Condo Living - February 2016 by Source Media Group

CO N D O L I V I N G FEB R UA RY 2016

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2016 | VOLUME 12

ISSUE 194

12 FOCUS ON 12 | Illumi-nation Night lights make bedtime a little more fun CONDO PROFILES 19 | Affordably stylish living Hopewell has the price, appeal and style in the southeast 24 | West end style Beautiful location, spectacular finish allows Avenue West End to buck slow economy 30 | Inner-city beauties Killarney Townes bring StreetSide’s unique townhome designs to inner-city living 36 | Custom fit Sarina Homes offers stylish inner-city townhomes built to suit 42 | For the grown-up taste Park Point attracts discerning crowd 48 | Complete community Only a few more homes left in Valmont in Aspen Stone COMMUNITY PROFILE 53 | The allure of Walden Affordability, accessibility attract buyers to Genstar community

COVER FEATURE 14 | A Royal lifestyle Embassy BOSA’s The Royal brings refined taste to condo living CO N D O L I V I N G FEB R UA RY 2016

CONTENTS

LIFESTYLE 58 | The right stuff “Love It, Live It, Afford It” works for new Copperfield Park III resident NEWS 63 | Garden zen Master gardener Carson Arthur discusses importance of a beautiful backyard at 2016 Home + Garden Show

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

UP TO THE CHALLENGE

Source Media Group recently saw fit to unchain me from my desk for the holidays, and I got to spend it with friends and family down in LA. But from the unusually cold, El Niñoinfluenced weather down there, LA could have stood for Lethbridge, Alberta. Though not quite a “Frozen” landscape, it was still cold enough in Disneyland that we had to buy overpriced Mickey sweaters to fend off the chill. My Calgary weatherproofing was sorely put to the test, but we were up to the challenge. It wasn’t all fun and chuckles down there, I had some time to check out some of the new condos going up — with some alacrity — in the city of Glendale where we stayed. “Gentrification” is a word bandied about — both in the positive and negative sense of the word. I saw some nice courtyard-themed condos similar to the ones popularized by Battistella and Avi Urban and other developers here in Calgary. But I didn’t see one that could match the sheer grandeur of The Royal which graces our cover this month. We had a chance to talk to one of its buyers and the list of upscale amenities and attributes has him singing the praises of this Embassy BOSA development in Mount Royal Village near 17th Avenue S.W. They also seem to be up to the challenge of Calgary’s economic downturn, as sales remain robust with 60 per cent of the tower already sold. Other downtown developments from Qualex Landmark (Park Point) and GrosvenorCressy (Avenue West End) are similarly going strong, with construction already commencing. From those high-rises, we also talk about a couple of inner-city townhome developments — Killarney Townes From StreetSide Developments and Urban Townhomes from Sarina Homes — to show the incredible versatility of our developers. Then there are the suburban condos of Sandgate at Mahogany by NEXT MONTH: Hopewell, and Valmont at Aspen Stone, neither of which seem to be hurting from the slow economy The bathroom design (Valmont is down to their final few units, in fact). The prevailing cool weather that greeted me upon my return north makes me just want to curl up in my bedroom (that, and the ton of accumulated emails awaiting my response). Glad that we have Kathy McCormick showing us the best way to create a comfortable, bedroom in her Shopping story. Aaliya Essa also came up with a fun Focus On photo essay on the cool nightlights available today. Our story on master gardener Carson Arthur, who will be headlining this year’s Calgary Home + Garden Show, gives us the first hint of spring. All the inspiring garden designs he has makes me wish winter could be over and try out some of his ideas. Well, 2016 is looking like a tough year for all of us in the home industry. But like a good friend once told me, the only way for the industry to get through these tough economic times is by focusing on its strengths. And there remains to be a lot of strength and resilience in this industry.

@CondoLivingYYC

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CondoLivingCalgary

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

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EDITOR | Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR | Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca

Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Maria Bartolotti, Darlene Casten, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Richard White, Portia Yip 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 194 • ISSN 1918-4409 © 2016 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. Condo Living® is published 12 times per annum with copies available for distribution at more than 1,500 locations every month. Condo Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to: cleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. Condo Living® is a registered Trademark the property of Source Media Group Corp. Reg. USPTO 3,584,683 & 3,584,583. Contact: Source Media Group Corp., 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9; Tel 403.532.3101 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; www.sourcemediagroup.ca

FOCUS ON |

Illumi-nation Night lights make bedtime a little more fun

BY AALIYA ESSA

THE LATEST DESIGNS in nightlights offer a variety of options, with styles for boys and girls, and they’re available in a more decorative look, too. With a little effort, it’s possible to find a light that matches your décor, or perhaps adds a little personality to the bedroom. CL [ 1 ] Disney® Star Wars 3D Darth Vader Light, $39.99 at Canadian Tire. [ 2 ] Disney® Frozen Projectable Nightlight, $14.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 3 ] Globe LED Rubber Duck Night Light, $7.99 at Canadian Tire. [ 4 ] SKIP*HOP® Zoo Take-Along Monkey Nightlight, $22.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 5 ] Handpainted Sea Horse Night Light, $13.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 6 ] GummyGoods Gummy Bear Nightlight in Green, $36.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 7 ] SPÖKA, $17.99 at IKEA. [ 8 ] Boon Glo Nightlight, $89.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 9 ] Lava Lamp-Design Automatic LED Nightlight, $6.99 Canadian Tire.

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t takes one to know one. So, when Sepehr Shoarinejad — a selfmade businessman and a connoisseur of fine taste — was in search of a new downtown condo, he immediately recognized Embassy BOSA’s The Royal as the only development that can match his exacting standards. At 28-years-old, Shoarinejad had built his thriving home automation business from the ground up, doing a lot of the dirty work himself, so he has a greater appreciation than most for seamless workmanship. A snappy dresser and a meticulous chef, he also has an eye for the finer things in life. “I chose The Royal first of all because of its location — close to all the action and energy of downtown, but still secluded from the busyness and the noise. It’s also the tallest building in this part of town so I’m sure to get spectacular views of the city and the nearby Rockies,” he tells Condo Living.

Sepehr Shoarinejad

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lifestyle

Embassy BOSA’s The Royal brings refined taste to condo living Shoarinejad bought a two-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot suite on the 22nd floor of the 34-storey tower, and although there are other high-rise condos in the area, he feels that the level of quality he can get from an Embassy BOSA development cannot be matched anywhere else. “I’ve lived in several other Calgary high-rise condos before, and they all have some issues with workmanship, but with Embassy BOSA, I’m confident that the quality will be excellent based on their experience and reputation,” he says. The upscale finishings in the suites — as can be seen in The Royal’s fabulous on-site sales centre — is beyond reproach. But those weren’t the only qualities that convinced Shoarinejad to buy here. “The convenience of having a grocery store right downstairs is also very appealing — if I forget to get milk, I don’t have to get in my car,” he adds. The Royal will not only be the tallest high rise in the community of Mount Royal, but it will also be the only one with an over 90,000-square-foot commercial component attached to it. First Capital Realty will be developing the commercial podium which will include a new urban Canadian Tire concept and be home to Calgary’s first Urban Fare — a 27,000+ square-foot premium grocery store that will offer an unprecedented convenience to not just residents of The Royal but to the rest of the community as well. “The Royal will strengthen the area’s position as one of the most walkable,

“We’re not about just building towers, we want to create sustainable communities that are highly amenitized, and The Royal reflects that.” pedestrian-centric neighbourhoods in the city,” says Robert Marchand, Embassy BOSA Vice President Sales and Marketing, “We’re not about just building towers, we want to create sustainable communities that are highly amenitized, and The Royal reflects that.” Embassy BOSA’s extensive experience in developing world class projects gave them the insight to recognize the incredible opportunity of building a mixed use project in one of the city’s most sought after locations. The Royal is located just steps away from the walkable and vibrant scene of Uptown 17th Avenue S.W., an area already replete with shopping, dining, and entertainment choices. And Shoarinejad isn’t the only one to recognize the upsides of living The Royal life, as 60 per cent of the 223-unit tower is already sold and construction is well under way. The Royal Presentation Centre, located on the corner of 16th Avenue S.W. and 9th Street S.W., is a “state-of-theart space with an interactive floor plan application and a full two-bedroom show home for people to immerse

