeking folks. It’s about your state of mind, it’s about feeling good and finding a way to be healthy and enjoy a happy life. Stay fit, Calgary! CL

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Homexpo 2015 Homexpo presenters bring design and investment tips home “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

he above quote was perhaps the most famous William Morris quote, the 1800s textile designer and innovator in the Arts and Crafts movement in England — and it is a mantra that is still one of the most important in home style today, says Sarah Richardson, one of two popular HGTV stars who will have seminars throughout Homexpo January 16–18, BMO Centre, Stampede Park. “These are incredibly wise words to live and design by, in my opinion,” says the award-winning designer who has hosted and co-produced a series of decor and lifestyle HGTV shows. And it isn’t hard to do: “Get rid of the clutter, pare back on everything you don’t need or don’t use, then move it all out of the room while you repaint in a fresh colour,” says Richardson. That will “make a huge change — and if you do-ityourself, it will only cost you the value of the paint.” The key after that is to simply reintroduce your furnishings “one piece at a time and it will all feel fresh and new.” And that, in turn, leads back to Morris’ quote: Love what’s in your home or get rid of it, says Richardson. Even if your first home is a modest size and your

– William Morris budget is tiny, you can create a uniquely-yours design if you follow that advice. “Make use of all the vertical space you’ve got and spend a bit of your budget on storage solutions so you aren’t overwhelmed by clutter,” Richardson says — especially important if you are living in a smaller space, such as a condominium. “Try to find pieces that do double duty to get the most out of all your purchases. Tables with drawers and storage are key to help conquer clutter, and mirrors help open up a tiny room.”

Sarah Richardson

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Scott McGilllivray

The other presenter at Homexpo 2015 is back by popular demand, and Scott McGillivray has even more information to share on making the most of your home’s potential. McGillivray is not only the award-winning co-creator, executive producer and host of the hit HGTV series Income Property, but he is a full-time real estate investor, contractor, writer, educator and speaker who has worked in over 25 cities and on over 250 properties. One of the best ways to increase the home’s potential revenue source — and a way to help people get into home ownership as a result — is by building a secondary suite, he says. “A suite provides a source of income for the new homebuyer, and the construction of a proper suite increases the value of the home by at least what you have put into it, whereas an illegal income suite provides little, to no value for the property at all,” McGillivray says. His passion lies in educating homeowners to make smart renovation and investment decisions that deliver financial rewards. The huge crowds at last year’s Homexpo lined up to see McGillivray — and he didn’t disappoint. Lots of practical, do-it-yourself ideas to bring income to your property — and his winning personality didn’t hurt, either. More budget-conscious shopping ideas from Richardson: “Shop vintage stores, garage sales and flea markets. “My first published design story was a loft apartment that I shared with my best friend. It was filled with furnishings from flea markets, estate auctions and yard sales, and it made the cover of House and Home Magazine with a lamp that I bought for $2.50, a $10 chair, a $40 table, and some found treasures. “You need to never forget that great style and budget are achievable goals, but you have to be willing to put in a little effort to save a lot of money.”

H O M E X P O Q U I C K FAC TS WHAT: Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region annual renovations and home innovations show WHERE: BMO Centre, Stampede Park – Hall D and E WHEN: January 16 – 18, 2015 HOURS: Friday, January 16: 2 – 9 p.m. Saturday, January 17: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, January 18: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. PRICE: Adults: $12 Seniors/Students: $10 Children 12 and under: Admitted FREE SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATION TIMES: Scott McGillivray – Friday evening and Saturday daytime Sarah Richardson – Saturday daytime and Sunday morning SPECIALTY AREAS: Condo Showcase, Destination Renovation

