Condo Living - October 2015

DESIGN DISTRICT

HOME STAGING

ARTESIA AT HERITAGE POINTE

SEVEN NEW CONDO PROFILES OCTOBER 2015

COntents october 2015 | VOLUME 11

ISSUE 190

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12 Focus On 12 | Trick and treat Let the kiddie ghouls take over the home this Halloween Condo Profiles 20 | The Royal treatment Embassy BOSA breaks ground for The Royal 26 | Inner-city elegance StreetSide’s Killarney Townes offers posh inner-city comfort 31 | A link to the good life The Link at Evanston brings affordability to townhome living in the northwest 36 | Sweet SoBow All the urban delights of Inglewood are at your feet at SoBow 42 | Return to Bridgeland Bucci marks its triumphant return to Bridgeland with Radius 47 | The Urbana advantage Creations by Shane Homes offers townhome lifestyle less the condo fees Community Profile 52 | The plush life Artesia’s luxurious, sophisticated homes are in harmony with nature

Cover Feature 14 | ZEN appeal Find serenity and style at ZEN Ravenswood CO N D O L I V I N G

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COntents 66 liFestyle 59 | In tune with downtown Couple can’t get enough of life in Calgary’s core

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Features 66 | Staged for you All the world’s a stage, but staging your home may be the key for a quick sell 72 | Spooky Calgary As the weather turns chilly, Halloween thrills Calgary

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style 77 | Un-grunge the garage Man-cave or workshop, the garage can also be style central shoPPinG 83 | Style afoot Pick your flooring material wisely, your feet and your pocket will thank you for it a day in...the desiGn district 89 | Designed for fun The Design District along thee Beltline is more than just style columns 93 | Ask Maria

by Maria Bartolotti 95 | Condoscapes

by Richard White 97 | Hope at Large

by Marty Hope 99 | Around Town

by Pepper Rodriguez items 10 | Editor’s Message 102 | Maps 106 | Ad Index

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

Trick or threat As another fall fast approaches, it seems more Calgarians have more scary things on their minds than what costume to wear this Halloween. With the continued slowing of the economy due to the plummeting oil prices, it’s natural to be worried about what the future holds. But as far as the local housing market goes, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) says things may not be as bad as they seem.

According to a CMHC report published in August, Calgary’s housing market is not under threat of a correction despite a downturn in the local economy.

And that in fact, Calgary is a “low risk” for a housing correction.

The review considered four factors — overheating; acceleration in house prices; overvaluation; and overbuilding — as of the end of March.

“The low price of oil has affected many different sectors of the economy, affecting employment and income growth, and increasing the unemployment rate.

Weaker labour market conditions have also slowed migration to the region,” CMHC says of the Calgary-area market.

But is says acceleration in housing prices and overbuilding were considered stable, while the threat of overheating had decreased, and the risk of overvaluation is moderate. It does offer caution that some unforeseen economic event that causes the fundamentals to change dramatically could affect the assessment.

This has been reflected in the continued stable sales of condos in Calgary, the revitalized East Village has welcomed its first condo dwellers this summer in Embassy BOSA’s Evolution and Fram+Slokker’s FIRST. Our cover feature on ZEN Rvesnwood in Airdrie shows that demand is there even in areas outside of Calgary. Profiles this issue reflect the trend as well.

The Royal another offering by Embassy BOSA is doing robust business as it attracts a cosmopolitan set with its cutting-edge Next month: design. SoBow by M2i Development is pulling in buyers with the Kitchen designs charms of its thriving, historic neighbourhood of Inglewood, as is the case with Bucci’s return to Bridgleand with Radius. There are new townhome projects being introduced as well, like StreetSide’s luxurious innercity Killarney Townes and Brookfield’s The Link in Evanston Creations by Shane Homes introduces something totally different with its Urbana street towns in Nolan Hill. So as you can see, there is still an appealing range of multi-family options available for all lifestyles and budgets.

And if you’re trying to sell your home to buy into one of these, let Andrea Cox guide you with her feature on home staging that talks about how to bring out the full potential of your home to prospective buyers through a simple re-styling of the home.

This Halloween special has so much more inside, including a run down of some of the Halloween fun in Calgary and similarly-themed décor in Focus On. Just be mindful of the little ghoulies when they’re out trick or treating.

@CondoLivingYYC

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CondoLivingCalgary

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |

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

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

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Maria Bartolotti, Darlene Casten, David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Nadia Moharib, Kiki Streets, Portia Yip, 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 189 • ISSN 1918-4409 © 2015 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the written permission from 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.

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Focus on |

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Trick and Let the kiddie ghouls take over the home this Halloween by AALIyA eSSA HALLOWEEn IS An occasion for macabre fun —when children of all ages dress up as frightful critters and take over the streets. You can bring the spirit — or shall we say, “ghost” — of Halloween into your home with an abundance of creative — if creepy — designs. cL

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7 [ 1 ] Day of the Dead Corkscrew, $34.95 at Crate and Barrel. [ 2 ] Beaded Spider Web Pillow, $32.95 at Pier1 Imports. [ 3 ] Pre-Lit Glitter Skull Wall Décor, $49.95 at Pier1 Imports. [ 4 ] Pumpkin Spice Hand Soap Pump, $7.95 at Pier1 Imports. [ 5 ] Glitter Day of the Dead Bride and Groom, $30 each at Pier1 Imports. [ 6 ] Jack-o’-Lantern Paper Lantern Set, $17.95 at Pier1 Imports. [ 7 ] Spider Web Table Runner, $44.95 at Crate and Barrel. [ 8 ] Witch Hat Bottle Stopper, $8.95 at Crate and Barrel. [ 9 ] Spider Web Candelabra, $39.95 at Pier1 Imports. [ 10 ] Spider Web Doormat, $26.95 at Pier1 Imports.

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ZEN appeal Find serenity and style at ZEN Ravenswood

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ike the smart bird of it’s namesake community, Avalon Master Builder and their ZEN Ravenswood town home community in southeast Airdrie, is making condo living more ingenious and clever than ever.

Renowned for producing homes that are as well constructed and efficient as they are beautiful, Avalon continually raises the bar on design and service, all the while keeping homes affordable. This tradition continues with ZEN Ravenswood, which starts in the $250,000s.

“We have the best of all worlds here,” explains ZEN Ravenswood Sales Representative, Sherry Duperre. “They are extremely well built and have all the pretty things too.”

With 119 homes, ZEN Ravenswood offers a home style to suit every budget, taste and lifestyle.

Choose a two-bedroom stacked townhome or a spacious lower level bungalow garden home.

Stretch your legs in two-storey townhomes with basements ready for development with a third bedroom, family room and full bath.

If a front attached garage is your preference, ZEN has those as well. And, cleverly located above the front attached garages of these homes, are sunny and large bungalow homes featuring 12-foot vaulted ceilings and balconies.

“The wonderful thing about ZEN Ravenswood is there is something for everyone. Our clientele includes snowbirds, young professionals and everyone in between; and furry friends are welcome,” says Duperre.

A new Avalon service feature will surely make the new home experience a little sweeter. Avalon’s very own interior designer, Dean Clark, is helping homeowners customize their home with a wide variety of interior design selections, decorative upgrades, appliances and more.

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| Advertising cover Feature |

“We are confident that we can meet the needs and desires of our clientele with our new program,” says Clark. “Avalon now offers the most complete home customization in multi-family homes, much more than any of the competition.”

Knowing your home is well built and green is another significant advantage of owning an Avalon home. Energy efficient, energy certified and less expensive in utilities than other town homes, a home by Avalon is built for life, and living well.

On the exterior, James Hardie cement fibre siding provides durability, sound proofing and fire protection. Interior party walls separating each home are built to keep sound at bay, while low emission paint keeps air quality high. Superior insulation values, Energy Star appliances and water wise showers, faucets and toilets are just a few of the green built features.

“The way we build sets us apart from every other builder,” explains Duperre. “We always educate our homeowners that it is not just the pretty insides that matter, it is the way they are built.”

But pretty is always nice, and ZEN Ravenswood soars above with charm and thoughtful floor plans. The two show homes, located at 1402-2400 Ravenswood View, offer a glimpse into the possibilities of ZEN living.

The brightly decorated 1,120-square-foot Cameo features an open concept floor plan with spacious living and dining areas.

A large rear kitchen features sumptuous dark cabinets, stainless steel appliances, sparkling glass mosaic tile and a large island with eating bar. The upper floor includes two large bedrooms with three-piece ensuite baths and lots of closet space.

The Roma show home (1,126 square-feet), with its more subtle and nuanced interior decorating, features a large living room with a Manhattan loft-styled brick accent wall. The living area is smartly separated from the kitchen and eating area by the discretely placed powder room and closets.

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In the spacious ‘U’ shaped kitchen, a large optional island with room for four to dine creates a warm and functional space. The upper level has two large bedrooms with the over-sized master featuring a spacious walk-in closet with a pass thorough to the upper three-piece bathroom.

Stretch your wings in this lovely home in the fully finished lower level. Perfect for guests and parties, it offers an extra bit of well-planned space to the discerning homeowner, while still taking advantage of the ease of condo living.

An easy 10 minutes to Calgary, and walking distance to the amenities in nearby Kings Market, ZEN in Ravenswood is perfectly located to enjoy a small town lifestyle while steps from big city life.

“We are close to the restaurants in downtown Airdrie, close to Cross Iron Mills and we have many of the big box stores,” says Duperre. “Airdrie really has everything.”

If shopping and dining is not in your plans, the outdoorsy Ravenswood community offers an abundance of open green areas and pathways that connect to the regional pathways of southeast Airdrie.

Take advantage of promos to fit any lifestyle on quick possession homes in 2015, or customize your own unique home. Experience a better and smarter way of living at ZEN Ravenswood. n

Fa st Facts Community: Ravenswood, Airdrie Project:

ZEN Ravenswood

Developer: Avalon Master Builders Style:

Single-level, and two-storey townhomes

Size:

From 1,026 to 1,363 sq. ft.

Price:

From the $250,000s

Address:

1402-2400 Ravenswood View S.E.

Directions: Deerfoot Trail north, right on Yankee Valley Blvd, go past Kings’ Heights and follow signs to ZEN Ravenswood Hours:

Monday to Wednesday 2-8 p.m..

Weekends and holidays 12-5 p.m.

Phone:

(403) 805-0423

Email:

sduperre@avalonmasterbuilder.com

Website: www.zeninbalance.com

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CONDO PROFILE |

The

Royal treat Embassy BOSA breaks ground for The Royal

By Kiki streets

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ust five months after being released to the public, Embassy BOSA wasted no time starting construction last month for their newest development, The Royal.

“We are always eager to get in the ground,” says Robert Marchand, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Embassy Bosa.

“And with sales exceeding our initial targets, we saw no reason to wait.”

This 34-storey mixed-use residential and commercial development is in arguably one of the finest locations in the city, with prime access to both 17th Avenue and Mount Royal Village, which are home to many popular restaurants, shops and services.

In partnership with First Capital Realty, The Royal will also be connected to 90,000 square feet of commercial retail and office space, including Calgary’s first Urban Fare location.

It was also recently announced that the second floor tenant for this commercial space will be a Canadian Tire Express store, only the second of its kind in Canada and the first in Calgary.

These developments will strengthen the area’s position as one of the most walkable, pedestrian-centric neighbourhoods in the city.

The Royal itself lives up to its name with an impressive list of premium amenities that make up Club Royal, adding value that stretches beyond each home while creating a community feel within the building.

“Club Royal amenities include a well-appointed lobby with full concierge services and a fully outfitted fitness facility complete with a steam room, sauna, state-of-the-art workout equipment, change rooms and squash court,” says Marchand. “Plus we have a full private dining area and chef’s kitchen where you can entertain guests privately or bring in our preferred caterer, Charcut Roast House.”