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themselves in,” Marchand says. Visitors can even experience the views from each floor to help them choose the right home for them. And by virtue of being the tallest building in the area, the views are stunning from almost every level. The gorgeous windows in each home gives the interiors an incomparable luxurious feel, abetted by the high-end standard finishings that Embassy BOSA lavishes each home with. Sturdy and stylish laminate flooring, and quartz countertops along central islands and kitchen counters add a sparkle of elegance to the interiors. The inherent functionality of the floor plans is complemented by the high quality millwork that integrates kitchen appliances to create a seamless flow. Embassy BOSA always places an emphasis on providing maximum liveability and comfort, Marchand says, and the exoskeleton design of the tower has allowed them to create more spacious and efficient homes with oversized balconies. One-bedroom homes are from 599 square-feet and start at $350,000 while two-bedrooms from 1,000 square-feet start at $550,000. The Royal also offers a limited number of Sky Collection homes on the upper floors that feature large floor plans and premium finishings to provide an elevated level of comfort and style. “We’re really excited to offer this product and think it will appeal to an underserved portion of the market that are looking for livable downsizing options,” Marchand says. Among the host of in-house amenities The Royal will have “Club Royal™”, which offers 24-hour concierge service, a premium fitness facility with sauna, steam room and squash court, owners’ lounge, and private garden. There is also a private dining room and gourmet chefs kitchen that can be reserved to host both intimate

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gatherings and larger scale parties. “We’ve also partnered with the popular Charcut Roast House so that catering can be easily arranged,” Marchand says. “I cannot wait to move in,” Shoarinejad says, and that will likely be sometime in 2018. For more information visit the Presentation Centre at 936 16th Avenue SW or theroyallife.ca. n

FA ST FACTS Community: Mount Royal Village Project:

The Royal

Developer: Embassy BOSA Style:

Mixed-used Development – commercial and residential

Size:

From 599 to over 2,000 sq. ft.

Price:

From $350,000s

Sales Centre: Corner 16th Ave and 9th St S.W. Hours:

Saturday to Thursday noon to 5 p.m.

Website: www.theroyallife.ca

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AFFORDABLY

STYLISH LIVING

Hopewell has the price, appeal and style in the southeast

BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

opewell Residential’s Chalet No. 6 townhomes in Copperfield and Sandgate in Mahogany condos bring affordable style to life in southeast Calgary. While each development is unique in its design, Hopewell’s hallmarks of innovative design, affordable prices, and clever design options are a common thread. “We pride ourselves on designing well-planned, functional, stylish homes for all home buyers, whether they’re a first-time homeowner, someone downsizing, or an active family,” says Nicole McLaws, marketing manager, housing, for Hopewell Residential. “Both Sandgate in Mahogany and Chalet No. 6 offer so much to choose from that it’s easy to see why so many people have fallen in love with our designs.” Sandgate in Mahogany is a 306-home condo development located steps from Calgary’s largest lake and beachfront in Hopewell’s Mahogany, Canada’s Community of the Year at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association national awards last year.

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…life’s a beach every day in Mahogany, with skating and tobogganing in the winter, and swimming and volleyball in the summer. Plus, myriad events and homeowner groups keep residents connected… Sandgate at Mahogany

For the lucky residents of Mahogany, life’s a beach every day, with in this building for anyone looking to make skating and tobogganing in the winter, and swimming and volleyball in their move.” the summer. Plus, myriad events and homeowner groups keep residents For those considering Sandgate, the location connected — and with the 22,000 square-foot Beach Club, there’s always is superb. Homeowners will find Mahogany’s something to do nearby. Urban Village nearby, which has recently anEven better, says Shannon Lewis, area manager for Sandgate in Mahog- nounced retailers including Sobeys, Nando’s, any, “Sandgate offers a lifestyle, with no compromises — it is designed Tim Hortons, Kinjo Sushi & Grill and more. for how you want to live.” Sandgate residents will also have access to Indeed, a fitness centre, lending libraries, guest suites, bike storage Mahogany Lake, which is the largest lake in areas, communal barbecue patio and Great Lawn offer plenty of space Calgary, and provides the setting for residents to enjoy within the well-planned development itself. to participate in a variety of recreational acAs for the homes? Sandgate offers 10 distinct floor plans to choose from. tivities. Whether you’re into basketball, beach One-bed, one-bath suites range from 601 to 703 square-feet, with multiple volleyball, tennis or perhaps just want to enjoy options for buyers to select from. For example, some one-bedroom suites a day at the beach, Mahogany Lake has it all. also include a den, adding valuable office or homework space. “We’re enjoying great success with Sandgate There is a 664-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath suite, while two-bed- — in fact, our first building is more than 50 per room, two-bath models are available from 957 to 1,087 square-feet. Prices cent sold out, and we’re looking forward to start from the low $200,000s. releasing Building Two soon,” McLaws says. “This beautiful four-building development is expertly designed to be In nearby Copperfield, she adds, Chalet rich in character, design and livability in everything from its welcoming No. 6 is also a popular new home option for many southeast Calgary home buyers. One homes, to its common areas, to its outdoor spaces and amenities,” says McLaws. “We’ve recently broken ground, and we’re excited to see Building of Hopewell’s most enduring brands, ChaOne taking shape — we know our homeowners are so looking forward to let townhomes have proven to be a desirable moving in, and there are plenty of homes still available to choose from address in the new, established community.

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“At Chalet No. 6, each townhome is designed with customization in mind,” McLaws says. “Homeowners can select a floor plan and adapt it to best suit their tastes, and added to that, they can select from a wide range of designer-curated finshings and upgrades to really add their personal style.” Chalet’s townhomes range in size from 1,100 to over 1,550 square-feet, and are within moments of retail and commercial amenities.

Phase 1 of Chalet No. 6 is over 50 per cent sold, and the development will be fully built and occupied by 2017. A notable milestone for Hopewell, Chalet No. 6 will be Hopewell’s final project in the nearly-complete community of Copperfield. “We’re opening brand new show homes for Chalet No. 6 this spring, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming so many new homeowners into the Chalet family — everyone from young couples, to young families, to singles, are loving the design, fit and finish of these homes,” McLaws says. “The fact that they’re priced from the $270,000s, and within minutes of so many great amenities — all without community fees — is the icing on the cake.” CL

Sandgate at MahAogany

FA S T FAC TS

Chalet No. 6

COMMUNITIES: Mahogany and Copperfield, S.E. PROJECT: Sandgate at Mahogany and Chalet No. 6 in Copperfield DEVELOPER: Hopewell Residential STYLE: Apartment condos and townhomes

Chalet No. 6

SIZE: From 601 to 1,558+ sq. ft. PRICE: From the low $200,000s ADDRESS: 6 Mahogany Terrace S.E. and 646 Copperpond Blvd. SE HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. DIRECTIONS AND INFO: www.hopewellsandgate.com and www.hopewellchalet.com

“We’re opening brand new show homes for Chalet No. 6 this spring, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming so many new homeowners into the Chalet family…” CO N D O L I V I N G FEB R UA RY 2016

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WEST END STYLE

Beautiful location, spectacular finish allows Avenue West End to buck slow economy BY DARLENE CASTEN

algary’s downtown west side has always been the spot to take in the best views in the city and soon there will be a luxurious vantage spot to take in the winding blue ribbon of the Bow River and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Avenue West End, by international developer Grosvenor and partnering development company Cressey, will offer stunning west views from luxurious high-rise condominium towers. Walking distance from the river pathway system that leads to Prince’s Island Park, Kensington’s vibrant shopping and entertainment district, downtown restaurants and malls and is only blocks away from the C-train and busses. The 24-storey modern glass tower is rising up at the corner of 5th Avenue and 10th Street S.W. Grosvenor Senior Vice-President of Development Robert Duteau says it’s an exciting time. Avenue West End’s first tower with 193 units is 72 per cent sold and buyers are thrilled to see their future home take shape. The warm winter weather is helping keep construction on track and Duteau says the first owners are expected to take possession of their homes in just over a year. “Its going great,” Duteau says of construction and sales at Avenue West End. Although Calgary is in an economic downturn, Duteau says, sales at Avenue West End remain strong.