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“You need to never forget that great style and budget are achievable goals, but you have to be willing to put in a little eﬀort to save a lot of money.” Richardson, the busy design guru, has 15 years of experience working on five TV series renovating 300 rooms as well as running her Toronto business, Sarah Richardson Design Inc. But she isn’t resting on her laurels. Richardson spent the summer renovating a 65-year-old cottage on a remote island for a new TV series, has recently signed on with Good Housekeeping magazine as their home design director, and has a growing line of signature products including custom furniture, a fabric line for Kravet Inc., and a stationery collection exclusive to Hallmark Canada. You’ll learn this and a whole lot more with Richardson’s and McGillivray’s seminars Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Homexpo — and that’s just the start. Destination Renovation returns with top renovators on hand to talk one-on-one to you about your projects, and new this year is our Condo Showcase, where multi-family builders have information about their latest condominium projects to help you. Top your visit off by visiting the many booths chock full of the latest products, services and information to help make your home your castle. Check the website www.homexpo.ca for details and times and connect with the show on Twitter (@HomexpoYYC) and on Facebook (facebook. com/homexpocalgary) for a chance to win tickets. Look for more information on the accompanying articles on Homexpo — and see you at the show! CL

condo showcase is the Place to start did you know that of the 12,584 new housing starts in calgary and area in 2013, almost half were multi-family units? and all of that residential building accounted for $6.1 billion in investment value — the largest single wealth builder for most families in a lifetime. this year, multi-family starts are expected to far outstrip single-family living, making it an even more important segment of the new home market. there’s no doubt that multi-family living is having a huge impact on the residential construction industry — and with that, the multi-family builders in the city have come forth with new, innovative and exciting varieties of developments big and small to capture the imagination of the buyers. that’s why the 2015 homexpo show January 16 – 18 at Bmo centre, stampede Park, is a great resource for those looking for the most desired living accommodation in this city this year. For the first time, homexpo, the canadian home Builders’ association – calgary region building, renovation and home innovation show, will feature condo showcase, a separate area with booths from many of the leading multi-family builders such as Jayman modus, avi urban and the carlisle group all in one convenient location. you won’t need to run from site to site, trying to see the various projects and gather information. it’s all right there. you can see the latest developments, talk one-on-one with the builders and sales people, and find out all you need to know to make the right decision for you and your family.

come and get your BooK signed sarah richardson’s long-awaited resource guide to designing your perfect home, sarah style, has just been released (november) and published by simon & schuster canada. the popular host of five shows on hgtv, including the sarah series, is one of the main presenters at homexpo, January 16-18 at Bmo centre, stampede Park. Pick up a copy, then bring your book down to homexpo and get it personally signed — the perfect christmas present for the home design enthusiast on your list. “there are plenty of design books on the market, but i wanted to create one that was focused on making it easier for design enthusiasts, so i’ve crammed over 100 rooms, over 450 photos and over 500 tips into my book with the goal of inspiring, educating and empowering readers with the helpful tips and information they need to tackle any decor or design project, big or

small,” says richardson. “each room category is its own chapter, allowing readers to explore various styles, palettes and design directions to find the ideas that resonate with their personal style, so there’s something for everyone in here. it ranges from contemporary to traditional, and everything in between.” scott mcgillivray, the other popular presenter who had standing-room-only crowds at last year’s homexpo, also has a new book. in ‘how to add value to your home’, he reveals how you can get the biggest bang for your buck and shares his proven advice on renovations that make sense, the large and small ways to add value, maintaining your home, mistakes to avoid, tips on attracting and keeping good tenants, and strategies for preparing your house for sale. CL

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Criminal organization Cluttered closets can be a crime, so put a stylish spin to organization By DaVID CrOSSOn

s we are all painfully aware, it’s January. And with January comes resolutions — along with the attendant angst. Some resolutions, such as being more organized, are easier to keep than others — quitting smoking, for example — and since I’m a decorator and not a miracle worker I’m going to focus on the former rather than the latter. A great place to start when it comes to organizing your life is the closet. Now, one could argue that I don’t know much about the insides of closets but I actually do — I happen to have several in my home and they’ve been an excellent source of information and inspiration. Years ago there were very few options available when it came to closet organization, and what was available started with cheap and ugly and ended with expensive and lavish. The gulf between the two was enormous. Fortunately, things have changed dramatically in this sphere and supply not only serves demand but personal taste as well. I’m a big fan of colour but realize that not everyone shares this passion. If you’re hue-phobic but looking to strike out and try something bold and new, a closet is a great place to start. Given that it’s behind closed doors, this space offers closeted colourphiles an opportunity to experiment in a way that can remain a flirty little secret, if you so choose, while providing a respite from beige, beige and more beige. For a real kick, try painting the inside of yours a deep persimmon orange, a rakish teal or even a delicate shell pink reminiscent of a ballet slipper. Just bear in mind that if you do indulge in something bright and/or saturated, the wall colour will likely reflect back onto your clothes so make sure you pull proposed outfits