Outside, The Royal will be a welcome presence in the Calgary skyline as the tallest residential building in the Beltline and also for it’s unique exoskeleton design. This mid century modern architecture from Buttjes Architecture minimizes interior columns allowing for efficient floor plans and stunning views through floor to ceiling windows.

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ment

The Royal itself lives up to its name with an impressive list of premium amenities that make up Club Royal, adding value that stretches beyond each home while creating a community feel within the building.

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CONDO PROFILE |

F A S T F A CT S Community: Mount Royal Village West developer: Embassy BOSA Project: The Royal Style: Apartment-style condos Size: Available units start at 598 sq. ft.

Price: Available units start from the mid $300,000s Sales centre: 936 16th Ave S.W. “This exterior minimizes columns within the livable space, maintain- directions: Heading west on 17th Ave. ing a striking extended glass view from all homes,” says Marchand. S.W. and turn right on 9th St. S.W. “And this transitions well to inside of the building. From the airy lobby Hours: Open daily from noon to 5 p.m., through to the stunning interiors, each detail has been meticulously closed Fridays thought out.”

Website: www.theroyallife.ca and Starting in the mid $300,000s, The Royal offers a varied selection of www.embassybosa.com homes including one, one plus den and two bedroom homes and range in size from 598 to 2,018 square feet — many featuring over sized balconies. The upper 8 floors of the building feature the Sky Collection — a limited number of larger homes, including 3 bedrooms, complete with are stunning from almost every floor.”

The show home features the D1 Plan premium finishings.

To fully appreciate everything The Royal has to offer, you can visit — a 1,002-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner unit with suites their Presentation Centre at on the corner of 16th Avenue S.W. and running from the second up to the 25th 9th Street S.W. “We’ve created a state-of-the-art space complete with an interactive floor. From the entry way through to the floor plan application and a full two-bedroom show home to allow pro- open concept main living area and the spective homeowners get a feel for the Royal,” Marchand says. “Visitors bedrooms, it is evident that every detail can even experience the views to help them choose the right home for has been carefully considered to create a them. And by virtue of being the tallest building in the area, the views luxurious home worthy of its name. CL

“This exterior minimizes columns within the livable space, maintaining a striking extended glass view from all homes.

And this transitions well to inside of the building.”

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CONDO PROFILE |

Inner-city

StreetSide’s Killarney Townes offers posh inner-city comfort

By Pepper Rodriguez

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algary’s inner-city has seen a surge in popularity among homebuyers in the last few years. The appeal of living in an already established community close to the city centre and all it has to offer has sparked a surge in new residential construction in these communities on downtown’s fringe, attracting not just downsizers but young families and couples, as well.

StreetSide Developments has long been building inner-city multi-family housing that offer style and convenience in equal measure — the sold out St. John’s Tenth Street in Kensington and their recently launched Vivace at West 85th are some examples of the developer’s deep understanding of the market. But Killarney Townes will be the first time StreetSide is venturing into the luxury infill market.

The Killarney Townes development are luxury infill townhomes of the highest order, offering stylish finishes, spacious comfort and practical designs to buyers looking to experience an exciting urban lifestyle.

The project is comprised of five fourplex buildings and offers multi-lev-

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el townhomes with single-car garages with driveways. There are four distinctive home designs in each building, ranging from 1,780 to 1,922 square-feet in size.

The recently opened show suites on 30th Street S.W. expertly display the exacting attention to detail lavished on each home.

“StreetSide is thrilled with our newly released show suites in Killarney, as it harkens back to our commitment to design projects that exemplify our tagline: Condo’s that defy the ordinary. Killarney is a true testament to this,” says StreetSide’s Richard Daley, Vice President — Multi Family Development.

“Each homeowner will be able to indulge in a luxurious master oasis that will provide them

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elegance

with a secluded escape from their busy lives.

Thoughtful, innovative, and standout features are the hallmark of Killarney Townes.”

“These fourplex townhome plans fit right into this well-established neighbourhood and look like one large infill home, which has been meticulously crafted to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding community,” adds Kimberley Orr, senior marketing coordinator for StreetSide Developments.

With prices starting from the mid $600,000s before GST, Killarney Townes is certainly more moderately priced than any other similar home option in Killarney. “Duplexes start from the $700,000 mark in the community,” says Eva Kameneva, who is assisting sales at Killarney Townes. “And they don’t necessarily come with all the high-end finishes that we already provide as a standard.”

These luxurious finishings include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, painted ceilings, hardwood and tile on main level, and

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F A S T F A CT S Community: Killarney S.W. Project: Killarney Townes Developer: StreetSide Development Style: Luxury infill townhomes Size: From 1,780 sq. ft.

Price:From the mid $600,000s plus GST Address: 2432 – 30th Street S.W. Directions: North on Crowchild Tr., west on 33rd Ave., right on 30th St S.W. and follow the signs.

Hours: Monday and Thursday 2–7 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday and holidays noon–5 p.m.

Website: www.killarenytownes.ca

gas fireplaces in the master bedroom just to name a few.

Take the featured show suite itself; even just a casual tour will leave you wanting more. The Skye measures 1,886 square-feet, with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, a drive-under garage and a full driveway.

The Skye was designed for those seeking luxury and space. The main floor is an open concept design with nine-foot ceilings surrounded by oversized windows that make the interior seem bigger. A fireplace framed by beautifully crafted built-ins in the great room is a stunning piece of aesthetic brilliance that comes standard in the home.

The utter functionality of the kitchen design cannot be overstated, with plenty of storage space and room to move around. And of course, the hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, full-height cabinetry and glass tile backsplash combine to create an elegant entertaining space.

The second floor features a laundry room, second bedroom and large bedroom with full ensuite and private retreat. While the upper loft floor features a luxurious master suite with an exquisite ensuite, a second gas

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fireplace and private balcony.

The lower level is also fully developed with a large media room and built-in bar. At $733,238 (plus GST), Kameneva says it is a bargain compared to similar products in the neighbourhood. “It’s maintenance-free living at its finest,” she adds.

The quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood of Killarney in the southwest provides the welcoming background for a laid-back life of sophistication. Amenities are already abundant, with the community teeming with parks, green space, schools and shopping and entertainment venues.

“Killarney is the perfect inner-city community.

It’s just a quick five-minute drive to downtown Calgary,” Kameneva says. There’s easy access to Crowchild Trail, the new West LRT and Glenmore Trail. 17th Avenue, with all its boutique stores and dining establishments is just down the road. Westbrook Mall is minutes away and offers a wide variety of amenities such as Sportchek, Safeway, and Walmart. An active community association and complex are located in the heart of Killarney featuring a park, skating rink and amenity rooms.

“It’s living well in a well-established community,” she adds. Killarney Townes is already under construction, some quick possession homes are already available. CL

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A link to the good life The Link at Evanston brings affordability to townhome living in the northwest

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By Nadia Moharib

f you are ready to buy your first home and figure the best you can do on your budget is an apartment-style flat, you will find plenty of such options in Calgary. But if you want to live in northwest Calgary, don’t feel you’re limited to only this option.

Brookfield Residential’s The Link at Evanston, opening in October, shows that first-time homebuyers can afford the pleasures of a townhome lifestyle with a little green space, an attached garage, and the added bonus of a relatively low condominium fee.

“We are expecting to see very high interest off the launch just because we are coming to the market with a price point not currently seen in the market for a house in the north right now,” says Brookfield business development manager, Ashley Carcasole.

“If you compare to our $250,000 price point — all you will see in the vicinity are apartment-style condos.”

The Link offers two- and three-bedroom plans in either two-storey or single-level townhomes, with eight floor plans ranging from 800 to 1,400 square-feet. Each

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features great open concept designs, fenced front yards and single- or double-attached garages.

It is, so to speak, a “link” to homeownership, Carcasole says.

“We have some single-level townhomes that are 800 or 900 squarefeet in a really great price range which will be popular with first-home buyers,” she says.

“The Ruby and Ivory really fall into an apartment price range but have the benefit of having an attached garage as well as a little yard.”

That quaint yard offers enough ground to nurture any aspiring green thumb and ample room for a patio set, barbecue, flowerpots or for the dog to play.

Condominium fees cover everything from lawn mowing to shovelling and even power washing the Hardie board exterior of the homes.

It’s a lovely advantage of having a home without all the hassle.

“You can sit in the kitchen and drink your coffee while watching your (single-family home) neighbor shoveling snow from his driveway in -40 (Celsius) degree weather, while you can just drive out of your home,” Carcasole says.

Carcasole predicts the properties will attract not only first-time home buyers, those moving up from apartments or people looking to downsize.

“This is something completely new to the northwest,” she adds of the pleasing price point for the home packages.

“A lot of buyers think they can only afford an apartment-style home but you can actually afford a townhome.”

Moving up from the Ruby and Ivory starter models, the 124-unit project also has townhomes that include three-bedroom, two-bathroom options with the upper end price range hitting the mid $300,000s.

There are units with walk-out basements and undeveloped basements in some models offer room for additional storage space.

One floor plan offers a single-level home with vaulted ceilings, a funky layout and lots of light.

New homeowners can pick from three different colour schemes created by an interior designer with attention paid to coordinating everything from finishing details to lighting packages in the homes.

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Standard homes come with laundry facilities, laminate flooring in the dining room, kitchen and great room, tile in the bathrooms and entry ways and carpeting in the remaining space.

To mix it up, four different colour palettes are available for the exterior of the homes.

Upgrades are available for everything from flooring to kitchen appliances and window coverings.

With the Link’s location in an established

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More active? Bike paths, which links cyclists to the rest of the city, are nearby and easy to access.

“Evanston has been really popular,” Carcasole says.

“There is a lot of open green space and a very nice level of architectural controls so buildings have nice exterior presence. We have seen a lot of young families to the Evanston community.”

The first possessions for the Link at Evanston will be late Spring 2016 with plans to see the entire project completed within two years.

There are many attractive features to the town homes but Carcasole suspects “overall value,” will be the biggest lure to the Link. To sweeten the pot, Brookfield is offering $1,000 to the purchase of a home at the Link for on-line registrants.

“The market in Calgary has been harder and harder for first-time buyers to buy a home,” Carcasole says.

“The Link really brings new options.” CL

F A S T F A CT S Community: Evanston Project: The Link at Evanston and popular Qualico community, new owners can benefit from what’s already built up around the soon-to-be developed project.

“There is everything you could possibly need,” Carcasole says.’

That includes schools, grocery stores, restaurants, banks and retail businesses within walking distance.

Whether it’s heading downtown (about a 25-minute drive,) or zipping over to the airport or going west to the mountains for weekend adventures, it is easy to get there from the Link.

“You would just hop on to Stoney Trail and it would be less than 10 minutes to get out to Highway 1,” Carcasole says.

Developer: Brookfield Residential Style: Two- and three-bedroom townhomes with attached garages Size: From 800 to 1,425 sq-ft.

Price: Starting $250,000 plus GST sales centre Address: 521 Evanston Link N.W. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 2 to 8pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 12 to 5pm. Opens in October Website: www.thelinkatevanston.com CO N D O L I V I N G

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Sweet SoBow

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All the urban delights of Ingle

nglewood — Calgary’s best-kept secret — has a secret of its own waiting to be discovered by those seeking an urban lifestyle as spacious as it is affordable. Offering the best of both worlds, SoBow (“South of the Bow”) is the only concrete, Built Green®, and multi-family development in the inner-city ready for immediate possessions!