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“We see a lot of activity from people looking to downsize,” he says. “Those lock-and-leavers. Whether they are traveling or snowbirds.” The luxurious finishes are making an impression on buyers who are looking for quality, he says. “When you downsize you are living in a smaller space, but with a great design it doesn’t feel small,” says Duteau. The trademarked Cressey kitchen, already featured in several Vancouver high-rise buildings, is making its debut in Calgary at Avenue West End. The Cressey kitchen is the perfect example of how strong planning and design can create a chef’s kitchen in an apartment setting. “It has a revolutionary walk-through design so it is a highly efficient workspace,” says Duteau. “There is a chef’s wall with integrated appliances and pantry wall.” The Cressey kitchen’s most noticeable feature is its upscale style and high-grade appliances. Two 24-inch refrigerators are available in every home, with the fridges and dishwasher artfully integrated into the cabinetry. The wall oven and built in microwave are thoughtfully placed at chest height for easy access. The Cressey kitchen décor is as sophisticated as the design. Quartz countertops are complemented by the marble backsplash and the European appliances are also top of the line with a Porter and Charles five-burner gas stove and a slide out hood fan. “These are luxury interiors,” Duteau says. “There is real hardwood

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The grand entrance includes a Porte Cochere entryway that lends a sophisticated hotel feel, which is carried through to the lobby with a concierge. wide-plank flooring, over height ceilings, porcelain tiles, marble countertops and impressive terraces.” The offerings in Avenue West End suit every lifestyle, from snowbirds who spend limited time in the city or someone looking for the ultimate luxurious penthouse suite. “Suites in Avenue West End range from approximately 600 to 1,800 square-feet and the building offers one-bedroom, one-bedroom-andden, and two-bedroom layouts; as well as one remaining very special 1,743 two-level penthouse boasting 180-degree unobstructed river views and approximately 2,000 square-feet of private rooftop terrace,” Duteau says. “Avenue will also include street-oriented, two-storey townhomes designed to emphasize the feeling of neighborhood with private terraces and a front door on 5th Avenue.” Avenue West End is a two-tower project that was designed by internationally renowned architect James Cheng to reflect the beauty around it. “There is extensive use of glass,” Duteau says. The grand entrance includes a Porte Cochere entryway that lends a sophisticated hotel feel, which is carried through to the lobby with a concierge. Residents will have access to a kitchen and lounge where they can entertain family and friends. A fitness room and yoga space provides a place for residents to stay fit and feel good even through the winter months. For those who like to explore the city on two wheels there is a bike service area to help keep your ride in top shape and a dog wash station.

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Whether you prefer two feet or two wheels, outdoor recreation is also only steps away. Avenue West End is within site of the Louise Bridge and is only blocks from the Peace Bridge, both of which lead to the Kensington entertainment district and the miles of pathways that lead up and down the Bow River and through some of Calgary’s most spectacular parks, including Prince’s Island Park, home to the exceptional River Café, cultural festivals and the summer Shakespeare festival. To view their one-bedroom and two-bedroom models, visit their sales centre at 1037-5th Avenue S.W. CL

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: West End DEVELOPER: Grosvenor in partnership with Cressey Development Group PROJECT: Avenue West End STYLE: Condos and townhomes SIZE: From 572 to 1,734 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts from $374,900 SALES CENTRE: 1037 5th Ave. S.W. HOURS: Monday to Thursday noon to 6 p.m., weekends and holidays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Fridays WEBSITE: www.avenuewestend.com

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INNER-CITY BEAUTIES Killarney Townes bring StreetSide’s unique town home designs to inner-city living

BY PORTIA YIP

lending harmoniously into the streetscape of the beloved inner city community of Killarney, a new line of luxurious townhomes is stirring up a buzz with its amenity-rich and maintenance-free lifestyle options. Contemporary and chic, Killarney Townes by the renowned multi-family developer StreetSide Developments is a collection of five distinct buildings with 20 three-storey townhomes. Kimberley Orr, Senior Marketing Coordinator for StreetSide Developments says Killarney Townes is an exciting new venture for the company and its foray into the luxury infill market. The first building at Killarney Townes has been released with four townhomes currently for sale. Three of the four townhomes are also up for immediate possessions. “Our latest offering features fourplex townhome plans,” Orr tells Condo Living. “Each one looks like a large infill home that has been meticulously crafted to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding community.” The four floor plans all have a stylish and comfortable ambiance for those seeking versatility to make the space their own, but each plan also has its own special desirable features. The Skye floor plan has two master suites and the Alba, which is the largest, has a ground level patio adjacent to the great room. Then there’s the Kerry with a functional layout and a fourth bedroom, or the Clare with a perfect design for entertaining.

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Each townhome ranges in size from 1,780 to 1,922 square-feet and boasts at least three spacious bedrooms, a fully developed basement, relaxing outdoor living spaces, single-car garage parking, and separate private entries. “These homes do not disappoint,” says Orr. “Just to name a few, there are high-end and luxurious finishings expected in the infill designs which include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, painted ceilings, hardwood and tile on the main level, and gas fireplaces in some master bedrooms.” Add to that two designer colour palettes to choose from, state-of-the-art kitchens, and both soaker tubs and double sinks in the ensuites, Killarney Townes exceeds expectations on the inside, while even more attractive perks await new homebuyers on the outside. The appearance of the townhomes themselves is pleasantly

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deceiving. Cleverly designed to appear as one infill home, the exteriors are contemporary and stately with a tudor and craftsman-style look mixed with stucco, battens, and gorgeous stone accents. Richard Daley, Vice President at StreetSide Developments, says their Killarney Townes show home, which features the Skye floor plan, harkens back to the company’s ongoing commitment to create projects that defy the ordinary. “Killarney is a true testament to this,” he says. “Each homeowner can indulge in a luxurious master oasis that provides a secluded escape from busy inner city life.” As a community, Killarney has charm, character, and a story to tell. The area started back in 1910 when stucco and clapboard bungalows began popping up due to the wave of new settlers. Since then, Killarney is a revitalized community that continues to flourish and grow. New developments are attracting young families seeking a mixed and balanced lifestyle with all of their essential amenities nearby. From the bountiful and mature trees lining the streets to the urban parks and many transit options, Killarney Townes is situated perfectly for those wanting to explore their community away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while enjoying all the benefits of urban living.

From the bountiful and mature trees lining the streets to the urban parks and many transit options, Killarney Townes is situated perfectly for those wanting to explore their community away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while enjoying all the benefits of urban living. CO N D O L I V I N G FEB R UA RY 2016

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For homebuyers, the opportunity to own a spectacular townhome like those at Killarney Townes is a rare, yet exciting opportunity.

Killarney Townes is as much a dream home on the inside as it is the outside when it comes to convenience and accessibility. It takes five minutes to drive to downtown Calgary with major thoroughfares like Crowchild Trail, Glenmore Trail, 17th Avenue or the Westbrook LRT Station. Westbrook Mall is also just around the corner where a variety of amenities and restaurants are located such as Safeway, Walmart, Sport Chek, and the Jubilations Dinner Theatre. “Thoughtful, innovative, and with standout features in our Killarney homes, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy the inner city lifestyle while having the space to get away from busy city life,” says Daley. Residents have many options when it comes to active and healthy living as well. The Shaganappi and Richmond Golf Courses are both minutes away along with the Killarney Aquatic and Recreation Centre. There are many parks, playgrounds and green spaces for children to play outdoors during the summer months. Two elementary schools are also nestled within the Killarney community while other schools like A.E. Cross Junior High School and Ernest Manning High School are situated in neighboring communities. For homebuyers, the opportunity to own a spectacular townhome like those at Killarney Townes is a rare, yet exciting opportunity. StreetSide Developments, a division of Qualico, is an award-winning builder in Calgary with over 60 years of expertise developing multi-family homes and communities. Prices at Killarney Townes start in the mid $620,000s. More information can be found at www.killarneytownes.ca. CL