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out into a more neutral and well-lit space before actually getting dressed. A jolt of colour is only the start, however, as you can’t store a suit or hang a blouse in or on a perfect shade of peacock blue. If that were possible I’d be a closet wizard. No, great closets rely on more pedestrian things such as organization systems to make them (and, as a result, you) truly exceptional. In the war against clutter, The Container Store (www.containerstore.com) is a great resource for sensible storage solutions and, better still, ships their wares to Canada for click-commerce convenience. Whether you have a reach-in closet with sliding doors, a walk-in wonderland or something in-between, the Elfa line they carry has a system designed just for you. Or, better still, one that you can design for yourself. They even offer freestanding options if you have concerns about structural stability or can’t bring yourself to drill holes in your freshly painted walls. Not only does the Container Store boast a number of infinitely con-

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figurable models to help you corral unruly garments and accessories, they also have smaller items designed to keep mess at a minimum. One product I love is their drop-front linen boxes. Slimly proportioned, stackable and stylish, this line offers peek-a-boo treasure chests for everything from sweaters and shirts to shoes and random accessories. The various sizes are offered in a fetching neutral finish that will complement any closet décor even beige, if you are so inclined. Other good options for organization found locally include the customizable Configurations system from Rubbermaid (available through such big box stores as Wal-Mart and Home Depot) and a plethora of products from IKEA. I swear by their Svira hanging storage cubbies for making use of vertical space and am also a giant fan of their Pax

Great closets rely on more pedestrian things such as organizations systems to make them (and, as a result, you) truly exceptional. wardrobes, which offer myriad options on the inside and a decent selection of door styles on the outside. If you have room, installing a series of Pax units cheek-by-jowl in a walkin closet is the ultimate in affordable luxury and clutter-conquering. Finally, not to sound like Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest, but don’t get me started on wire hangers! Sure, they’re fine for transporting things from the dry cleaners but so are the flimsy plastic bags they put over your order. And you don’t keep those, do you? Once you get home, ditch those metal menaces in a bin (so you can take them back the next time you drop off cleaning) and put your garments on proper hangers: wooden, padded fabric or even plastic ones if they’re beefy enough. Your cleaner will thank you, your clothes will thank you and, honestly, so will I... As you know, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to getting organized but if the momentum carries you there’s no telling what you’ll accomplish in the new year. Besides, it’s not like you’re going to want to spend a lot of time outside in the coming weeks and months, are you? Happy purging! CL

Top left: Beautifully organized closet. Courtesy www.containerstore.com left: Drop-front linen boxes from The Container Store. Slimly proportioned, stackable and stylish, courtesy www.containerstore.com right: A PAX unit from IKEA help keep this multi-use space organized. CO N D O L I V I N G JA N UA RY 2015