Inglewood was recently named Canada’s greatest neighbourhood in the Canadian Institute of Planners’ ‘Great Places’ contest; and when it comes to SoBow, M2i’s vision is to create an urban village featuring several distinct buildings that add to the evolution of the community’s rich history and culture.

Currently in its second phase — a six-storey tower, sheathed in glass, brick, and metal cladding — SoBow by M2i Development pays homage to the historical architecture of the community while offering an extremely affordable price point.

“We really wanted to draw Inglewood’s DNA into the project, while at the same time respecting the language of phase one, which was designed by the previous developer,” says Iain McCorkindale, President of M2i Development.

Situated east of Inglewood on a 14.5-acre parcel of land, SoBow is right next door to the colourful streetscape of 9th Avenue S.E. where Calgary’s

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best live music venues are located, along with plenty of places to wine and dine, shop, and partake in lively festivals or eclectic art galleries. Adjacent to SoBow, residents can take full advantage of the 50-acre Pearce Estate Park — Calgary’s largest inner-city park — and use the many walking trails that weave right down to the Bow River.

“The park is SoBow’s backyard and you don’t have to walk through a concrete jungle first to get to a pathway or green space,” says David Frid, Sales Director for M2i.

“It’s a hidden gem in the city and everyone that knows about it loves because it is never too busy.”

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and the Harvie Passage are also just down the road, while the convenience of having Deerfoot and Blackfoot Trail so near make weekend getaways to the Rockies and beyond easy.

Cyclists can quickly reach the core by connecting to the regional pathway system or dedicated bike lanes down 9th Avenue, and transit commuters love that Calgary Transit’s most frequent bus route (the Number

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wood are at your feet at SoBow One) stops conveniently across the street from SoBow and arrives in the downtown core in just seven minutes.

SoBow continues to attract the attention of young professionals and couples, to those wanting to reside further away from the core and closer to a park or outdoor setting within an authentic established community. The high-end finishes, design quality and spacious floorplans combined with its location endorse SoBow as the best value in the inner-city. Recent purchasers of a two-storey suite, Tami and Michelle are ecstatic to have moved into SoBow. “I love the sense of community,” says Tami.

“We could spend a whole weekend in Inglewood and never have to leave since everything we need is right here.”

Phase two of SoBow is currently over 70 per cent sold. There are 13 different floorplans to

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choose from and a variety of suites including two-storey garden suites with walkout patios, two-storey penthouse suites featuring two balconies, and apartment-style suites.

The two-storey suites are some of the most unique floor plans in the project. They range in size from 1,390 to 1,414 square-feet and are priced significantly less compared to other inner city suites of similar sizes, starting in the mid the $500,000 range. SoBow also offers luxurious two-storey loft suites that start from the $580,000s.

“It feels like we’re in our own house rather than just a unit in a larger building,” says Michelle. “The amount of light that comes in from outside makes the space very bright and open and we’ve fallen in love with all of the special aesthetic features like the wide-plank wood floors to the metal staircase.”

Each suite in SoBow Phase II has engineered European hardwood flooring throughout, full-sized stainless steel appliances, in-suite air-conditioning, and a one-of-a-kind island with a real butcher’s block accentuated with Baltic-birch edging. The custom-built closet spaces give buyers more flexibility within their suite, “every bit of space needs to be maximized in condo living” says Frid.

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SoBow’s suites are all designed to be multifunctional living spaces. Adding character to the suites are subtle details such as exposed concrete columns, barn-style sliding doors, Rocky Mountain, River or Park views, balconies or terraces, nine-foot high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows add character to every suite.

“We evolved the architecture to be more reminiscent of the warehouse buildings in Inglewood and wanted to tie it all into the sense of place and being close to nature. It’s a magnificent part of the city, touching the river and the park and we wanted to express that in the architecture,” says Ron Poon, Vice President of NORR Architects.

All suites have titled underground parking, with larger suites including the bonus of a second stall — hard to come by in Calgary’s condo market. As for on-site amenities, homeowners have access to the state-of-the-art 9,000-squarefoot fitness centre City Fit, complete with a cafe and smoothie bar.

“There really is something for everybody here,” says Frid. “We’re on the river, by the park, and in Inglewood. That’s really what makes us special.”

With immediate possessions, consumers can take advantage of the very affordable interest rates and move in shortly after purchase. CL

F A S T F A CT S Community: Inglewood Project: SoBow Phase II Developer: M2i Development Corp.

Style: Apartment-style condominiums, and two-storey Garden Suites and two-storey Penthouse suites Size: From 694 to 1,632 sq. ft.

Price: Starts in the $300,000 range. Twostorey suites starting in the $560,000 range Sales Centre Address: 1640 17A Street S.E. Hours: Tuesday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday to Monday, noon to 5 p.m.

Website: sobowcondos.com

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returN to brID

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algary’s vibrant inner-city community of Bridgeland is one of the hottest areas for condo development these days. With its dazzling array of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, it’s no wonder that Calgary’s young professionals have flocked to the neighbourhood.

Bucci Developments was one of the first developers to lead the resurgence of this historic neighbourhood when it launched Next condos in 2011, which quickly sold out even though the city was just then recovering from the effects of the last economic slump.

And now with Radius, the B.C.-based developer is looking to repeat the feat. And if you ask Bucci Development’s vice-president for development, Mike Bucci, he says their confidence in Radius stems from its terrific location in Bridgeland.

“Real estate is all about location, and Radius is one of the great parcels remaining for development in inner Calgary. City officials master-planned

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‘the Bridges’ community, and ensured it was located near downtown, parks, schools, shopping, and an LRT line. At the top of the rise there are sweeping views which will be preserved by our neighbor, the community centre,” Bucci says.

“As longtime developers we know that there will always be demand for good housing in a location like Radius. Our strategy is to offer homes at a price point that can start construction today, rather than wait for the next cycle.”

Radius will be a seven-storey all concrete building going up along Centre Avenue and 9th Street N.E. It will be launched this fall, but buzz around the project has already been quite high.

“Radius is parkside living, in a building that leaves

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GeLaND

little to be desired, at a price point worth waiting for,” says Chelsey Marshall, Sales and Marketing Manager at Bucci Developments. “Radius will have some of the best downtown views around, and there is parking included with every home. You are also five-minutes from the C-Train station and river pathways.”

Radius is downtown living in an established community, with floor plans designed to evolve with you. “With a building like this it would have been easy to build mostly one-bedroom homes; however, we are increasingly finding that people require more flexibility from their home design,” she points out.

Radius will offer a mix of plans, from 544-square-foot one-bedrooms, to just under 1,400-square-foot two-bedroom-plus-den and penthouse suites. “The majority of homes in Radius will be our Junior two-bedroom, two-bathroom plans, a number of which will come in under $400,000.”

With its unique layout, Marshall says this plan offers a space that

Bucci marks its triumphant return to Bridgeland with radius by pepper rodrIgUez

will “evolve with you; whether you need a temporary roommate, a guest room, an office, a nursery, or some combination thereof, these floor plans will support your changing needs.” Not to mention, they come with a parking stall and storage locker, at a price that she says can be compared to a one-bedroom.

“I actually live in this plan in our Tribeca building, it’s great! It totally supports my lifestyle, without compromise” she adds.

Radius is located right behind the Community Center and Murdoch Park in Bridgeland, at the top of the rise on 9th Street. “This means great views, even from the main floor. It’s pretty rare that you find both with a multifamily site: park side in a quiet area with panoramic views of downtown!” Marshall says.

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F A S T F A CT S “Bucci was able to secure this exceptional development site in ‘The Bridges’ at an unbelievably fair price. This means that we can offer the same to our homeowners at Radius; a very competitive price point without compromising on our fit or finish. Buyers can expect all of the beautiful finishes they have come to expect from a Bucci home, at an aggressive price point.”

In addition, all homes will include underground parking, additional storage, air-conditioning, and private balconies with a gas line– no neighbors on either side. “You won’t want to leave the comforts of your home.” Marshall says.

Radius will have an over 8,000-square-foot amenity space including a two-level lobby with concierge, multiple fitness centers, a yoga studio, and a rooftop terrace.

The building will also be built to LEED Silver standards, include solar panels, and feature an urban garden on the rooftop terrace. This is a thoughtfully designed building that will be current for years to come.

The interior finishes were influenced by the Italian past of Bridgeland, Marshall says. “ You’ll feel a lot of warm wood tones combined with manufactured marbles, which we’ve found to be more durable and consistent than natural stone. The kitchens are large and efficient with natural gas Bosh cook tops and wall-ovens and contemporary stainless steel Fisher Paykel fridges. Most notable will likely be the high ceilings: majority will be over nine-feet, with more than 10-feet on the upper floors,” she adds. CL

The building will also be built to LEED Silver standards, include solar panels, and feature an urban garden on the rooftop terrace.

This is a thoughtfully designed building that will be current for years to come.

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Community: Bridgeland Project: Radius Developer: Bucci Developments Style: Apartment condos Size: From 544 to 1,400 sq. ft.

Price: Starts under $400,000 presentation centre: 102, 4th Street N.E. Directions: Northbound: Heading North on Edmonton Trail, turn left onto Marsh Rd. Southbound: Heading South on 4th Street N.E., turn left onto Marsh Rd. Hours: From noon – 6p.m., every day but Friday Website: www.bucci.com/radius

| CONDO PROFILE

THE URBANA advantage Creations by Shane Homes offers townhome lifestyle less the condo fees

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reations by Shane Homes has built a name for itself in offering some of the most creative single-family starter and move-up homes in the city, but they have come up with something totally innovative in their line of Urbana Street Town homes Urbana in Nolan Hill is Creations by Shane Homes’ first street town development, and they chose the growing northwest community of Nolan Hill to unveil it in. They offer some of the most well-designed two- and three-bedroom street towns, which have the added advantage of having no condo fees.

Urbana has proven so popular with buyers that this 96-unit development — which only launched last November — is already 60 per cent sold.

Area manager Deb Gearey says the attractive price point and the upgraded standard package they offer has made it irresistible to buyers.

Photo by Don Molyneaux

By pepper rodriguez

“These homes are totally attuned to their lifestyle. They get a private yard where they can throw children’s parties or let their dogs run free; there’s a basement development option that they can do if they need extra living space; and the six floor plans we have will surely fit the needs of working singles, couples just starting to build equity, and downsizers looking to simplify life.”

And to top it off, buyers don’t have to worry about condo fees. “That’s the constant worry for multi-family dwellers, they never know when those fees are going to go up, only that it will

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Ultimately, it is the convenience and vast potentials that Nolan Hill offers that has made living here all that more appealing. go up eventually,” she adds. “With Urbana, you never have to worry about this. Your home is your home with no monthly condo fees.”

There will be 16 buildings in the project with six homes per building.

Construction is well under way, and some homes are available for quick possession. Homes range from 1,368 to just under 1,600 square-feet.

“There is a floor plan for everyone, all sharing a very open concept, which is great for entertaining,” Gearey says. “All the kitchens come upgraded with granite countertops, maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances, plus a nine-foot ceiling with a dropdown feature for added style.”

Interiors seem even bigger with the numerous oversized windows, elegantly complemented by the wide laminate flooring throughout the main floor that looks more like expensive hardwood. Homes also feature tile in areas as per plan, upgraded backsplash in the kitchen, beautiful plumbing package and easy-to-clean undermount FAST FACTS sinks in bathrooms and kitchens.

Community: Nolan Hill Buyers also get a spacious fully-insulated double-detached garage with concrete apron, Developer: United Communities as well as a maintenance-free vinyl-covered builder: Creations by Shane Homes deck or concrete patio in the backyard, which Style: Two- and three-bedroom street town is separated from each home by a chain link homes with double detached garage fence plus the front and rear yards are landscaped. “These are things you don’t even get size: 1,368 to 1,580 sq. ft. as standard in most single-family homes,” price: Starts at $399,900 including GST Gearey points out. “New residents don’t have sales centre: 519 Nolan Hill Dr. N.W. to worry about completing landscaping, indirections: North on Symons Valley Dr., stalling fences, finishing the deck, they can left on 144 Ave. and left on Nolan Hill Blvd. and just move in and enjoy.”