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Killarney PROJECT: Killarney Townes DEVELOPER: StreetSide Developments STYLE: Luxury infill townhomes SIZE: From 1,780 to 1,922 sq. ft. PRICE: Starting in the mid $620,000s SALES CENTRE: 2432 – 30 Street S.W. HOURS: Weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. or by appointment WEBSITE: www.killarneytownes.ca

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CUSTOM FIT Sarina Homes offers stylish, custom inner-city townhouses

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arina Homes takes pride in how they build homes and in how they contribute to the neighbourhoods in which they build. Sarina is a family business that cares about their team, their product, and their homeowners. This holds true as you walk through their homes, you meet their team, and you talk to Sarina homeowners. Sarina’s luxury, custom townhouses are in a league of their own. Their standard building spec is above par, and their customizable options take the living space to the next level. Sarina is passionate about helping homeowners create a space that speaks to how they live. Customization of a Sarina home includes features/upgrades like a luxurious steam shower, a stunning interior wood feature wall, and a lower level entertainment space that will be the envy of the neighbours. “We truly enjoy

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the customization process. It allows us to build a relationship with the homeowner and truly create a space that speaks to their lifestyle,” Naz Virani, Sarina Homes founder tells Condo Living. Sarina has built 32 townhouses in the Kensington neighbourhood. Several are solar powered, and all of them built to LEED silver. There are vey few, if any, Calgary builders building townhouses to meet LEED requirements. Sarina partnered with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) on a solar flare project on several of their Kenington townhouses that resulted in Sarina receiving an honorable mention at the 2015 Mayor’s Urban Design Awards. This green initiative is even more impressive as they installed four different kinds of solar technologies and they are gathering data to better understand how we live and how to reduce our foot print. To date, the research has indicated a 30 per cent savings on utility bills. “We can honestly say that we build green,” says Virani.

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“From young professionals to empty nesters we have both move-in ready and customizable townhouses available in Calgary’s vibrant innercity neighbourhoods.”

Aside from their built green features, Sarina’s urban townhouses embody a sophisticated, stylish interior design. Nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows, bright interiors, hardwood floors and exquisite quartz countertops are just a few eye catching features. You can see Sarina construction and design at their show suite at #1-1734 Kensington Road N.W. This 1,967-square-foot townhouse has three-and-a-half bedrooms (plus one in the developed basement) and two-and-a-half bathrooms. Sarina’s features are impressive, but what is truly impressive is the two-year peace of mind warranty that they offer. This warranty gives Sarina homeowners a direct, unlimited connection to Sarina’s customer care department for two years. With prices starting under $600,000, Sarina’s urban townhouses are appealing to a multitude of demographics. Virani says, “From young professionals to empty nesters we have both move-in ready and customizable townhouses available in Calgary’s vibrant inner-city neighbourhoods.” Sarina is a relatively young company that is leaving its mark in the building industry, with multiple townhouse and mixed use developments in Kensington, Marda Loop and Inglewood. “We are a team of out of the box thinkers that are growing alongside some of Calgary’s best inner-city communities. It’s these walkable, energetic, growing neighbourhoods that

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inspire us to build quality homes with lasting curb appeal.” says Virani. CL

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Kensington PROJECT: Sarina Homes’ Urban Townhomes DEVELOPER: Sarina Homes STYLE: Luxury townhomes, customization is available SIZE: Nuvo show home is at 1,967 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts from $599,000 plus GST ADDRESS: 11734 Kensington Road N.W. HOURS: Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. WEBSITE: www.sarinahomes.ca

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FOR THE GROWN Park Point attracts discerning crowd

place in downtown that’s near enough to the action, but still secluded enough from the daily bustle. That seemed like a simple enough wish for Belle, an upwardly mobile 26-year-old, with a bright future ahead. But finding a condo that suits her maturing taste was more difficult than she imagined it would be. Already an intern for Alberta Health Services, Belle is well on her way to achieving her goal of becoming a family doctor. She owns her own condo in Brentwood, but she is ready to move on to the next level of condo ownership. She says her current condo is good enough for what she needs right now, and it certainly was an affordable option when she first bought it. But her developing taste for a more mature lifestyle led her to look around for a new one, and PARK POINT fit all her needs to a “T”. “I had been looking for a while, I knew I wanted one in the downtown,” Belle says. But none of the ones she looked at filled all her checklist, there was always something missing. All she wanted was a smart, sophisticated condo near enough to her work with plenty of dining and entertainment amenities around. “There was a development nearby that also fit my taste, but they sold out before I was financially ready to buy. So, when Park Point happened along, I jumped at the chance.” PARK POINT’s understated but undeniable elegance appealed to Belle. “I wanted a condo that fits my grown-up taste. A contemporary, elegant space in a location that fits my lifestyle,” she tells Condo Living. No parking? No, thanks, Belle says. Though PARK POINT is very accessible to public transportation, including the C-Train, Belle says she still needs her car to get around. “I can’t imagine life without a car, so parking was important to me.” But that wasn’t why she bought a one-bedroom-plus-den apartment condo here. “I like having the Central Memorial Park right outside my door, it’s such a calm space in the middle of the city. And yet you’re not far away from all the excitement along 17th Avenue, but there is still some distance that noise never becomes a problem.”

“PARK POINT’s towers are designed as one complete architectural expression, meaning its location overlooking Central Memorial Park offers viewers the opportunity to admire Calgary’s most modern urban residence as a whole, without other buildings obstructing the view.”

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| CONDO PROFILE

-UP TASTE

BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

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CONDO PROFILE | Park Point buyer, Belle

She can’t wait to move in, and although construction has already started, it is still an almost two-year wait. She says she’s looking forward to enjoying the oversized balcony that comes with her suite. “My unit’s not dead centre overlooking the park, but I still get a nice view,” she says. Belle’s 646-square-foot suite is in the first of the two-tower residential development project, which was available at under $400,000. “I loved everything that comes with it, from the flooring, to the cabinetry and the appliances. They had a nice selection of colours to choose from, too,” she says. PARK POINT offers a modern interpretation on living in downtown with a strong architectural vision, it “will permanently alter the skyline of Calgary’s Beltline community,” promises Mohammed Esfahani, president of Qualex-Landmark™. “PARK POINT’s strikingly unique architectural façade will be the landmark of the neighbourhood, as it will be the tallest building in the immediate vicinity,” he adds. Sales have been extraordinarily strong, even in December, considered a slow period in residential sales. FA S T FAC TS Qualex-Landmark™ says it sold a whopping 130 condos at its new PARK POINT developCOMMUNITY: Beltline ment during one of the toughest real estate DEVELOPER: Qualex-Landmark Union Inc. economies. The 34-storey, mixed-use residential tower will have 289 homes. PROJECT: PARK POINT “Averaging 13 home sales per month is STYLE: Premium one-bedroom and twoa fantastic achievement considering the bedroom apartment-style condos downturn in the local economy this year,” SIZE: From roughly 500 to over 1,600 sq. ft. says Esfahani. “We are confident that well-located sites, thoughtfully planned homes in PRICE: Starting in the $250,000s established amenity-rich communities are DISCOVERY CENTRE: 301-11th Ave S.W. going to continue to attract homebuyers, HOURS: Daily 12-5. Closed Fridays. due to the increasing popularity of carefree WEBSITE: www.qualex.ca/parkpoint urban living.”