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Brew magic I

Single-cup coffee makers have become household essentials By kathy mccormick

t started in the 13th Century when one Ethiopian shepherd noticed that the making it easier and much more personalized goats he was tending were fond of the berries of a nearby tree — but then were today. “We are finding our guests are gravitating so spirited they didn’t want to sleep at night. Today, more than 800 years later, we are still enjoying coffee, especially if towards single-serve brewers,” says Emily Vear, we want to stay alert and ward of sleepiness. Or, just because. representing public relations at Target Canada. It’s not only coffee’s ability to heighten the senses and keep us alert, it’s a soothing “The machines are compact, affordable, and beverage that’s known throughout the world for its robust flavour, its enticing aroma have a wide variety of coffee and flavoured and its tantalizing taste. Coffee still reigns supreme, as anyone who has waited in coffee, hot chocolate, and teas that are very long line-ups at Tim Horton’s or Starbucks can tell you. convenient to make, as well as extremely fast But it has also become the desired at-home beverage, whether to serve guests as for a freshly-brewed cup. You can brew into a finale to a fine meal, as a headliner to start a conversation or as a morning ritual to-go cup, too.” just starting the day with a cuppa java. Mary Higgins, representing London Drugs, While the variety and flavours of coffee have expanded exponentially, so have the agrees, noting that their stores carry not only ways to brew the perfect cup at home — and two particular companies every type of coffee machine, but a wide variety have taken the brewing capabilities by storm, of coffees as well. “The biggest thing the last few years has been the single-serve coffee makers,” she says. “It really depends on the preferences people have — what types of coffee they want to serve, how many cups they will drink per day, whether the whole family drinks coffee, or just the individuals, whether they like the beans ground fresh or they simply want to brew it. There are all the different options, but the single-serve offers the convenience and the ability to customize each cup.” At London Drugs, coffee makers can range from as low as $34.99 for a drip model, to $59.99 for a single-serve, and upwards of $179.99 for the espresso makers. Suggested retail price for the Keurig® 2.0 series Two of the most popular brands in starts at $139.99 the single-serve field are Keurig and Nespresso.

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“We believe coffee is, ultimately, an The Keurig 2.0 is innovative, says Pomerexperience,” says Caroline Desvaux, leau. “It delivers everything consumers brand manager with Nespresso Canada. “Whether know and love about Keurig — and more shared or appreciated alone, the anticipation begins even — with game-changing performance and before your system is turned on. It’s the artistry of the function, unprecedented beverage choice, carefully-selected, roasted and blended beans, ground simplicity, and convenience, as well as to perfection. It’s the innovation of the precision-crafted timeless design appeal.” nespresso inissia – $149 More than 125 different varieties of machinery that transforms those beans into a rich, dark and remarkable coffee.” coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and iced beverages Nespresso was founded on the simple idea to allow anyone from more than 20 brands are available. Over at Nespresso, “one of our most exciting new innovations is the to produce the perfect cup of espresso coffee on their own. The Keurig, on the other hand, is for those consumers VertuoLine system, which launched in 2014,” says Desvaux. “The VertuoLine revolutionizes the way coffee is brewed since, for the first-time looking for variety and customized coffees. “Since its advent in 1998, Keurig brewing system has ever, coffee lovers can experience large-cup coffee (as well as authentic revolutionized the way people consume their beverages espresso) with crema. The silky, generous crema is the sign of a worldboth at home and outside the home,” says Julie Pomerleau, class coffee and represents unprecedented quality.” marketing director for Keurig Canada Inc. “The unique The company recently launched the Inissia, as well. “This is the perfect technology behind the Keurig brand has disrupted con- entry-level machine for new coffee lovers. Our most lightweight and comsumer behavior and made quality coffee and other specialty pact coffee machine ever, it is inspired by fun, clever and highly-functional beverages a staple option.” design objects, and is available in both a series of permanent colours like The company offers a wide range of premium coffees, black, ruby red, and white, as well as some limited-edition versions like teas and other beverages in a variety of formats, as well lime-yellow and blueberry blue.” as the Keurig brewers. “Consumers can enjoy Keurig The Keurig Rivo is an espresso machine that can also make lattes/capCanada products whether they are at home, at work, in a puccinos and has a built-in milk frother. café-bistro, or other places,” says Pomerleau. “Coffee will continue to dominate the conversation,” says Desvaux. “But Due to the busy nature of people’s lives today, “the sin- not necessarily in the way people expect. Consumers today are increasingly gle-serve machine helps people get their coffee the way sophisticated in their knowledge of fine dining, so culinary professionals they want it — and fast,” says Target’s Vear. Their stores must create memorable experience to meet their growing expectations.” CL now carry the latest Keurig model, the Keurig 2.0 brewers which offer single-cups and four-cup carafe brewing.

Java Data

“Whether shared or appreciated alone, the anticipation begins even before your system is turned on. It’s the artistry of the carefullyselected, roasted and blended beans, ground to perfection.”