Then there is the very competitive pricing follow the signs. they offer. “We start at $399,900, including hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., house, lot, and GST, which translates to just weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. $1,667 a month with five per cent down payment,” Gearey says.

Website: www.creationsbyshane.com

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The attractive and oh-so-convenient surrounding of Nolan Hill is another added pleasure for buyers.

Set amidst 500 acres of rolling grasslands, Nolan Hill evokes the countryside charm of the British Isles. With the realistic-looking castle-ruins as a centerpiece in the roundabout, Nolan Hill has a certain old world charm and feeling of ‘being home’ the minute you enter.

The location is very popular, with great access points to Sarcee, Shaganappi and Stoney

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Trail. It’s a prime northwest Calgary location, and it is pretty well coming to its own.

New residents will experience parks that are already landscaped, playgrounds that are already built and a commercial site with stores that open this year. People who haven’t been out to the neighbourhood would be surprised at how established it is already.

Indeed, the community boasts modern amenities that include the Gates of Nolan Hill shopping centre, which has Sobeys,

Starbucks, PetroCan, State & Main pub, and others; Beacon Hill Shopping Centre, with Costco, Goodlife Fitness, Canadian Tire, Shopper’s DrugMart, and more; and Symons Valley Ranch Market — which is now open — with over 40 local vendors.

“This is an unbelievable amenity to have in the suburbs,” says Gearey.

“And within walking distance to Nolan Hill.”

Ultimately, it is the convenience and vast potentials that Nolan Hill offers that has made living here all that more appealing. “There are also future school sites in the community. This will be a neighbourhood that you can put down roots in and grow with, it’s also a good investment opportunity,” she adds. CL

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T

The plush

he pealing laughter of children is the welcome music of the neighbourhood in Artesia at Heritage Pointe, where the elusive qualities of a safe, luxurious, environmentally responsible community that young families want to raise their kids in are found.

Located just outside of southern Calgary, on a bluff overlooking the Pine Creek Valley and Bow River and just off Highway 2, Artesia is blossoming into the close-to-nature community it has been envisioned to become.

About 50 per cent of the development has been snapped up, and half of the lots on its latest segment (Phase 3) are already spoken for.

And it has accomplished this remarkable feat in an ecologically responsible manner that includes leaving nearly half of the 137-acre development to municipal and environmental reserves, open spaces, and water amenities. “Our three storm ponds are not only aesthetically pleasing, we also use them to redistribute water for irrigation purposes for both common areas and homeowners’ lawns,” says Carol Oxtoby, President and CEO of Heritage Pointe Properties.

Artesia is the final stage of Heritage Pointe Properties’ nearly quarter of a century endeavour to create spacious, luxury communities in the rolling prairie grasslands in the hamlet of DeWinton. The original Heritage Pointe community and its adjacent 30-hole golf course answered a

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life

Artesia’s luxurious, sophisticated homes are in harmony with nature

By Pepper Rodriguez

burgeoning demand to cater to the lifestyle needs of corporate executives, lawyers, doctors and their families. Artesia may be the final chance to experience this quiet, idyllic lushness so close to the thriving, major urban centres of south Calgary.

“Artesia answers a specific lifestyle need for a safe, secure, comfortable community where neighbours know each other, and still remain close to Calgary’s city centre,” Oxtoby tells Condo Living. “We’re also just across the river from the exciting commercial development of Seton. Really, our residents get the benefit of living a peaceful, relaxed lifestyle but with big city amenities just nearby.”

On offer are fabulous, single-family estate homes, and luxury multi-family villas. But here, every lot backs onto a spectacular community amenity.

Whether green space, water feature, a protected environmental reserve, or an escarpment, each home will always have a beautiful backyard landscape.

Artesia’s Phase 3 will have 63 single-family estate lots with some of the largest lot depths (some are 130-feet deep) with one-of-a-kind views of Pine Creek Valley. Home sites range from 65–90 feet in width. “The density at Artesia is one fifth of any comparable South Calgary neighbourhood and sets a new standard in living without compromise,” Oxtoby says.

Artesia welcomes Homes By Avi and Augusta Fine Homes to their builder group. “Together with Albi Homes, our new group, will open new show

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Augusta Fine Homes

Albi Homes

Homes by Avi

Calbridge Homes

homes in the spring next year, and add their pedigree of award-winning quality homes to Artesia’s already exciting mix of prairie style sophistication.”

Calbridge Homes’ upscale Bungalow Villas in Artesia bring a luxurious maintenance-free lifestyle to the retiree and empty-nester set, and those just wanting to simplify life. They are in their final phase with 36 villas starting in the $850,000s. “They are beautifully appointed and offer access to all the outdoor space and community amenities that make Artesia so special,” Oxtoby says.

In Artesia, every single-family bungalow style home starts at 1,750 squarefeet, and every two-storey single-family home starts at 2,400 square-feet with a minimum of 1,400 square-feet in the main level. Prices are from the $1 million range.

But beyond the beautiful homes available here, is the natural lushness of the surroundings and the careful stewardship of Heritage Pointe Properties to offer the most attuned to nature community in Calgary.

In Artesia, you will find tennis courts, basketball courts, open fields for soccer, Frisbee, or an epic game of tag. “We have a lot of young families buying their homes here,” says Oxtoby. “Children bring so much energy to the neighbourhood,” she adds, pointing out that this year’s Halloween promises to be a spectacular event as more families with little kids have moved in.

Artesia’s amazing water features not only add to the idyllic scenery, they serve an important function as well. “We utilize a system of bio-swales to

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collect naturally occurring water, which saves us from treating approximately 60 million litres of water annually,” Oxtoby says. CL

F as t F a c t s Commmunity: Artesia at Heritage Pointe DEVELOPER: Heritage Pointe Properties builders: Bungalow Villas exclusively from Calbridge Homes, Single-family estate homes from Albi Homes, Augusta Fine Homes, and Homes by Avi. (New single-family show homes to open spring 2016) PRICEs: Villas start from the mid $850,000s; Single-family homes start from the $1 million range Directions: South on Deerfoot Trail and exit on Dunbow Road and follow the signs hours: Monday to Thursday 12 - 6p.m., Fridays, Weekends and Holidays 12 - 5 p.m.

Website: www.liveartesia.com

| lifestyle

In tune with

Couple can’t get enough of life in Calgary’s core

downtown W

hen Erin and Craig Elder decided it was time to settle down and buy a place where they could start a family they didn’t head to the suburbs, they walked a few blocks from their downtown rental and found the perfect inner city condo in Victoria Park.

A year ago Erin and Craig returned to Calgary after a year of travelling around the world. They were ready to buy their own home and were thinking about starting a family.

The inner-city couple just loves the city’s core, and have lived in Connaught, Eau Claire and the Beltline. They say living downtown matches many of their values.

“It’s about building up, instead of out,” Erin says.

“It’s less land use and less water use,” Craig adds.

The walkability and easy access to transit has allowed them to remain a one-car family.

By Darlene Casten

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“It’s a pedestrian lifestyle,” Erin says. “We walk to get groceries and walk to the gym. We walked downtown to get drinks and dinner last night.”

Craig, an economist, is able to walk to his downtown workplace and Erin has set a goal of catching the train every day to the northwest elementary school where she teaches for the first month, and as often as possible after that.

Reducing their carbon footprint is important, they say, and living downtown makes that possible.

They started looking for their first home in March.

“Everything else we looked at was small and renovated or big and not renovated,” Erin says.

So when they came across a renovated 1,234-square-foot apartment in the Fountain Bleu building, they knew they had found the one.

Previous owners had remodeled the kitchen, creating a spacious gourmet kitchen, with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and gorgeous and incredibly well organized kitchen cabinets.

Craig says he loves the amount of the space in the kitchen, the deep drawers and the spice organizer.

The couple love to cook and their new kitchen offers them the space to do this efficiently. “You aren’t climbing over each other,” he says.

It’s also great for entertaining, he adds, because it opens up to the living room and dining room and with a long bar on one side of the kitchen.

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The outdoor cooking space isn’t too shabby either.

The wrap around deck, with slate flooring, is big enough for a barbecue, two seating areas and still has room to spare.

Bordering the east village and a block from bustling First Street, the apartment overlooks the diverse landscape, where the church spire of St. Mary’s cathedral stands in contrast to the modern roofline of the Talisman Centre to the east.

The days are filled with the sounds of church bells and the summer nights were often full of light.

“We can see the fireworks from Globalfest and the Stampede,” Erin says.

The two renovated bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling tiles and a glass basin sink in the main bathroom also come with a practical purpose.

“We are often getting ready at the same time,” Craig says. “So it’s been really useful having two bathrooms.”

Also on Erin’s wish list was a wood-burning fireplace, a feature that their condo delivered.

“I do hand-stitched quilting and Craig is into wood carving so I can picture us in front of the fireplace on a cold night

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doing that,” she said.

Most importantly, when they walked into the 10-storey condo building on 14th Avenue they could see their future in front of them.

Erin said she already has a spot where the kids can play, in the large open living space.

Downtown is a great place for their children to meet people from all walks of life, Erin says.

“It is definitely a diverse area,” she says.

In their travels to places like South Africa, South America and France they saw many families living in apartments.

“We don’t need a lot of space,” Erin says.

“We plan on raising one or two kids here. We have a beautiful park across the street and a playground. There are lots of opportunities outside our home to do things.”

Downtown is a great place for their children to meet people from all walks of life.

In the meantime, the condominium has been a great place for entertaining friends and family, they say.

“We host a lot,” Erin says.

Exploring the neighbourhood is also on the agenda.

“Last night when we went out I saw three places I want to try,” she says.

Decorating is also on the agenda.

They have already painted a bold slate blue in the main living space, which picks up on the blue tones on the slate blocks on the huge fireplace surround. Craig’s international mask collection will find a place, as will his travel and landscape photography they say.

They will add it to their diverse mix of furniture, including a teak table given to them by Craig’s grandmother that is now perfect for two, and folds out to seat 10.

“Hand me down furniture is our style now,” Erin laughs. CL

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Photos courtesy Second Look Home Staging

Staging for you

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By andrea cox

All the world’s a stage, but staging your home may be the key for a quick sell

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n these days of a slowing economy, we need all the help we can get when trying to sell our single-family home or condo.

Home staging by a professional is a good start. By having someone help you establish a show-home-quality look for the home that brings out all its potential, then you’re already halfway to getting it sold and maybe even getting a better price for it.

For Diane Wells hiring a home stager to help her sell her home was always part of the plan.

“I’d considered home staging from the get go because I knew friends who had used a stager and it was very effective in helping them sell,” explains Diane, an engineer who works downtown.

Diane had been living in a two-storey, three-bedroom home in Wentworth on Calgary’s westside for almost 10 years.

“I had accumulated lots of stuff, and the main floor furniture had been with me for quite some time,” she recalls with a smile, intimating that it had seen better days.

She interviewed three home staging companies, settling on Olga Brovkina owner of Furniture Connection Staging and Rental Company (furnitureconnection.ca).

“I connected with her immediately,” says Diane.

“And I trusted her.”

Olga recommended a thorough revamp of the main floor. All of Diane’s furniture was put

into storage and then Olga staged the living room and dining room with contemporary furnishings from her 10,000-square-foot warehouse, which is stock full of furniture, and accessories from lighting to art — all for home staging purposes.