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“I wanted a condo that fits my grown-up taste. A contemporary, elegant space in a location that fits my lifestyle.” Designed by global architectural firm IBI Group that redesigned the CN Tower Plaza and the Residences at Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, PARK POINT’s first residential tower features a sophisticated sculptural expression and contemporary style. Located on the corner of 12th Avenue and 2nd Street S.W., its soaring beauty will have the historical Central Memorial Park as its backdrop. “PARK POINT’s towers are designed as one complete architectural expression, meaning its location overlooking Central Memorial Park offers viewers the opportunity to admire Calgary’s most modern urban residence as a whole, without other buildings obstructing the view,” says Tony Wai, project designer/manager, IBI Group. An elegant double-height lobby and distinctive canopy creates a bold, yet gracious arrival. Strong vertical architecture is created as select floor plates grow in size as they ascend the building, inspiring a colour enhancing and stepped effect, adding to the prestige nature of the address. Adding to the glamour is that each of the 289 suites will have an open-air patio or balcony to take in the unique views of the park and the city skyline. The balconies add to the uniqueness of the exterior design, creating a three-dimensional effect enhanced by the use of colour. One, two and three-bedroom suites and street level live-work townhomes and penthouses are available in a wide range of meticulously designed floor plans ranging in size from roughly 500 to over 1,600 square-feet. Starting in the $250,000s PARK POINT is sure to attract a wide variety of buyers who are looking for urban living with a sightline to everything downtown Calgary has to offer. The on-site sales centre is already open and presents one- and two-bedroom vignettes. CL

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COMPLETE COMMUNITY Only a few more homes left in Valmont in Aspen Stone BY AALIYA ESSA

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ith just a few homes left, Valmont at Aspen Stone is almost sold out. There is, however, still a selection of suites available to choose from — for those who know what they want and aren’t afraid to act decisively. Valmont is a creatively designed new home project, and the last multi-family option available in Aspen Stone. The four four-storey buildings feature a Craftsman and Mountain exterior design, with nature-inspired shaded sidings, a pitch gable roof, and rustic Coronado stone accents — a perfect fit for this prestigious community on Calgary’s west edge. A selection of units are still available in the 258 apartment-style condominiums, including a three-bedroom two-level split, and two double master two-level split options, both styles are 1,400 squarefeet and start from around $529,900 plus GST. “Buyers enjoy the versatility and space from our three-bedroom and double-master layouts have to offer,” says Elisabeth Anda, sales area manager for Riverbend Developments. There are two standard two-bedroom options available as well, which are 920 square-feet, and start from $364,900 plus GST. The remaining suites are move-in ready, with a variation of finishes to choose from. Buyers who move quickly will appreciate the upgraded

finishes in the two-level split options, which include an upgraded fridge with water and ice dispenser, as well as an upgraded lighting package, says Anda. The upgraded standard finishes go a long way to making each suite a comfortable home. “The finishing’s are absolutely fantastic, we have so few upgrades because so few are needed,” says Anda. Each home comes with a complete stainless steel appliance package, vessel sinks, in-suite washer/dryer, blinds, and a waterfall granite or quartz countertop. In-floor heating keeps things warm and cozy all year long, as does a

The remaining suites are move-in ready, with a variation of finishes to choose from. Buyers who move quickly will appreciate the upgraded finishes in the two-level split options, which include an upgraded fridge with water and ice dispenser, as well as an upgraded lighting package.

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titled underground heated parking stall and an assigned storage locker perfect to store seasonal items in. Residents here will have exclusive access to additional luxuries too, like being able to rent a guest suite when visitors come to town — all you have to do is make a reservation. A fully-equipped exercise room is literally just outside your door, making it super easy to get in your morning or evening workout, without having to drive across town. Or anywhere for that matter. For folks who work downtown, it’s an easy 15-minute drive. It’s like a dream come true, says Anda, for people who want the spaciousness and lifestyle of the suburb, yet still want to be in close proximity to downtown with easy access to a variety of other amenities “There is great shopping nearby,” says Anda. “The C-Train is also very close by, there are nice pathway systems around the project, around the pond, it’s just beautiful.” All of Calgary’s west-side amenities are nearby; including Aspen Landing Shopping Centre, which is just a stone’s throw away from Valmont, and a menagerie of shops such as a Safeway, an organic grocery store, and a 24-hour Shopper’s Drug Mart. Homeowners will also enjoy close proximity to Strathcona Square, Westhills Shopping Centre, Westside Recreational Centre (with a gym and pool) and Signal Hill Shopping Centre — a virtual smorgasbord of excellent shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, for nature lovers, Valmont is the ideal location to live to be able to simply pack up and head west and be literally minutes to Bragg Creek, Kananaskis country, or the Rocky Mountains for a little rest and relaxation. Living at Valmont offers buyers the unique opportunity to live in a ‘community within a community’ in one of the city’s most sought-after locations — Aspen Stone –where trees, greenspace, pathways and ponds within the community connect people with both nature and their neighbours. Right now is the last opportunity for buyers to get in on Valmont, says Anda. It’s a chance to own a quality built home, with excellent features, located in an established community, for a price that makes sense. As an added incentive, for these last units, the developer will pay the condo fees for one year. CL

Right now is the last opportunity for buyers to get in on Valmont. It’s a chance to own a quality built home, with excellent features, located in an established community, for a price that makes sense.

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Aspen Stone PROJECT: Valmont at Aspen Stone DEVELOPER: Riverbend Developments STYLE: Single-level and bi-level apartment style suites SIZE: Standard two-bedrooms from 920 sq. ft., double master split level and three-bedroom split level from 1,400 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts from $364,900 plus GST ADDRESS: 123, 45 Aspenmont Heights S.W. HOURS: Monday to Wednesday 2 – 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 – 5 p.m. DIRECTIONS: West on 17th Ave S.W. north on 85th St. and follow the signs. WEBSITE: www.valmontcondos.ca

| COMMUNITY PROFILE

The

ALLURE

of WALDEN

Affordability, accessibility attract buyers to Genstar community BY MARTY HOPE

ousing affordability has always been high on the list of top concerns for new homebuyers, but with the economy reeling from oil industry struggles, it’s even more important. “With some of the uncertainty people are seeing in the marketplace these days, affordability is driving everything right now,” says Patrick Briscoe, development manager for Genstar Development Company. Long a supporter of providing a setting for affordable, quality homes, Genstar continues to provide what those shopping the new home market are looking for in its successful Walden community in southeast Calgary that will be home to 4,000 housing units when completed in four or five years. For the past six months, Walden has been among the industry leaders when it comes to building permits being issued by the city — carrying on a string of strong monthly permit numbers that started last fall. “It comes down to affordability,” says Briscoe. “That coupled with an experienced builder group and the right product is giving people more confidence when looking to buy their first home.”

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The 280-hectare community of Walden has been under way since 2008 and Genstar has stuck to its vision of providing good value in its wide selection of homes. That, in turn, has led to strong demand — even through the economic downturn. A sign of success of any community is in repeat sales, says Briscoe. “One reason for the significant demand this past year is, in part, because current residents are buying their second home in Walden,” he says. With another four or five years to development completion, work on infrastructure, including underground servicing, continues to move south toward 210 Avenue S.E. “We experienced more sales in 2015 than in 2014,” says Genstar senior development manager Paul Boskovich. “However, a higher percentage were entry-level homes. Buyers are seeking value and affordability, and Walden appears to be the perfect fit.” As development continues in the community bounded by 210 Avenue S.E. on the south and 194 Avenue on the north on the east side of Macleod Trail, Genstar’s plan is to continue to focus on entry-level homes single and multi-family housing priced at under $500,000. Future phases will include some semi-estate homes. Currently, the mix of housing includes the entry-level Jackson townhomes by Avi Urban and Axis by Rockford Developments, and Walden Place by Cardel Lifestyles; semi-detached homes by Homes by Avi and Cardel Homes; starter homes by Excel

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Homes and Cardel; move-up homes by Excel, Cedarglen Homes, Cardel Homes, and Homes by Avi; and semi-estate homes by California Homes and Cardel. The development of Walden has changed little from the original vision first introduced to Calgary over the eight years it has been around. The biggest change has to be the decision by Genstar to replace the proposed golf course with green space. “The preference among home buyers has shifted to more publicly accessible open space. We have a large wetland and pathway system under construction to take its place,” says Boskovich. Another aspect that has made Walden popular and successful is the fact it has a retail node that includes banks, restaurants and coffee shops, a grocery store anchor, and other retail and service amenities right at the entrance to the community at 194th Avenue and Walden Gate — and it has bus service. And there’s more to come, says Boskovich. “RoyOp Developments is working through the ambitious

design for a regional-scale commercial centre at 210 Avenue and Macleod Trail that will be a tremendous asset for Walden, and Legacy on the south side of 210,” he says. As Walden continues to fill out, housing choices will continue to grow says Briscoe. “Whether the home you’re looking for is larger, smaller, or your very first, the Walden philosophy is all about choice and value,” he says. CL