Coffee was discovered in Ethiopia in the 13th Century. Ethiopia is still one of the top producers of coffee today, but the leader is Brazil, followed by Columbia. the best conditions for coffee beans is in equatorial zones between 25 degrees n and 30 degrees S. It is grown in 50 countries today. It is best stored in an atmosphere that is devoid of air, moisture, heat, and light — in that order of importance. It’s best to use it within one- to two-weeks. It can be stored in an airtight bag in the freezer for up to one month, for optimum flavour retention. *From the National Coffee Association website.

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CONDOSCAPES By richard white

a GlaSS-anD-concrete opera Keynote hits all the right notes

eynote is the ambitious, mixed-use 70+ floor — two condo towers, one office tower (soon to be two) project with retail along First Street S.E., between 11th and 12th Avenues. This project is perhaps Calgary’s most complex development given the need to juggle the demands of different building codes for office vs condo, different land titles of leasing vs ownership and different parking requirements of office, residential and retail. In addition, Vince Dodds and his team at Gibbs Gage Architects also had to create a design that would be attractive to potential tenants. If that wasn’t enough of a design challenge, the team had to deal with the reality of designing a project that could be built in phases, as tenants could be found. Calgary’s Balboa Land Investment Inc. the pioneering developer was taking a big risk creating project like this on the seedy east side of the Beltline, along the Macleod Trail / First Street freeway-like traffic. But as I like to remind people, Eau Claire and Inglewood were seedy places 25 years ago and look at them today. The Gibbs Gage team came up with a four-tower plan, i.e. two office towers and two condo towers, each tower able to be built independently. It is much easier to find tenants and get funding for two 15-floor office towers, than one 30-floor tower. It also allowed for design changes as the market changes from year to year. They also designed an internal laneway that allows for short-term parking and interior access to its parkade rather than directly from the high-traffic street. There is no street parking next to this site.

And, with no amenities to speak of in the immediate area for office workers or residents, it was also important to design a multi-use street space that would allow for an urban grocer, café, restaurant and wine & liquor store as part of Phase One. And just for good measure, they also added an 18,000-square-foot green space at the +15 level (yes, there is an internal +15 bridge that allows residents to go from their home to the office and retail spaces without going outside). There is also a green space on the roof of the office tower, which offers spectacular views of the ever-changing downtown skyline. I have often wondered about the monochromatic dark blue colour of the glass façade — it’s too dark and sombre for my taste. Dodds informed me that there are in fact several different colours of glass and that the client who wanted to have a similar look between the office and the condos determined the choice. In addition, the glass colour was determined by the different demands of office and residential buildings based on their different heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and privacy needs. The architects also strategically placed each of the towers on the block so they were turned at 45 degrees to the street allowing for maximum sunlight and

privacy. Did I say this was one of Calgary’s most challenging urban design projects? Today, Keynote is an urban village on a single block. It is home to about 1,000 workers and that number will double when the 18-floor second office building is completed (still a few years away). As well, it is currently home to about 600 people in the 429 condos. PS: The Keynote name relates to the fact it is kitty corner to the old Customs Building on 11th Avenue and 1st Street, which until recently was home to the Cantos Museum (now the National Music Centre) which has one of the world’s largest of keyboard instruments. 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 Ja n ua ry 2015

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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

tHe coSt oF natural DiSaSterS condo owners wil be paying higher insurance costs

What can condo owners expect for property insurance rates in the coming years?

Like most condominium management companies we’ve heard, seen or been told that condominium insurance is on the rise, which could mean higher condo fees for owners. In some cases premiums have increased by 20 up to 50 per cent followed by higher deductibles. It’s no secret that Co-operator, Alberta’s third largest property Insure is no longer underwriting new business and has stopped renewing commercial condo policies. The reason for this: sever weather. Alberta has been hit by a series of devastating natural disasters starting with the Calgary floods of 2013. Since then, we’ve had to endure through snow and hail storms as the province gained a reputation as the weather disaster centre of Canada. Even if you’ve so far remained dry and unscathed through all that, we’re still on the hook for insurance claims totaling at least $2.4 billion over the last couple of summers. In recent years and mostly in 2014 the Alberta Insurance Market Place for residential condominiums has become extremely volatile. What has created this volatility and how is this affecting the placement of business? The fact of the matter is that six out of the 10 worst natural disasters in Canadian history have occurred in Alberta. These weather related losses along with the usual fire, water damage and sewer back up claims is pushing insurance rates up.