She spiffed up the master bedroom with accessories and tweaked the master bathroom.

“When she was finished it really looked spectacular,” says Diane.

Home staging uses design and psychology to lead a buyer towards a purchase, by showcasing the home’s pluses and hiding its drawbacks.

“Everything should be appealing, starting with the curbside — the grass should be cut, fresh flowers should be in pots, the exterior should be painted with no cracks showing,” says Olga.

She suggests that when spiffing up a home for sale, sellers put themselves into the shoes of potential buyers, noting that first impressions are everything.

Research shows that buyers make a connection with a home within the first few seconds of entering. “Once they have made that first impression it is very hard for them to think negatively even if they see something that they don’t like because they have already subconsciously connected with it,” says Olga.

Certainly statistics show that home staging does make a difference, a big difference. Close to 90 per cent of potential homebuyers start their search on the Internet, so fabulous photos are a must and a staged home photographs beautifully.

A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors showed that home staging helps potential buyers to visualize the property as a future home, as well as encourages them to overlook other property faults.

Max Tuff, property stylist, home stager and owner of Second Look Home Staging (secondlookstaging. ca) stresses that the first step to creating a fabulous first impression is to start with a plan.

That’s where the consultation comes in. Most home stagers will visit the home, take a walk through and jot

“Everything should be appealing, starting with the curbside — the grass should be cut, fresh flowers should be in pots, the exterior should be painted with no cracks showing.”

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copious notes. Then they will go away, mull it over and construct an action plan that should detail everything that needs to be done, along with an itemized budget.

“The way that we live in our homes is not necessarily the way that people like to view them,” says Max, with a laugh, adding that the staging process can be challenging for those with young children.

“You have to get them excited about the move and have them help you as much as possible to put toys away,” she says, adding that having a plan for everyday clean up when there is a showing is crucial.

The first step in any plan is to clean, clean, clean and to edit as much as possible.

“Be ruthless,” says Max. “Take out furniture; find the flow.”

Olga agrees and suggests removing all clutter from every room, even cupboards and closets. “There shouldn’t be stuff on the floor. You want to show how spacious the home is and show case an organized way of life,” says Olga, indicating that it is a psychological tool.

“Even if the potential buyer isn’t an organized person — they will be able to envision themselves being organized.”

After cleaning and editing, the next step entails esthetics, starting with the backdrop. Wall colours should appeal to a broad spectrum of clients — neutral or subtle shades of colour are best.

When it comes to furnishings less is more especially in a smaller space such as a condo.

“There are just certain tricks that stager knows,” says Olga.

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For example, use glass coffee tables instead of wood to create a stronger and more spacious visual image. Use lighter fabrics and finishes.

Lighting is also very important. Consider adding floor and table lamps to add a softer edge.

And don’t forget the two most important rules — highlight the focal points — the fireplace, the views, the windows and set the home up so that the function of each room is crystal clear.

“It’s really about creating a whole look — people want an instant connection when they walk into a place or view it online. They want that feeling of ‘oh, I like this place,’” adds Max. The three most important rooms to stage are the living room, the kitchen and the master bedroom and bath.

Diane listed her home at the beginning of July and even though at the time the real estate market was in the throes of softening with inventory steadily accumulating, her home sold in just five days for just over $700,000.

“I really believe home staging maximized my investment. It made my home shine,” enthuses Diane, who

Photos courtesy Second Look Home Staging

The first step in any plan is to clean, clean, clean and to edit as much as possible.

“Be ruthless. Take out furniture; find the flow.”

BEFORE

is now cosily ensconced in a pretty mountain home in Canmore with her new husband.

And she says the cost of staging, although a little pricey, was well worth it.

Max says that a client should expect to pay around $250 for a consultation that includes a written and detailed action plan. While the action — renting furnishings, painting, de-cluttering and adding or deleting accessories can range in price, running the gamut.

She suggests budgeting about half to one per cent of the list price to get your home ready for sale.

“It’s not a foolproof formula, but it gives you a ballpark idea of what you will be spending,” she says. CL

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Spooky Calgary As the weather turns chilly, Halloween thrills Calgary by pepper rodrIgUez

Darkness falls across the land The midnight hour is close at hand

Y

es, that’s Vincent Price at his campiest best in the spoken portion of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and you can expect to hear it playing in the background in most public spots in the city as Halloween approaches.

But that ‘80s classic does capture the high spirit of scary fun that chills the bone (or funny bone). And don’t let it be said that Calgary doesn’t know how to have as much fun in the fall as it does in the summer. Here’s a small sampling of just what’s in store for trick-or-treaters young and old in and out of Calgary. After all, it is a Thriller night (insert maniacal laughter here).

ghoULS’ NIght oUt At herItAge pArK

Ghouls’ Night Out is our event for kids aged 3–9, and their families of course.

It runs October 24, 25, 29 and 30th from 6–9 p.m. It’s a pre-ticketed event and tickets can be purchased on-line beginning September 14th at www.heritagepark. ca/plan-your-visit/event-calendar/ghouls-night-out.html Tickets are $10.25 for 13 and up, $6.15 for ages 3-12 and two and under are free.

The event features a Halloween dance, Carnival games, storytelling, crafts, Tinkerman’s haunted toy shop, a roving flash mob of creepy characters and dance lessons so guests can bust a move with them, a ghost train, pumpkin patch and a fun and colourful tribute to Dia de lost Muertos. Plus the park is decorated for the event and we have a horse drawn hearse and mourners that add to the spooky environment. There’s no trick or treating, but there will be food and retail venues open.

“Our adult event is Ghosts and Gourmet,” says Park’s Barb Munro. This runs October 31 and November 1st from 6–9pm, and is a nice three-course dinner in the Wainwright Hotel followed by a ghost tour of the park, after dark. This one is $65.95 per person. Again, tickets can be purchased at ghouls Night out www.heritagepark.ca/planyour-visit/event-calendar/ ghosts-and-gourmet.html

Creatures crawl in search of blood To terrorize your neighbourhood

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| Feature

ScreAMFeSt

What started out as just a small, one-haunted house affair in the parking lot of Malborough Mall has transformed like a werewolf into the biggest scare event in Calgary, if not the country.

Screamfest heads into its 10th year bigger than ever with eight haunted houses, a corn maze and more scary going-ons than you can shake a witch’s broomstick at.

Held at the Stampede Park for the last four years, Screamfest features multiple haunted houses — the Madhouse, Bates Motel, and new this year, Walking With the Dead, are all worth visiting. But that’s not all, see how you’d fare in the zombie apocalypse by playing zombie paintball and try your luck at Halloween themed carnival games like the Wheel of Misfortune. It goes every Fridays and Saturdays of October for five hours a night (plus an extra Thursday night on October 29) Entrance is $25, hours are from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., at The Grandstand Building at Stampede Park. For more info, go to www.screamfest.ca.

cALgAry ghoSt toUrS

Have you heard about the ghost of the boy with a balloon in one of Calgary’s most haunted pubs? How about the specters that haunt the old A.E. Cross house that’s today one of the hottest fine dining restaurants in Calgary?

These and more are stories will regale the curious in the Calgary Ghost Tours. These are guided walking tours that will take you through some of Calgary’s oldest inner-city neighbourhoods. And for a city as young as Calgary, you’ll be surprised how many haunted places there are.

All you need are comfortable walking shoes, a coat for when it gets chilly, and $15 per adult as Calgary Ghost Tours’ guides — well-versed in the city’s history and lore — take you through some of the most interesting neighbourhoods of the inner-city.

There’s the Kensington Ghost Walk (Oct. 23) to learn more about the spirits that haunt this area, the Downtown Ghost Walk (Oct. 24) to learn more about the ghosts in Firehouse 1 and ghost tou the Chamber of Commerce, r guid es

rouge in Inglewood is part of the calgary ghost tours

or the Inglewood Ghost Walk (Oct. 30 and 31) to walk through Calgary’s most haunted neighbourhood. For more info, www.calgaryghosttours.com.

hALLoWeeN herItAge ghoSt toUr

The imposing Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is the stunning — if a little scary — backdrop of the Halloween Heritage Ghost Tour. Learn all about the haunted history of the Fairmont Banff Spring and spend the night with the family-friendly Heritage Ghost Tour package. Come see for yourself if the rumours of the hauntings are true!

The tour is touted to give listeners the truth behind the rumours before spending the night within the walls of this historic hotel. The family-friendly tour will cover some of its most famous long-term residents including the Ghost Bride who has been seen mourning her ill-fated wedding day in the Cascade Ballroom and Sam the Bellman who, to this day, is rumoured to help lost guests el Fairmont banff Springs hot find their way through the hotel corridors late at night.

The tour runs from October 23 – 25 and 28 – 31, 2015.

Visit www.fairmont.com/banffspringshalloween for rates and more information. cL

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Man-cave or workshop, the garage can also be style central

Un-grunge

the garage

W

hen it comes to garages, it’s definitely what’s on the inside that counts. Of course, the exterior door needs to make sense with the overall look of the house but the magic really does lie within. Of course, in many cases a lot of clutter lies within, too — hence the need for a cohesive garage makeover/design plan.

As someone who hasn’t driven since the age of 18 (no, I’m not helping you with the math…) I don’t really spend a lot of time thinking about these über-utilitarian spaces. Or, should I say, spaces that should be über-utilitarian. More often than not, as indicated previously, the garage becomes a catch-all for the detritus of our lives, items that seemed like a good idea but never really made it to the charity shop/recycle depot/local landfill once discarded.

You see all those cars that always seem to be parked on the driveways lining the street? You have to wonder why don’t the owners use their garage for its intended purpose. But alas, un-cluttering is a subject for another time. This issue, we want to focus on bringing stylish function to your garage — be it in a single-car attached garage townhome, a utilitarian detached garage for a laned home, or one of the fancy triple-garages with high ceilings found in most estate communities. After all, a stylish garage can be the perfect setting for your garage band practice or your next garage sale.

While it’s true there are some very useful things in garages, they generally are not treated with much reverence. “A place for everything and everything in its place” is a great motto, particularly when it can be executed effectively. And in doing my research for this story, I found no more effective execution than that provided by Gladiator GarageWorks.

By David Crosson

Photo courtesy Gladiator Garageworks/Trail Appliances

| STYLE

A garage is a great place to embrace bright colour—note how the silver cabinets ‘pop’ against it

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Available locally through Trail Appliances, this sleek and serviceable line of garage gear is like Lego on a grand scale. Shiny, tough, really cool Lego, to be more specific.

Available in modular units that can be configured to suit numerous requirements, the Gladiator system anticipates any need and accommodates it handily. The cabinets themselves are constructed of either graphite or ultra-chic white steel (in their Select Series), with diamond-tread fronts on the former and smooth matte silver on the latter. The system also boasts a robust selection of accessories to handle everything from bikes and balls to shovels and shoes (that last one likely for things like hiking boots and gardening clogs, unless someone in the household has a serious footwear addiction).

Gladiator’s countertop offerings include both bamboo and maple — great choices for warming up the look of all that slick steel. As well, many of their purpose-built units — tool chests, for example — have basic black tops with a raised rim to help corral all manner of gear for projects on the go, all of which glide in and out from under their line of workbenches thanks to handy, hardy casters. For more on the series, view the full product line at www.gladiatorgarageworks.ca.

It would be a shame to hang such a beautiful product on what is often left as a “blank” wall — or, more specifically, an unfinished mess of drywall and mudded tape. Practically speaking, leaving the surface untreated just invites damage and stains — the latter being very difficult to clean once they have penetrated the drywall. Your best bet is to first find a good, durable paint (yes, this is a perfect time to use premium product) and the second is to choose an actual colour.