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Walden DEVELOPER: Genstar Development Co. BUILDERS: Multi-family: Avi Urban, Cardel Lifestyles and Rockford Developments. Move-up homes: Cardel Homes, Centrex Homes, Excel Homes and Homes by Avi. Semi-estate homes: Cardel Homes and California Homes PRICE: Check with particular show homes for prices and hours DIRECTIONS: South on Macleod Tr. and left at 194 Ave. WEB: www.genstar.com

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LIFESTYLE |

THE

RIGHT STUFF K risten spent two days waiting for one of the biggest days of her life in a camping chair and sleeping bag, getting by on snacks and pizza. The 24-year-old was waiting in line to enter adulthood — at least that’s the way she sees it. In early 2014 Kristen decided to start the search for her first home and registered with Brad Remington Homes’ Copperfield Park III. After months spent searching all over the southeast and southwest Hall was sure she wanted to buy in Copperfield Park III, but she heard it would mean a few days in a lineup to ensure she could land the suite she had her eye on. She recruited her mother and some friends to help her secure the unit she had her eye on. They helped Kristen keep her spot in line while she worked during the day and she took the night shift on the queue. “It was pretty fun,” she says. “You get to know your neighbours before they move in.” Every sales launch for each Copperfield Park development was met with long line-ups, but Bryan Logel, Brad Remington Homes’ vice-president for sales and marketing, says this one for Copperfield Park III had been the longest one yet.

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Kristen was the first in line to purchase her first home and by the time the sales centre opened there were at least 20 people in line, she says. The effort and patience paid off and Hall purchased a one-bedroom, one bathroom 567-square-foot unit for $160,000. “I was not looking for anything too big,” she says. “Its my first place so I wanted to be careful. I don’t want to be housebroke.” Kristen fits squarely in Brad Remington Homes’ demographic attracted by the stylish suites and their affordability, Logel says. “Our theme of ‘love it, live it, afford it’ has really resounded with our buyers, who look at us as the best, most affordable way to get out of the rental trap and create equity in their own home.” Kristen says a small space was all that she needed for her and her best friend Dexter, a Dachshund-Corgi cross. “It was perfect for a single person and her dog,” Kristen says, giving Dexter a pat. Over the next year, she learned a lot about herself as she prepared to move into her own home.

| LIFESTYLE

“Love It, Live It, Afford It” works for new Copperfield Park III resident STORY BY DARLENE CASTEN PHOTOS BY DON MOLYNEAUX

“I wanted a classy, but homegrown feel,” Kristen says. Her creative side went into overdrive as she delved into the online world of home décor. “Kijiji and Pinterest were my best friends,” she says. “You can look at them and get ideas and I’d execute it in my own way.” Her IKEA bedroom furniture was refreshed using lace and chalk paint. Kristen’s father was brought in to help with some small construction projects, like an old-fashioned toolbox that she turned on its side and uses as a shelf for mug storage. Dad is also currently working on re-purposing an old farm door that will be used as shelving and lighting by installing light strands behind the glass. She also turned to Kijiji where she was excited to come across amazing finds, like apple boxes from the Ontario region where her father and grandfather grew up. Between her own ingenuity and the open and practical floor plan, it feels like there is twice as much space, she says. “I like the layout because it makes 567 square feet feel way bigger,” she says. The pocket doors in the bedroom free up space and she leaves them slightly open at night to give the feeling her bedroom extends into the hallway, where she also hung a mirror to increase the illusion of space.

Kristen and Dexter

BETWEEN HER OWN INGENUITY AND THE OPEN AND PRACTICAL FLOOR PLAN, IF FEELS LIKE THERE IS TWICES AS MUCH SPACE CO N D O L I V I N G FEB R UA RY 2016

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“I AM NERVOUS AND EXCITED. IT’S SCARY. I’M AN ADULT NOW.”

“In this day and age, and with Pinterest, you can make 500 square-feet feel like 1,000,” Kristen says. A frosted glass window between the living room and bedroom also gives the room an airy feel. At night a light on in the bedroom acts like a lamp into the living room, she explains. Thanks to a slight extension in the kitchen, there is an extra two feet of cabinetry and counter space, Kristen continues. It was the kitchen that grabbed Kristen’s intentions. The modern flat kitchen cabinets spoke to her, she says. The ability to pick all of her finishing was also a major selling point for the creative lady. “Everything is individually selected so the end result is unique,” she says. And of course location was part of the equation. “I’m a southy,” she says. “I went to Bishop O’Byrne (high school) and grew up in Somerset.” The convenience of Calgary’s south has been a coup as well, says Kristen. “We are close to Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail so getting anywhere is pretty simple. It’s 10 minutes to any main road.” She already has signed up at a nearby gym and says everything else she needs is within a few kilometres. “You have the option of the big stores (at

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130th Avenue), which are busier or you just go to Mackenzie Towne if you need milk,” she says. And for a girl with a lot of new responsibilities that is really reassuring, she laughs. “I am nervous and excited. It is scary. I’m an adult now.” CL

| FEATURE

Garden zen

Master gardener Carson Arthur discusses importance of a beautiful backyard at 2016 Home + Garden Show BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

ardens are a way of bringing a small piece of nature into your private space. It can bring a sense of calm and relaxation in the middle of our urban lifestyle. It can also be a bountiful source of value for your home when the time comes to sell. Outdoor design expert and star of various HGTV Canada shows, Carson Arthur, has always believed that a beautifully landscaped yard is just as vital to the home as a wonderfully appointed kitchen or elaborate ensuite in raising its value. He will be one of the headliners in the much-anticipated Calgary Home + Garden Show happening at the Stampede Park from February 25 to 28.

Carson Arthur

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“Outdoor renovations are huge right now as homeowners are making Arthur, who is making his second appearance at this popular spring home renovation show, will be discussing the dearth of garden shows on TV and the how to get the best in home renovations — especially for the garden. “I will get even more in-depth on the best renovations for your home…and surprising they are not always the kitchens and bathrooms. Outdoor renovations are huge right now as homeowners are making their houses work for them,” Arthur says. “I will also be answering the question ‘Why are there no gardening shows on TV anymore?’ This has been a contentious topic and attendees might be surprised at the answer…and the solutions!” Carson Arthur is an international landscape designer focused on environmentally friendly design, and who teaches

Highlights of the 2016 Calgary Home +Garden Show T

he 35th annual Calgary Home + Garden Show commences from February 25 to 28, 2016 at the BMO Centre & Corral in Stampede Park. As to be expected, the event will attract a bevy of established and rising stars in the home improvement firmament. Carson Arthur is one of the headliners, here’s a partial list of who else is going:

André Chevigny

General Manager, Pioneer Log Homes of B.C. The star of HGTV’s Timber Kings, André Chevigny oversees the operations of Pioneer Log Homes of British Columbia. Pioneer Log Homes of BC custom builds unique log homes in Williams Lake, B.C. for clients around the globe. Each one is handcrafted on site, taken apart and shipped around the world and reconstructed in place. His devotion to the natural elements and passion for building beautiful log home is apparent in each piece of work. SEE HIM ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE Friday, February 26, 6 p.m. Saturday, February 27, noon

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homeowners how to raise the value of their homes through outdoor renovations. Carson is starring in HGTV Canada’s new series, Home to Win, and also writes a column for the Halifax Chronicle Herald and the Sun Media Group, and is the author of the sold out book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living. In 2015, Carson became the spokesperson for Canadian Tire’s latest initiative — Canvas, a complete line of outdoor furniture and accessories. At the Calgary show, Arthur will also address the on-going volatility in the home market and how the garden can help homeowners sell their homes at the best price. “It’s pretty clear that with a volatile housing market, Calgarians are focused on making sure that their homes hold their value. Focusing on renovations that improve our home values are always hot topics, and adding curb appeal to increase first impression values resonated with the Calgary community. People want to make their outdoor spaces work

Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault

Rust-Oleum Brand Spokesperson & Lifestyle Expert As a colour & design aficionado, lifestyle expert, and DIY doyenne, Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault has spent years crafting a unique philosophy for design that fuses ingenuity, whimsy, and quality workmanship — all on a “frugalista” budget. Leigh-Ann is a regular contributor on Cityline, a spokesperson for Black & Decker Canada and Rust-Oleum Canada as well as half of the popular duo, Once Upon a Reno. SEE HER ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE I Spy DIY: What’s hot this spring and how to get the look for less! Saturday, February 27, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 1:30 p.m.