Truth be told, the premium rate structure used with condominiums over the past five to seven years has been very suppressed. This suppressed rate structure could not sustain profitability with the large catastrophic losses Alberta has experienced in the residential condominium sector. Premiums are pooled from many policy-holders to pay for losses of a few. In this province, more than a few have large claims. Insurance is a business and in order to continue insuring these risks massive rate corrections in premium have been required over the past few years. Remember, Insurance companies are a business. If the risk category is not profitable the premiums must go up to support the losses or the insurer(s) will stop insuring these risks, says Greg Cortese, Vice President, Client Executive with BFL Canada. Intact Financial Corp., the country’s largest P&C insurer, took its first underwriting loss in a decade because of the disasters, and other insurers also announced losses. “Extreme weather events from the summer have made it clear that the sustainability of insurance in its current form is being challenged,” says Charles

Brindamour, chief executive of Intact, in the company’s last conference call in November. Fair enough to say, that if you have property — whether a single-family home or a condo — you can probably expect your insurance rates to go up in the near future. 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 Ja n ua ry 2015

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HOPE AT LARGE By marty hope

HotelS By avi

multi-awarded home builder branches out to hotel business

omes by Avi in the hotel business? What the.....! “I don’t think we can call it a totally new direction for our company, it was just responding to what we considered a good opportunity,” says Charron Ungar, president of Avi Urban, the multi-family division of Homes by Avi. So yes, on at least this one occasion, the award-winning Calgary builder is in the hotel business as a partner with ALT Hotels, a subsidiary of Quebec-based Groupe Germain Hospitalite, in a boutique hotel in the developing East Village area of downtown Calgary. “It just made sense to us,” he says. Homes by Avi scooped up the 19,000-square-foot piece of property about five years ago, sitting on it until the right time and right opportunity came along. And when the topic of possible development of the land came up, the company looked at several business models and discussed several uses for the land, but a hotel just seemed like the right opportunity — and to go into partnership with Le Germain was a good solid business proposition, Ungar adds. “We’re not hoteliers, we’re home builders. ALT has the experience in running hotels,” Ungar says. For Groupe Le Germain this will be its second hotel in Calgary — albeit a smaller version of the property it operates at Ninth Avenue S.W. and Centre Street. The company describes its ALT Hotels as “unique alternatives to conventional hotels.” Naum Shteinbah, vice-president of business development and project financing, says the nine-storey hotel will

Kevin mullen

have approximately 150 rooms and while it has been developed mostly for business travellers, it will be stylish and well-appointed. “It will be a unique hotel, stepped down slightly because of its proximity to the Bow River, with floor-to-ceiling windows, and with finishes and furnishings in Le Germain’s high standards,” he says. Shteinbah hopes that with development permit, land use, and subdivisions in place work on the site can begin this spring. He also hopes that a building permit will be released in time to begin construction of the three-level park by the summer, with work on the construction of the hotel starting toward the end of the year. “We’re hoping the hotel will open its doors in 2017,” he adds. Ungar says the opening of the hotel will be a solid addition to the developing landscape of East Village that is being developed by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. Michael Brown, president and chief

executive of CMLC, said in an earlier news release that there has been steady developer interest in the inner-city redevelopment site since 2010 and that more than $2 billion of investment has been seen. “With this (Homes by Avi/Le Germain) announcement, we are a step closer to realizing our vision of a true urban village,” he said. Ungar says Homes by Avi has been keeping an eye on development in the East Village and supports the direction CMLC is going in. “We like the vision and the openness toward development, the neighbourly approach Michael Brown has to toward development,” he adds. 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 Ja n ua ry 2015