All too often you see the doors go up on a white or beige garage interior, neither of which will help camouflage those little marks and dings that inevitably occur.

Worse still, it suggests a life lived without verve, and certainly doesn’t provide much excitement for the odd time you do find yourself spending time within.

For real drama — and a nice pick-you-up in the morning/night as you depart for/

Although the garage will never be the hub of the home like the kitchen, it’s still part of it and should be treated to a bit of attention.

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Photo courtesy Gladiator Garageworks/Whirlpool

Photos courtesy RLM Lighting/Robinson Lighting and Bath

STYLE |

arrive from work — select a favourite colour and go to town with it!

Even if, say, cobalt blue is at odds with the more neutral tones of your home’s exterior (or interior, for that matter), the excitement it lends when the door opens is worth the visual disconnect. And just think whose garage sale is going to be the easiest on the block to find, not to mention the one with the most stunning backdrop for merchandising all manner of wares. How could you not turn to the rainbow for inspiration?

Another major downfall of garages is lighting, which is often treated as an afterthought (or, worse still, default) through the use of fluorescent tubes. Although they do the trick, this is an excellent place to supplement task lighting with a bit of dazzle. RLM, a division of Troy Lighting, has an excellent array of playful, industrial-inspired fixtures in crazy-cool colours, the perfect accompaniment to your bold

| STYLE

LEFT TO RIGHT: Fixtures from RLM’s retro Industrial series are beauties of a bygone era.

Thanks to LED lamping, RLM’s fixtures are ‘green’ no matter what colour their finish RLM’s fixtures come in a variety of bright colours, the perfect way to add some pizzazz to your garage Nothing beats classic silver for lending a touch of industrial style to your space

LEFT: Gladiator’s approach to storage is akin to minimalist art, except with maximum space efficiency.

BELOW: The standard Gladiator Garageworks line comes with utilitarianchic diamond-tread fronts on many cabinets.

Photo courtesy Gladiator Garageworks/Trail Appliances

and beautiful walls. I particularly like their Deep Reflector fixture or the Retro Industrial collection. Better still, whichever hue you choose will be ‘green’ thanks to energy-efficient LED lamping in each model, which ties the score between style and sustainability.

Let’s not forget the flooring, too. There are some terrific options you can get to give the flooring of your garage an extra shine. Epoxy and acrylic resin-based garage floor coating is readily available that adds style and sturdiness to the garage floor. Tool cabinets — if you have the space — are also a good idea to keep your garages from turning grungy.

Although the garage will never be the hub of the home like the kitchen, it’s still part of it and should be treated to a bit of attention.

And, when garage sale season returns again, I will be cruising around to see just who has been paying the most. Attention, that is… CL

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| shopping

The Home Depot

Style afoot

By Kathy McCormick

Pick your flooring material wisely, your feet and your pocket will thank you for it

The Home Depot

Vinyl is a perfect choice for renovations as well, since it simply ‘floats’ over most existing floors and is easy to install.

I

t’s something a lot of people don’t think about — but it’s one of the most important choices you’ll make when you buy a new home because it’s something that is used every single day by everyone in your home and everyone who visits.

It’s your choice of flooring. Whatever you choose, it will be well used — and it sets the tone for the rest of your home’s decor since it is on every surface of the floor in every room of your house.

And the choices are not only plentiful, but overwhelming, unless you do your research and talk to the experts.

“You should always seek a flooring professional,” says Glenn Davies, director of business development for Dannburg Floor Coverings. “We are trained in helping homeowners make the right choices for their homes.”

That starts with the individual homeowners’ lifestyle, budget and expectations of the different products available to them, he says. That will ultimately narrow down choices.

Additionally, “we are fortunate to have the internet at our disposal, and all of the major flooring manufacturers have websites.”

Not only do the many websites explain the pros and cons of each type of material, they also help with care and maintenance of each.

In today’s world, hardwood is still king, and it’s a bonus for resale value, says Morley Woluschuk, sales manager at Contempa Carpet Co. And many of today’s innovations are designed with a green bent to become more sustainable and healthy for homeowners.

For example, a new product called Pure Genius by Lauzon Flooring has created interest, says Woluschuk. “It is a light-activated, air-purifying agent made of titanium dioxide, which is integrated into Lauzon’s Titanium floor, that breaks down toxic contaminants

Vinyl Texture-style carpet remains the most widely purchased, he says, but curly, cut pile (frieze), level loop (Berber) and pattern are also offered in everything from nylon, to polyester, to polypropylene (Olefin), to wool, each with its own pros and cons.

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shopping |

Demand is strong for smooth porcelain and natural classic-look tile in cream, white and grey, as well as classic mosaics in hexagon or lantern shapes.

Contempa Carpet

Contempa Carpet

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on contact, like formaldehyde, and cleans the air inside the home.”

Engineered hardwood is still a popular choice as well, says Davies — and again, it fits the environmental stewardship people are looking for today. “Engineered products have helped us be more conscious of how we use the trees and they help the end product perform better in different climates.”

Similarly, Woluschuk has another option.

“An excellent alternative in a similar price range to hardwood is cork flooring,” he says. “The nice thing about cork is that we can re-harvest every nine years without harming the tree. It’s also warmer and quieter than hardwood.”

Solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood range anywhere from $3.99 to $7.99 per square-foot at The Home Depot Canada (with installation starting at approximately $3.45 per square-foot for a floating floor and $4.65 per square-foot for a glued-down floor), says Jack Rende, senior merchant for hard surface flooring at The Home Depot Canada.

Natural and grey tones are the most popular, and “we are seeing trends continue to favour the hand-scraped, saw-cut and wire-brushed look, but also towards exotic woods such as Acacia. Wider and longer planks are definitely the new trend emerging in this category.”

But while hardwood is still king, it’s crown is slipping with the many other choices and, ironically, many are simulating the look of wood grain, says Masha Sysova, associate merchant for flooring at The Home Depot Canada. “We see customers gravitating to a luxury vinyl flooring, either in a wood look or tile patterns with the same trends we see in our hardwood, laminate and tile selections — heavy, embossed, rustic looks with distressed or hand-scraped, wire-brushed pattern.”

Vinyl is a popular alternative because of its ease of installation, she says.

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Vinyl is a perfect choice for renovations as well, since it simply ‘floats’ over most existing floors and is easy to install.

In fact Luxury Vinyl Tiles are “one of the biggest products to hit the market over the past few years,” says Davies. “It’s made from new and recycled vinyl and very cost effective and very durable. If one tile is damaged, simply replace it.”

Tile, in any style, texture and shape, is still a very viable alternative, says Rende. “It’s mainly used in applications for bathrooms and kitchens.”

Surprise, surprise, there is a new tile trend emerging, he says — “the wood look. This is perfect for the customer who wants the benefits of tile but a natural, wood look.”

The concrete look is another favourite — and larger tile sizes, in the 12-inch by 24-inch range, have become popular, he says.

Over at Contempa Carpet, Woluschuk is seeing demand for smooth porcelain and natural classic-look tile in cream, white and grey, as well as classic mosaics in hexagon or lantern shapes.

And of course, tile is a wonderful choice for basements and cold weather climates, as in-floor heating can be installed underneath to keep people warm and cosy all year long.

Prices of tiles at The Home Depot can range anywhere from $0.79 per square-feet to upwards of $8 to $10 square-feet Laminate is the most economical of the bunch, ranging anywhere from $0.70 a square-feet to $2.49 a square-feet and it’s a great alternative to those on a budget, Rende says. “We have seen the quality, design and innovation improve tremendously over the last few years.

It is a great product with easy application for homes, condos and businesses, making it a winner in the flooring category.”

Again, some are made with wood-grain finishes that are convincing, says Davies.

“Some of the floors we are seeing now have such a realistic look and feel, it is sometimes

| shopping “We see customers gravitating to a luxury vinyl flooring, either in a wood look or tile patterns with the same trends we see in our hardwood, laminate and tile selections — heavy, embossed, rustic looks with distressed or hand-scraped, wire-brushed pattern.”

Dannburg Floor Coverings

“Engineered products have helped us be more conscious of how we use the trees and they help the end product perform better in different climates.”

The Home Depot

difficult for even the most experienced flooring professional to tell the difference from the real thing.

“Laminate floors still prove to be a cost-effective alternative while still adding a high level of durability for busy households full of kids and pets.”

One tip from Woluschuk: “Make sure to research the product origin and request documents to confirm the product is formaldehyde-free.”

And then there is the always-popular carpeting, especially desirable in bedrooms, basements and areas where warmth underfoot is important, says the merchant for flooring, The Home Depot Canada.

“Carpet remains in steady demand,” says Steve Mulvihill. “Carpet provides warmth, insulation, safety, sound reduction, surface cosmetics, improved air quality, easy maintenance, durability, and the extensive colour options offered.”

Texture-style carpet remains the most widely purchased, he says, but curly, cut pile (frieze), level loop (Berber) and pattern are also offered in everything from nylon, to polyester, to polypropylene (Olefin), to wool, each with its own pros and cons. Prices at The Home Depot range anywhere from $1 a square-feet to $5.

The biggest advancement in carpet over the last few years has been the new soft-fiber systems, says Davies. “These new fibers are easier than ever to keep clean, yet still hold their

Contempa Carpet

shape and appearance for years. There’s no better feeling than squishing “Laminate floors still prove to be your toes into some of the new carpet available to us now.” a cost-effective Upgrading the underlay is a great way to save money on carpet choice, alternative while still adding a says Woluschuk. “This is the best value you can do in any home.”

So consider your priorities, your budget, your wants, and your needs, high level of durability for busy and then have some fun choosing the flooring that works best for you households full of kids and pets.” and your family.

Condo owners will have a few more things to think about before installing flooring of their choice, the experts say. Since the type of flooring will affect others below or beside the units.

This can limit the choices, says Davies. “Because of sound/noise considerations in condos, the contractors usually implement specific construction methods to help control the transmission of noise.”

And often the condo bylaws may limit choices.

“By using an underlay rated for vinyl flooring with a high sound rating, the condo owners will meet guidelines set by their building’s corporation requirements,” says Sysova of The Home Depot Canada.

“Carpet is an excellent choice for condo owners because the carpet and its under pad are noise absorbents,” adds Mulvihill.

Consider the space as well, adds Davies. “As with any home, the flow from one area to another will help give the feeling of ‘spaciousness’” — an important element to create the feeling of a larger space. “Flooring is a very important aspect of this. When one type of flooring flows from one room to another, the space can appear larger and not so visually chopped up.” CL CO N D O L I V I N G

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| a day in the desiGn district

designed for fun

The Design District along the Beltline is more than just style

B

by SheLLey boettcher

eautiful art. European style. Sleek modern furnishings. Craft beer, restaurants, and much, much more.

Running through Calgary’s Beltline, the Design District received its name a few years ago, in homage to the area’s trendy furniture stores, art galleries and architectural firms.

More or less located along 11th Avenue S.W. between about Fourth Street S.W. and 10th Street S.W., it offers plenty of options for those looking for trendy restaurants, art galleries, cool boutiques and more.

“The Design District is a special area in Calgary as it truly is the city’s destination for high quality, high end furnishings and art. The best and most established art galleries are located in the area, as are the most premium shops for European furnishings and accessories,” says Shaun Ford, president of Shaun Ford & Co. “There really is no other area in the city that provides Calgarians and visitors with this level of taste and style in such a condensed area.”

Here, a look at a few of Condo Living’s favourites.

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a day in the desiGn district |

Bonterra trattoria

nue S.W.) has DJs, dance floors and super-cool style. If Restoration Hardware opened a bar, this is what it would look like.