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Amanda Forrest

Design and Lifestyle Expert Amanda Forrest is a designer and nationally recognized expert in home construction, project management, design and lifestyle trends. Her 15 years of practical experience and taste making continue to see her industry leading concepts featured on television, print and advertising as well as many national events like IDS West, The National Home Show and The International Builders Conference. SEE HER ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE Saturday, February 27, 4 p.m.

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for their families but they want to know that every penny spent is increasing their home value.” He reminds readers that recognizing current and future needs in the design of your garden goes a long way to establish a lasting curb appeal. “I always want to meet the current and the future needs of the homeowner. Every renovation has to work for the family first and raise the value of the home second. What is the point if you spend money on something that you won’t even use in hopes of one day selling it?” But he says the current trend is for a functional garden. “The biggest trend for 2016: food, food and more food. With rising food prices and less money in our pockets due to a falling dollar, backyard gardens and what you can grow to feed your family will be front and centre in outdoor design. Raised beds, containers on balconies, vertical walls are all going to be hot spots for herbs and vegetables.”

Donna Balzer

The No Guff Gardener Farmer’s daughter, army brat and University graduate in Horticulture, Donna Balzer is the no guff gardener. She co-hosted the award winning, internationally broadcast, “Bugs & Blooms” on HGTV, answers Alberta-wide garden questions on CBC radio and is a regular columnist for the Calgary Herald. Canadian best selling No Guff Vegetable Gardening is her most recent book and is based on her love for growing food. SEE HER ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE Friday, February 26, 5 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2 p.m.

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Misha White

Floral Designer, Amborella Floral Studio Misha has been mastering flowers for her entire life. She got her start at age 14 in Carlton Place, Ontario, where she learned what the industry was all about. In 2007 she moved to Calgary and got deeply involved in the city’s wedding scene. In 2012 she opened her now thriving shop, Amborella Floral Studio, and was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Design. SEE HER ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE Thursday, February 25, 5 p.m.

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ADMISSION

their houses work for them.”

Buy tickets online courtesy of RenovationFind and save $3 at www.calgaryhomeandgardenshow.com Adults (18+): $16 Adults (18+): ONLINE $13 Seniors (60+): $13

Seniors (60+): ONLINE $10 Seniors Friday before 5 p.m. $7 (Box Office & Online) Children 12 and under: FREE

Denise Wild

DIY TV Host, Makeful Denise Wild is a sewing expert, TV host, author, and magazine editor. Denise is the host of a new series on the DIY channel Makeful, and she has regular television appearances that include the TODAY show, CityLine, The Shopping Channel, and Morning Live. Denise wrote the popular sewing reference book Mend & Make Fabulous. SEE HER ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE • How to use textiles to update your home on a budget Friday, February 26, 4 p.m. • Fabric care and stain removal Saturday, February 27, 7 p.m. • How to choose fabrics for your home Sunday, February 28, 11 a.m.

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Sharon McCormick

Founder, Poppy Innovations Sharon McCormick founder of Poppy Innovations established the company with a mission to change the way we eat. Sharon is passionate about creating social change to reverse the rising obesity rates in our community by teaching children and adults how to grow, cook, can and preserve their own food to create healthy, lifelong habits. SEE HER ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE Sunday, February 28, 3 p.m.

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Arthur also realizes the challenges Calgarian green thumbs face with our unique weather patterns. His advice is to pay attention to your surroundings. “If something is growing very well in your neighbor’s garden, odds are it will grow in yours. Even if you don’t want the exact same look, garden centre’s have hundreds of options of the same species thanks to amazing hybridization techniques being utilized by local growers. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel, just steer it in the direction the YOU want to go!” Arthur started this career in his own backyard. “I got into landscape design at the start of the outdoor room movement because I really wanted something different for my backyard. While I like plants, my passions have always been the way we can use and live in our outdoor spaces.

“To me, filling the yard with flowers but not having a great patio or deck is a missed opportunity at fantastic useable space. Luckily for me, a lot of Canadians agreed which started my television career. My first tv show was Room To Grow, all about creating these outdoor rooms. I’ve always stuck to this message and it has carried me through to today!” Catch Carson Arthur at the Home + Garden Stage on Saturday, February 27 at 2:30 and 6 p.m., and on Sunday, February 28 at 6 p.m. CL

Highlights of the 2016 Calgary Home + Garden Show (continuation) Chelsie Anderson

Gardening Expert Chelsie Anderson understands gardens from a lifetime of hands-on experience. She has been the owner and operator of her gardening business “C2, Gardening with Heart” for almost 10 years where she passionately tends to existing gardens and installs new ones with inspiration. More recently she has been selling red wiggler worms and their poop, known as castings, to gardeners who love the soil as much as she does! SEE HER ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE Happiness in Body and Soil -will outline the benefits of strong soil biology through a series of personal and entertaining stories. Thursday, February 25, 1 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 11 a.m.

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David Crosson

Founder, David Crosson Design Collective For more than two decades, David Crosson has been a sought-after eye in both Vancouver and Calgary, lending his unique aesthetic to everything from exhibits and events to fashion and interiors. He now helms the David Crosson Design Collective, a boutique firm that encompasses a comprehensive network of contractors, tradespeople, artisans and architects. He is a frequent guest style contributor to CTV Morning Live. SEE HIM ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE Entertain without the Pain Thursday, February 25, 4 p.m.

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Halyna Skala Tatary

P. Eng, MA (Architecture), Tataryn Group, RE/MAX Real Estate (Central) Halyna offers a specialized approach to home selling and buying in Calgary. She focuses on selling unique Inner City properties, especially heritage homes, helping buyers to make smart and informed decisions. Educated in Engineering, Urban Planning and Architecture, Halyna brings passion, extensive knowledge and dedication to her work with her clients. SEE HER ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE • Home Renovations Simplified: How to Plan and Execute a Successful Home Renovation Thursday, February 25, 7 p.m. • Downsizing Simplified: What you need to consider, options and pitfalls to avoid Friday, February 26, 2 p.m.

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Michael Alkema

Aborist Michael Alkema is an ISA certified arborist, working for The City of Calgary Parks as an Urban Forestry Technician. He has degrees in Biology and Forest Conservation. He previously worked on a residential tree planting program at an urban forestry nonprofit in Toronto and in landscape construction and maintenance. SEE HIM ON THE HOME + GARDEN STAGE Caring for trees in Calgary – planning, planting, maintenance and post 2014 snowstorm management. Saturday, February 27, 5 p.m. CL

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| SHOPPING

Thread heads Thread count isn’t the be-all-end-all of the bed linen world BY KATHY MCCORMICK

e spend one-third of our lives in our beds, so it’s important to optimize your nighttime relaxation — and size matters … but it’s not the only thing to consider when you’re in bed. There has been much ado about the thread count of your bed linens… and bigger seemingly is better, no matter what. Thread counts in the thousands have taken the bedding world by storm — but that is only one factor to consider to get that perfect night’s sleep today. Thread counts that are really high don’t necessarily mean bigger is better, say the experts. In fact, it’s more about personal preference — and there are many factors to consider. “A common misconception is the higher the thread count, the better the quality,” says Dru Ortega, PR manager for West Elm, which opened its first Calgary location last year. “This isn’t always true.”

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SHOPPING |

The highest quality, softest sheets use cotton with extra-long fibres (called ‘long-staple’ fibres) that can be spun into fine and strong yarns.