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AROUND TOWN By Pepper rodriguez

cardel liFestyles Begins new year with a Bang

ardel Lifestyles looks to be headed to a great 2015, as the multi-awarded condo builder made another smash hit with Auburn Walk. The recently opened sales centre for their latest development in the southeast lake community of Auburn Bay has been drawing praise and sales, says Cardel Lifestyles sales and marketing manager, Brad Logel. “Auburn Walk is going really well. The response has been fantastic. We are half sold in our first building — we’ll be at 45 by (2014) year-end. We’ll be releasing some new units in this building in January.” He adds that people love the Sales Centre and Show suite. “This inspired us

to enter both in this year’s SAM Awards.” Cardel Lifestyles is also opening four show suites and a sales centre in Cranston

Ridge at the end of February, and Nolan Park (townhomes) sales centre is also expected to open in February.

long wait Pays oFF For coPPerField ParK iii Buyer

he early bird gets the one-bedroom unit in the recently launched Copperfield Park III. Kristen Hall, 23, waited patiently in line for 44 hours for her opportunity to buy a home in Brad Remington Homes’ latest development in this popular southeast community. She was the very first in line when sales opened for Building Two on November 22, saying she really wanted the 565-square-foot one-bedroom unit, which was going for $149,900. Hall had slept in along the halls of sales centre in Copperfield Park II, along with a few dozen other hopeful buyers. “It’s what I could afford, people were offering me money to get my place in line,” she says. With help from her family, she was able to hold on to her spot and

was finally able to secure her home. “It was totally worth it.” Bryan Logel says he isn’t surprised by the turn out. First, because it was the same for all of the previous Copperfield Park developments; and second, the tight rental market and diminishing affordability of homes has made their products that much more attractive. “We’ve had to move up production schedules by several months just to keep up with demand,” he tells Around Town. “Copperfield Park III is also the final opportunity to own a stylish, affordable condo in Copperfield and we still have two-bedroom units starting at $239,900 that are still the best value for the buck in town.”

Kristen, middle, holding book, with fellow copperfield Park iii buyers waiting in line.

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Mission 34 breaks ground

up with Assured Communities for this project. Mission 34 features numerous residential options including traditional apartments, street lofts (featuring commercial height interiors) and courtyard lofts, which Allen says are “unique in the marketplace today.” Located at the corner of Mission Road and the eastern leg of 34 Avenue S.W., Mission 34 is the first initiative in the Mission Road Innovation Project, a city-driven initiative designed to redevelop the southern stretch of Mission Road, giving it a fresh new look. “Mission 34 project will be an important reference point in our ongoing understanding and continuous improvement of urban redevelopment planning, approval processes and ultimately — meaningful results,” Allen Couincillor Gian-Carlo Carra (right) with representatives from Mission 34 developers and the community. says.

vital piece in the long-awaited revitalization of Mission Road S.W. is beginning to take shape as construction of Mission 34 began in earnest. The Mission 34 project has been very well received by the City government, Mission residents and buyers, and the 47-unit project is well over 60 per cent sold. “We’re just holding on to a few more units until construction is well underway,” says Jonathan Allen, president of Calgary Urban Equities, which teamed

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FIRST tops off

t won’t be long before FRAM-Slokker’s First owners become the true pioneers of the new East Village, after topping off ceremonies were held for the 18-storey tower portion of the development. “It’s a big moment for us,” says FRAM-Slokker’s Fred Serrafero. First is the Ontario-based developer’s first of six developments in Calgary, most of them in the East Village. First is already sold out with possessions likely by spring 2015. “I’m excited for those first owners as they will really be pioneers in this new community,” he adds. CL

Fred Serrafero (second from right) with FIRST team.