ARt AttACK

finD DininG

Need caffeine? Or a yummy muffin? Then stop in at Bumpy’s Café (1040 8th Street S.W.) for a sweet fix. This cozy place is great for casual breakfast with friends.

A little further away, Avec Bistro (550 11th Avenue S.W.) is a chic French-style eatery that’s ideal for hot dates or gatherings with friends.

It also has one of the most well-curated wine lists in the city.

Bonterra Trattoria (1016 8th Street S.W.) boasts one of Calgary’s most romantic patios, but even on a snowy night, it offers plenty of ambiance and fine Italian cuisine.

DRinK

Beer Revolution (1080 8th Street S.W.) is a fun place to hang out and enjoy craft beer and pizza.

Craft beer fans will love Last Best Brewing & Distilling (607 11th Avenue S.W.), too. Try a pint of the Old Dog Organic Lager, or maybe the Show Pony Pale Ale. The cocktails are great, too.

And only a block or so away, Commonwealth Bar & Stage (731 10th Ave-

jackie and Kirk from Avec bistro

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You just bought a new condo. And now you want — nay, need — art for the walls. Real art, by real artists. Then head to the excellent galleries along 11th Avenue S.W. You’ll find work by many of Canada’s top contemporary artists, as well as international names, too.

At Paul Kuhn Gallery (724 11th Avenue S.W., paulkuhngallery.com), those artists include Edward Burtynsky, Alex Caldwell, Ric Kokotovich and more. Check out the works of Ontario painter John Hartman, on view Oct. 17 through Nov. 14.

Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art (730 11th Avenue S.W.) features work from artists including pinhole photographer Dianne Bos, Cathy Daley and others. Upcoming shows include the works of Kingston, Ont. painter Don Maynard and Vancouver painter Pat Service (September 19 to October 17).

A little further away, Trepanier Baer (999 8th Street S.W.) also offers original art from more of the country’s finest: Chris Cran, Christian Eckart, Fred Herzog and more.

| a day in the design district

Consume

Load up the wine rack in your beautiful new place! Metrovino (722 11th Avenue S.W.) is one of Calgary’s best wine shops. Peruse the shelves, ask questions and find new wines to try. Sign up for a tasting, too.

The Cookbook Co. Cooks (722 11th Avenue S.W.) is the place for all your culinary needs.

And if the staff doesn’t have what you’re after, they probably know where you can find it in the city.

Then duck into Brulee Patisserie (722 11th Avenue S.W.), directly underneath Cookbook Co. Everything is good here. Everything.

And, best, you can order Christmas cookies in advance that taste as good or better than anything you’ll make at home.

Shop

If you’re constantly googling “mid-century modern” in your search for furniture, stop in at Kit Interior Objects (725 11th Avenue S.W.).

Staffers search the globe to bring you the best modern designers and brands, including Knoll, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Carl Hansen, Herman Miller and Marimekko.

A little further down the street, BoConcept (701 11th Avenue S.W.) offers modern Danish furnishings and accessories. You can’t miss it — there’s a big red chair perched out front of the shop.

Beer Revolution

At Shaun Ford & Co. (715 11th Avenue S.W.), you’ll get personalized design attention for everything: your kitchen, bathroom, closets, rugs, lighting and even accessories. Baccarat crystal wine glasses, anyone?

Then there’s Robert Sweep Homefurnishings Inc.(739 11th Avenue S.W.), another must if you love modern European design. Collections include B&B Italia, Maxalto, Moooi, Tonelli, Foscarini, Serralunga. Gorgeous.

If you’re inspired by romantic colours and pretty French fashion, don’t miss Peridot (101, 638 11th Avenue S.W.) Whether you’re in the market for a desk or a comfy chair, Peridot just may have what your new home is missing.

Get fit

Mountain Equipment Co-op (830 10th Avenue S.W.), The Source Skate and Snowboard (730 11th Avenue S.W.) and uThrive: Chiropractic, Massage, Fitness, Physiotherapy (602 11th Avenue S.W.) are just a few of the Design District hot spots where you can get in shape and feel good. CL

Cookbook Co. Cooks

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Editor’s note: Maria Bartolotti is a board member of the Canadian Condominium Institute – Southern Alberta chapter (CCI-SA). CCI represents all participants in the condominium community.

ASK MARIA By maria Bartolotti

CONDOmINIum maNaGemeNt burNOut Guarding against stress in a stressful industry

Q:

Dear Maria – I am thinking of going into condo management, do you have any tips for me?

A:

They say that condominium managers experience a high level of burnout then in most industries.

This is my personal perspective on the subject; it may not cover everything you need to know, but I will share a bit about why and how to cope with burnout.

As a professional Condominium Manager in Alberta, I can speak from personal experience, that I have not only seen burnout in my industry but have also experienced stress first hand.

Stress is one of the reasons that most condo managers resign from their position and from the industry.

One of the questions I’m constantly being asked is “why, why is it so hard to keep a condo manager?”

When we get to the route of this question, there are key factors that play a part in why a manager leaves his/her position.

The biggest factor of them all is what I call, the “juggler.” A manager must be able to juggle between the needs of contractors, Boards, residents, all the time mindful of maintenance issues, budgets, time lines, more time lines and personnel (to name a few), and be able to do it all in the “now”.

When we feel that everything needs doing immediately, that creates overstressed managers, which can lead to physical affects on our bodies, mental health and the ability to function normally in any capacity of our lives. Lashing out verbally or emotionally may also be a sign

that a manager is overloaded.

It is very important for a condo manager to have an outlet for them to cope with their stress. When they don’t, it can lead to burnout.

It all starts with the Principal — it is no secret, the focus of most business owners, is sales. For me — Selling Condominium Management Services is a necessary evil, after all it does pay the bills.

Learning through my own mistakes, if you do not give your condo manager/s the tools they require such as; proper training and a support system to effectively manage their portfolio, it will essentially lead to a lost client or the manager resigning from the position.

As an owner it is your job to provide supportive autonomy that’s appropriate to the condo manager’s level of capability. The key is to be hands-on while giving them the room they need to succeed on their own. It’s easier said then done. I get it!

Never overload the condominium manager with too many properties or high maintenance properties. This is a sure sign for disaster. A condo manager should be able to fulfill their obligations and duties without the unnecessary pressures that come with the job.

Implement step-by-step procedures, letters, forms and policies that a condo manager must follow. Having the right systems in place takes the guessing game out of the equation; it helps to lower the stress level and brings organizational platforms to your business.

As a condo manager, it is also very

important to recognize when you need help and ask for it. You are not a superhero — leave that to the movies.

When you take on ALL the responsibilities and choose not to use your support systems that are in place; you set yourself and the company up for failure.

Prioritize and delegate your workload, this will make you more effective, reduce your stress levels and win you over with the boards, residents, contractors, co-workers, management and your peers.

So is it possible to get balance back into your life? I’d like to believe you can. Until next time … cL Maria bartolotti aCCI, fCCI is the owner-

manager 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 O C tO b er 2015

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CONDOSCAPES By richard White

beING a GOOD NeIGhbOur truman homes takes surroundings into account in designing savoy

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algary’s inner city condo developers are quick studies when it comes to learning how to best engage the neighbours before designing new condos in established communities.

Truman Homes’ Savoy condo recently opened in West Hillhurst at the corner of 19th Street N.W. and Kensington Avenue after much discussion and debate with the neighbours and the City (12 months to be exact) to minimize the impact on existing residents while adding 50 new condos, 5 new town homes.

The Truman development team included Bruce McKenzie, one of Calgary’s leading architects and his design team at NORR. They knew a four-storey rectangular structure that would dwarf the neighbouring single-family homes on the west side would not be well received by the neighbours. This was resolved by creating five townhomes along 1st Avenue that are similar in scale and design along the entire block. (Interesting side note: the townhomes have been the most difficult to sell.)

And along the back alley, the 50-unit condo building is set well back from the property line so the units don’t loom right over and down into neighbour’s backyards.

Along 19th Street N.W. and Kensington Road, there already exists and eclectic mix of local small restaurants, dry cleaners, salon, florist, paint store and offices. The Savoy’s 6,000 square-feet of street retail will add a barber shop, cafe, florist, nutritionist retailer and Truman’s Inner-City Sales Centre.

The design of Savoy is a mix of traditional elements (tan brick) with more contem-

porary ones (e.g. angled glass balconies), which break up the hard-edged, big-box shape that comes with a four-storey condo. There is also a terraced, west facing rooftop space on the fourth floor, which is accessible to all residents, and minimizes the shadowing of the neighbouring homes.

While the building is two storeys taller than any other buildings in the area, it seems like a natural evolution of both Kensington Road and 19th Street and fits nicely with the goals of the City of Calgary’s Main Street initiative.

MAIN Street INItIAtIVe The City has identified 24 potential Main Streets across the city (excluding the City Center i.e. downtown and Beltline). Some are called neighbourhood main streets (e.g.

1st Avenue N.W., Bridgeland) as the volume of traffic and the size of the road is more local, while others are known as urban main streets as the road handles much more traffic and is more regional in nature (e.g. 32th Avenue N.E. and 16th Avenue N.).

Workshops have already taken place to determine how best to encourage densification (condo development), diversification (retail, café, health and office spaces) and beautification (wider sidewalks, trees, street furniture, banners) to enhance the area’s walkability and livability.

19th Street NW though not on the original list of Main Streets, works

Savoy

perfectly as neighbourhood main street and Savoy makes it even better.

LeSSoNS LeArNed Truman Homes is just one of many condo developers actively reshaping Calgary’s inner city communities. With each project, they learn more about the importance of engaging the community early in the design process to avoid conflicts and long delays. At the same time, Community Associations and Calgarians are also learning about the complexities of infill development and the need for everyone (developer, architect, City, community and neighbours) to compromise for the common good; allowing the transformation of older communities into vibrant, contemporary urban ones. cL richard White has been writing about Calgary

urban living for over 20 years. follow him on twitter @everydaytourist, read his blogs at everydaytourist.ca or contact him at richardlw@shaw.ca CO N D O L I V I N G O C tO b er 2015

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403.930.6900 remingtoncorp.com

HOPE AT LARGE By marty hope

maNaGING COChraNe’S GrOwth town looks to developing more condos in its downtown

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dozen years after a revitalization project celebrated the centennial of the town of Cochrane, more changes are now being introduced.

These changes would not only provide additional housing but also offer services to cater to the existing and future population.

Easily the heart of this western heritage town some 30 kilometres from Calgary, this popular destination for anyone wanting to see unique mom-and-pop stores or scoop up an ice cream cone has a long-term blueprint for some serious changes, according to Jared Kassel, Cochrane’s manager of planning and engineering.

The overall plan is called the Integrated Downtown Action Plan (IDAP) and will cover an area roughly the size of four, quarter sections.

“This is a 20-year framework to ensure redevelopment takes place in a co-ordinated fashion enabling the downtown to continue its transformation into a sustainable, diverse and vibrant place for both residents and visitors,” he says.

Kassel also says that while the downtown area has already experienced significant redevelopment over the past decade, the town’s growth over the past 12 years has brought the need for additional services — and an increase in affordable, sustainable housing for all segments of the population.

And that, Kassel says, can be brought about by the introduction of additional multi-family housing and mixed-use development.

“We believe that it’s more sustainable for our downtown to grow up and not out,” he

adds. “A study we’ve looked at says multi-family construction could add between 25- and 45-units per year to the town’s growth. Residential growth in the downtown will be important to maintain the area’s unique character and vibrancy, and to provide public amenities for visitors.”

Proposals have already been accepted by town officials for an assisted living seniors’ housing project of four or five storeys, and a couple of developers have proposed mixed use projects that would see residential sharing space with retail and commercial entities.

Work has already started on one project in the core.

“There has been a lot of interest in developing apartments and townhouses in the downtown,” says Kassel.

According to the 2015 municipal census, Cochrane Jared kassel has a population of just over 23,000 people — double what it was at the time of the 2003 centennial of the town’s founding — and more than 11 per cent higher than a year ago.

“We have no set figures, but IDAP suggests the larger downtown area could account for as much as 25 per cent of the total town growth — something like 5,000 to 6,000 people over the next 25 years,” Kassel says. “That would suggest that one in five residents would call downtown home.”

The idea behind IDAP is to retain and grow the heart of the town while retaining local employment through growth in the

cochrane’s main street

retail and service sectors of the town’s economy.

While additional housing and retail are the main goals of IDAP, the town also wants to ensure the framework will help preserve and promote the town’s western heritage, provide better connections throughout the downtown, install infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, improve safety for pedestrians, and install “way finding” signage.

One of the elements of change was announced in August when the town announced it would move ahead with plans to sell and develop the Old Town Hall site — an area that covers five lots totalling nearly three acres at Second Street and Second Avenue, according to an article in the Cochrane Times.

The article also says a developer could be chosen by the end of this year with construction starting as early as June. 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.

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AROUND TOWN

By Pepper rodriguez

seton rec centre oPeninG in 2018

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ith plans of a new LRT line to Calgary’s southeast becoming more concrete, and the continued development of the massive Seton commercial complex, this quadrant of the city is indeed becoming more attractive to homebuyers. And the recent news for a firm date for the opening of Seton Recreation Centre, adds another impetus for living here.

Situated in the heart of a vibrant urban centre in southeast Calgary, the Seton recreation facility will provide a blend of leisure, sports, arts, cultural and recreational amenities for individuals and families as well as competitive sport venues for groups and organizations.

The approximately 330,000-square-foot facility is to open in 2018 will be the heart of activity in a dynamic area surrounded by a future high school, regional park and the S.E. LRT. It will also have its own Public Library, which will be a full-service 25,000-squarefoot regional branch. Seton Library will feature a large collection of resources for reading and learning, spaces for connection, collaboration and discovery, space for teens, early learning zones, program and meeting space and interactive technologies.

The City of Calgary is working with YMCA Calgary as the Seton facility operator.

Over the next year, The City and YMCA Calgary will be working together to develop the program and service model.

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cardel liFestyles’ cranston ridGe toWnhomes oPen

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ardel Lifestyles are releasing their Cranston Ridge Townhomes on September 26, bringing more stylish, spacious and affordable home options in this growing southeast community.

Cranston Ridge Townhomes are double-car garage plans at 1,550 square-feet spread over three levels. They have three-bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, with a front porch, a covered deck, a den/flex space and extra storage on lower level, a separate dining area.

“We took this plan and based it on a plan from Ottawa where it sold out very quickly and won an award for best design,” says Cardel Lifestyles’ Brad Logel. Prices are expected to start at $359,900 plus GST. “As Brookfield is pretty much sold out of towns now in Cranston, Cranston Ridge offers one of the last opportunities to purchase a new double car garage townhome in this very popular community.”

Cardel Lifestyles is also looking at launching the second building at Auburn Walk in early October.

Peak aFFordaBle housinG ProGram in viridian

rico Communities is currently accepting applications for the PEAK Housing Initiatives Program at their Viridian Condos project in Sage Hill. PEAK is a down payment assistance program designed to help middle income individuals and families purchase a home.

PEAK is the acronym for Public, Essential And Key Workforce which is the group the program was initially designed for.

The PEAK Program was first introduced in 2009 and has now evolved into the PEAK Housing

Initiatives Program. The program is beginning the process of re-circulating the funds collected from the sale of original PEAK housing units into deposits for new home purchasers. The new PEAK Housing Initiatives Program provides an interest free second mortgage up to 5 per cent of the purchase price. PEAK recipients are able to

retain all of the equity in their home, minus their initial deposit, if they stay in the home for at least three years.

The program is designed to help new home buyers enter the market, retain their equity to move up, and to continue to recirculate the initial fund to help additional buyers purchase a home.

To date PEAK has helped 111 individuals and families purchase a home.

If you would like to find out more or apply for the PEAK Program please visit the Trico Viridian Sales Centre at 3503 Sage Hill Drive N.W.

»

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AROUND TOWN |

Park Point introduces live-work homes to Beltline

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ith self-employment on the rise and an increasing number of Canadians opting to work from home, Calgary’s most reputable residential high-rise developer in the Beltline has introduced live-work townhomes at its latest community, PARK POINT. While catering to the rising demand of people working from home, Qualex-Landmark™ is setting a new standard for inner-city living with its practical and innovative live-work townhome design.

PARK POINT, Qualex-Landmark™’s newest project in the heart of Calgary’s Beltline, will feature eight street-level live-work townhomes. Designed with flexibility for use as a home or combined home/office in the traditional sense, the limited selection of live-work zoned townhomes provide a comfortable setting to work and live in Calgary’s rapidly evolving, amenity rich, centralized and diverse urban city centre. Geared toward a wide range of uses such as a small law or accounting firm, an artist or art gallery and more, these homes offer street level frontage and signage opportunities and intermingle seamlessly with the residential tower and neighbourhood.

“We’re confident that our live-work townhomes meet the needs of those who work from home,” says Mohammed Esfahani, president of Qualex-Landmark™. “We envision residents setting up a private office on the second floor of the live-work unit. These work spaces will look out onto Central Memorial Park and open onto a private patio and communal landscaped courtyard on the third floor.”

Banff Gondola revamp announced

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rewster Travel Canada announced that work is set to begin this fall on enhancements to its flagship attraction, the Banff Gondola with a $26 million redevelopment of its upper terminal building. The project will secure the Banff Gondola as the Rocky Mountains’ premier mountaintop experience offering visitors to Banff National Park more to see, learn and do than ever before.

“Generations of explorers have visited Banff National Park to discover all it has to offer. The enhancements we announced today will ensure all future guests are able to harness their spirit of adventure with a world-class mountaintop experience unlike any other in the Rocky Mountains or around the globe,” said David McKenna, President of Brewster Travel Canada.

Brewster has partnered with PCL Construction and their sister-company Global Experience Specialists to design and build the new facility. Although the footprint will remain unchanged, the existing structure will be retrofitted into a modern building with modern amenities including welcoming elevated public spaces, new food and beverage outlets and improved washroom facilities.

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Spring Creek leads Canmore luxury market

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espite some blips in Alberta’s economy, Canmore’s luxury home market is on a strong growth path. Spring Creek announced its luxury home sales have accounted for more than one quarter of total luxury homes sales in Canmore this year to date. With its recent launch of a new limited edition collection of elegant townhome Villas in June of this year, Spring Creek is fuelling the market and celebrating recent sales successes.

“We’re into the eighth month of the year and we only have to see one more sale for more than one million to be on par with last year’s results,” says Ross Jansen, sales manager/ broker with Spring Creek Realty. “We’re seeing a significant increase in pace of luxury home sales this year, not only at Spring Creek but also in Canmore.”

Further supporting the strength of Canmore’s luxury market, Spring Creek Realty indicates eight multi-family properties have sold for more than $1 million this year to date, breaking last year’s total of five. Fifteen single-family homes have sold for more than one million this year to date, compared to 21 in total in 2014. This suggests that Canmore’s luxury market is well on its way to meeting and exceeding last year’s results.

“Within the past two months, only two MLS listed multi-family properties sold for more than $1 million in Canmore. Spring Creek has already sold four Creekside Villas in the past two months since we launched, which is more than we have sold in the last few years within the same time span. We’re doing exceptionally well,” says Jansen. CL

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Kensington VEN LIDO Avenue West End Vogue The Concord Waterfront FIRST Evolution

10 Verve 11 6th and Tenth

12 The Guardian South 13 The Orchard on

14 15 16 16

18 The District 19 Tela 20 THERIVER 21 The XII 22 Park Point

Twelfth The Park The Block Drake Smith

23 The Royal

24 Scollen House 25 Duke

26 Riverfront Pointe

North West | North East Projects 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ZOO

8 9 10 11

Villas at Watermark Sonoma at Nolan Hill Nolan Park The Post Sonoma at Sage Hill Willow at Sherwood Sage Place Viridian Avira Kincora Summit Emerald Sky

12 Panorama West 13 Arrive at Redstone 14 Arrive at Skyview

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22 Bridgeland Crossings 23 Killarney Townes

24 Arrive at Evanston 25 Bridgeland Hill

15 Groves of Varsity

26 Ezra on Riley Park

16 University City 17 Landings at Cougar Ridge

27 Urbana Street Towns 28 Vivace at West 85th

18 STEPS Bridgeland

29 Ashbury at Saddlestone

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30 The Link at Evanston 31 RADIUS

20 43 Park

21 Victory and Venture

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south west | south east Projects 1 Valmont at Aspen

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Stone Morena West Overture Axess Armory Juno The Alex GLAS Brooklyn Condominiums Altadore 36 Avli on Atlantic Mission34 SoBow Boulevard Townes of Quarry Park Champagne

17 Bristol Townhomes 19 Hunter House 20 Sawyer Silverado 21 Legacy Gate

22 Harvest Mosaic 23 Villas of Riverstone 24 Cranston Ridge 25 Mosaic Riverstone 26 Side by Side

32 Ebony 33 Chalet No 5 & No 6 34 Albert Park Station 35 Stonecroft at

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36 Copperfield Park II & III 37 Mahogany Street Towns

38 Legacy Street Towns 39 Livingstone Townes

40 Elements 41 MAX

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42 Legacy Town Homes 43 Jackson

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45 The Morello

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ADVERTISERS INDEX |  ACR Conference page 106 Altadore 36 Brookfield Residential page 11 ARRIVE Partners Development pages 23 & 65 Ashbury of Saddlestone Genesis page 39 Auburn Walk Cardel Lifestyles page 9 Brookside Baysprings Merge page 62 Carlisle Group pages 54-55 Chalet NO 6 Hopewell page 45 Champagne Remington Development Corp., page 55 CHBA page 70 Copperfield Park III Brad Remington Homes page 105

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Duke at Mission Avi Urban pages 4-5

Midcity Alture page 57

Scollen House 320 Mission Division page 81

The Timbers Gablecraft page 58

Ezra Birchwood page 69

Morello Kore page 51

SoBow M2i page 71

Urbana Creations by Shane Homes page 46

Guardian Hon Developments page 56

Morena West Rockford page 82

Stonecroft pages 40-41

Viridian Trico Communities page 62

Homes by Avi Street Towns page 29

Newport at Canals Landing Genesis page 74

Hunter House Streetside Developments page 94 INK Battistella page 3 Legacy Park Brad Remington Homes page 108 & Gatefold Legacy Town Homes West Creek Developments page 80 Lido Battistella page 50 Livingston Townes Trico Communities page 70 Marketplace Events page 70

Orchard Lamb Development Corp. page 2 Origins at Cranston Streetside page 98 Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 87 Radius Bucci Centre Insert RiverReach Jayman MasterBuilt page 86 Sandgate Hopewell page 76

Stone Keep Merge Developments page 62 Sunset Ridge Townhomes Innovations by Jayman page 64 The Armory Cove Properties page 6 The Chateaux Cove Properties page 6 The Gates Remington Development Corp., page 96 The Link Brookfield page 30 The Pinnacle Cove Properties page 6 The Royal Embassy Bosa page 63

Valmont Riverbend Developments page 101 Verve Fram/Slokker Developments pages 24-25 Victory and Venture Providence page 88 Vivace Streetside pages 18-19 Vogue LaCaille page 92 Zen Cranston Avalon Master Builder page 75 Zen in Ravenswood Avalon Master Builder FC, pages 14-17

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