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MAP LEGEND

High Volume Roads Main Roads

Parks

Bodies of Water

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

NOSE CREEK PARKWAY

NOSE HILL PARK

CANADA OLYMPIC PARK

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

25 PRINCE'S ISLAND

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1 2 3

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CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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Inner City Projects 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Kensington VEN LIDO Avenue West End Vogue The Concord Waterfront

8 FIRST 9 Evolution

10 Verve 11 6th and Tenth

12 The Guardian South 13 The Orchard on

Twelfth 14 The Park

15 The Block 16 Drake 17 Smith

18 The District 19 Tela

20 THERIVER 21 The XII

North West | North East Projects 1 2 3 4

6 7 8

ZOO

Villas at Watermark Sonoma at Nolan Hill Nolan Park The Post Sonoma at Sage Hill Willow at Sherwood Sage Place Viridian

9 Avira

10 Kincora Summit 11 Emerald Sky 12 Panorama West 13 Arrive at Redstone 14 Arrive at Skyview Ranch

17 Landings at Cougar Ridge 18 STEPS Bridgeland 19 LiFTT

20 43 Park 21 Victory and Venture 22 Bridgeland Crossings

15 Groves of Varsity

23 Albert Park Station

16 University City

24 Arrive at Evanston 25 Bridgeland Hill

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11 7 8

4 6

AIRDRIE

2 10 5

MAP LEGEND High Volume Roads Main Roads

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Bodies of Water

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

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COCHRANE

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CHESTERMERE

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OKOTOKS

South West, South East and Calgary Area | calgary

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south west | south east Projects 1 Valmont at Aspen 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Stone Morena West Overture Axess Armory Juno The Alex GLAS Brooklyn Condominiums Altadore 36 The Royal Mission34 SoBow

14 Boulevard Townes

of Quarry Park 15 Champagne 16 The Gates 17 Bristol Townhomes 18 MidCity 19 Hunter House 20 Sawyer Silverado 21 Legacy Gate 22 Harvest Mosaic 23 Cranston Place 24 Cranston Ridge 25 Mosaic Riverstone 26 Side by Side Auburn Bay

27 Muskoka

28 Auburn Walk 29 Canoe

30 Stonecroft

Auburn Bay

31 ZEN Auburn Bay 32 Ebony 33 Chalet No 4 & No 5 34 Aura in Copperfield 35 Stonecroft at

Copperfield

36 Copperfield Park II & III 37 Mahogany Street Towns

38 Legacy Street Towns

calgary area Projects Airdrie

15 16

1 Riviera Riversong

2 Windsong 3 Creekside Village 4 Waterscape at

2 Jumping Pound

Cooper’s Crossing 5 Stone Keep at King’s Heights 6 Ravenswood Townhomes 7 Brookside at Baysprings

14 17

Cochrane

1 The Edge

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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

CHESTERMERE 1 The Courtyards in

Chestermere

2 Townhomes of

Chestermere Station

Okotoks 1 ZEN Okotoks

36 18

35 26 34

32 37 23

28 29

31 30

21 38

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ADVERTISERS INDEXâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Altadore 36 Brookfield Residential page 5

Guardian Hon Developments page 60

SoBow M2i page 40

The Pinnacle Cove Properties page 72

Vogue La Caille page 64

ARRIVE Partners Development page 76

Homexpo pages 54 & 86

Stonecroft pages 24-25

Hunter House Streetside Developments page 39

The Armory Cove Properties page 72

The Timbers Gablecraft Homes page 2

Waterfront Anthem Properties page 3

Lido Battistella page 80

The Chateaux Cove Properties page 72

Valmont Riverbend Developments page 87

Zen, Okotoks Avalon Master Builder page 45

Max Assured Communities page 30

The Concord pages 6-7

Avi Urban page 20 Avid Ratings page 50 Chalet NO 5 Sabal page 69 Cardel Lifestyles page 11 Carlisle Group pages 34-35 Champagne Remington Development Corp., page 55 Copperfield Park III Brad Remington Homes pages 85 & 88

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Morena West Rockford page 81

The Gates Remington Development Corp., page 59

Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 8

The Groves of Varsity Statesman page 68

Sabal Smart Hopewell page 13

The Orchard Lamb Development Corp., page 29

Verve Fram/Slokker Developments page 45 Victory and Venture Providence FC, pages 16-19 Viridian Trico Homes page 48 Vivace Streetside page 49

Zen, Ravenswood Avalon Master Builder page 4

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