BELOW: Lino II dark grey duvet from Crate and Barrel – $349.95

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Cathy Miller at Crate and Barrel agrees. “Thread count, yarns per square inch, is only part of the story — it’s just not the only determinant of quality in linens. The length of the fibres is also important when it comes to comfort, appearance, and longevity.” The thread count is, quite literally, the number of threads that are woven into one square inch of fabric both horizontally and vertically. While a higher thread count is often a sign of a better quality of fabric that can be stronger and more luxurious, it can be artificially expanded by techniques such as weaving extra threads, called ‘picks’ into the fabric. Some experts say that the highest count per square inch should be in the 500 to 600 range — otherwise, the extra threads don’t necessarily make ‘long-staple’ fibres) that can be spun into fine the fabric softer, stronger or more luxurious, although they generally will and strong yarns. be softer and will wear well over time. Other experts say a thread count But ensure it is pure Egyptian cotton. Read of 300 to 400 is ideal. the label and make sure it says 100 per cent or It all comes down to what you like — and looking at all the other factors pure Egyptian cotton, says Goodman. “Otherthat can influence the look, feel and wear of your bed linens. wise, it may only contain a small percentage “The content of the bedding is more important — and that is what makes of the good stuff.” it different than other sheets,” Ortega says. “Having a better quality thread “Egyptian cotton is generally considered to with a lower count — even 100 — might actually be a more durable and have the best and longest fibres, but pima and softer alternative to the 1,000 thread-count sheet. It really is about personal supima are also good choices,” Miller says. preference when it comes to picking a sheet.” Look for the term “long-staple” fibre, which is In fact, be wary of the high, high thread count at discount prices, says sometimes used in the description, she adds. Joanna Goodman, owner of Au Lit Fine Linens, in an article from Style Crate and Barrel has a fantastic selection at Home – Buying Guide: The Truth about Thread Count. of bed linens, including the Marimekko KeThe queen and king of bedding is Egyptian cotton, the experts say. The santo Duvet Covers and Pillow Shams. They highest quality, softest sheets use cotton with extra-long fibres (called are priced from $29.95 to $149.95 They are 100 per cent cotton percale with a 300-thread-count. Duvets have button closure and interior fabric ties, while shams have 1-inch flanges and back overlap closures. They also have the Marimekko Kukkula Green Full Sheet Set at $179.95. This graphic botanical print by Fujiwo Ishimoto scatters realistic silhouettes in white on fresh spring green. Made of super-soft cotton, sheet sets include one flat and fitted sheet and two pillow cases. Other alternatives include pima cotton, which grows in the U.S. and can be called by its trademark Supima. It’s soft and less likely to pill than other cottons. At HomeSense, the most popular type of bedding is either the 100 per cent cotton or 100 per cent linen, says Hilary Smyth. “Natural fibres are comfortable and hard wearing. One-hundred per cent organic cotton or linen bedding is becoming increasingly popular

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| SHOPPING SHOPPING

LEFT: Belgian Linen Duvet – Peacock from West Elm – $35-$183.

and is now available at HomeSense as well,” she says. West Elm has also brought in Belgian linen — “a market favourite because of its comfort and luxurious feel that gets better with every wash,” says Ortega. “We introduced Belgian linen a few years ago and we’ve continued to expand our selection into new colours, patterns and bedding accessories, like duvets, sheet sets and decorative pillows.” Pre-washed linens are another popular item, says Smyth. “They have a rumpled, soft hand and a casual appearance and are available in a wide range of colours, in particular pale pinks, blues and neutrals.” But that’s not the only choices. Combed cotton is a favourite of some of the experts because it is, simply, cotton that has been combed to remove the short fibres, leaving the long ones, which makes for a strong, soft fabric. From there, it’s all about the feel of the fabric and how you like to sleep. Percale is a plain, matte weave that has a crisp, cool feel, while sateen is soft, heavier and smooth. If you prefer cosy warmth, cotton flannel might be the best choice for you. Percale will be more durable and less likely to pill than sateen. Then we move into the synthetics — cotton/polyester blends and microfiber fabric composed of extremely fine fibres of polyester. These are affordable, soft and resist pilling — but they are less breathable and can be hot. Cotton jersey (think T-shirts) is soft but doesn’t have the crisp coolness of cotton. And for the more eco-friendly options, many natural, organic fibres are being used today, such as bamboo. Ortega recommends weekly washing to keep sheets in the best condition possible for long wear — but wash in lukewarm or cold water and avoid the high-dry temperatures. Her favourite trick to storing the linens: “Make sure they are completely dry before folding and storing away, and then place them inside one of the matching pillowcases to keep everything nice, organized and together. Store in a linen closet or cool, dry space, preferably away from direct sunlight to keep colour intact.” As for styles, hand-blocked and printed linens from India are still key, says Smyth. “Their whimsical prints in bright colours have a boho, exotic appeal.” And for 2016 “we’re seeing a lot of embellishment on bedding — crochet and lace or eyelet detailing, pin tucks, embroidery, and ruﬄes — beautiful details that bring to life plain white or solid coloured bedding.” She also sees a growing popularity of Matelasse from Portugal and luxury linens from Italy for coverlets and shams. Duvets are increasingly the product of choice for covering the sheets, says Ortega. “They provide the flexibility of choice each season. It’s easy

to swap out a duvet when you want to refresh the bed and it takes up little room to store in a linen closet compared to a comforter or bedspread.” Before shopping for your new linens, measure your bed. With the pillow-top mattresses and other more luxurious features, you’ll need to ensure the sheets are the right fit. Fifteen-inch depth was the norm previously, but now it can be anywhere from 18- to 22-inches deep. And don’t forget to measure the tops if you’re looking for a duvet. These usually come in simple twin, full/queen and king sizes, so there is less choice. Sheet sets can range anywhere from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the quality. So shop around to find the right one for what you want for a good night’s sleep… but keep in mind that your rest will depend on your choice, says Ortega. “Your bedding is among the few places you should splurge on,” she says. “We spend so much time in our beds that it should be the optimal level of comfort each night. CL

BELOW: 100 per cent cotton flannel plaid queen set from HomeSense – $89.99

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A DAY IN INTERNATIONAL AVENUE |

International flair

Eclectic and exciting, find it all along International Avenue

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| A DAY IN INTERNATIONAL AVENUE

BY SHELLEY BOETTCHER

nternational Avenue is one of Calgary’s coolest places to shop. If you enjoy a bargain, this is your neighbourhood. If you love supporting independent, family-owned businesses that sell very interesting and often useful things from around the world, this is your neighbourhood, too. You could wander for days, maybe even weeks, and never set foot in the same store twice. But you’ll want to, absolutely. Whether you’re looking for fine bakeries, funky eateries, a great mechanic, new tattoos, affordable eveningwear, antiques, art, electric guitars, kids’ clothing, or bargain-priced groceries, International Avenue has it all. And it’s getting even more: new condo developments, new businesses and events, too. “This area is up and coming with many exceptional businesses, services and things to do,” says Alison Karim-McSwiney, International Avenue’s business director. “It’s a very diverse and connected community with a small-town feel.” Only minutes from downtown, in southeast Calgary, International Avenue includes a long row of businesses that run along 17th Avenue S.E. They’re all part of the community of Forest Lawn, a community that dates back to the early 1900s. Back then, it was the village of Forest Lawn, but by 1961, it became part of the rapidly expanding city of Calgary. And what an interesting part it is. If only we had space to list all of our favourite places to explore here. We don’t, alas, so we recommend just diving in and exploring. If it’s a nice day, park the car and walk — that’s the easiest way to ensure you don’t miss anything.

P H OTO CO U RT E S Y G LO B A L F E S T

GET ENTERTAINED

One of the city’s biggest and best festivals, Globalfest features fireworks from around the world. This year’s lineup includes teams from China, Philippines, USA, Canada and Spain. Tickets are already on sale for this year’s festival, which will take place August 18 to 27 at Elliston Park. Go to globalfest.ca for details. Housed in a former paint factory, Artbox (1807 42nd Street S.E.) is a pop-up gallery of art by local artists, and occasionally you’ll find renowned guest artists talking about why they do what they do. Maybe you’re a musician — or a wannabe. Then stop in at Harmony Lane Music (4518 17th Avenue S.E.); but plan on spending some time so you can explore the mighty collection of guitars and gear. Love bowling? Paradise Bowling (paradiselanes.ca, 3411 17th Avenue S.E.) is your place; you’ll recognize it by its cool retro neon sign. Last but not least, the fun Blue Diamond Bar & Restaurant (3603 17th Avenue S.E., bluediamondcalgary.com) is a sheesha bar as well as one of the hottest nightclubs in the area.

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Harmony Lane Music

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A DAY IN INTERNATIONAL AVENUE | Elisabeth Stranzinger co-owner of Gunthers Fine Baking.

FIND DINING

International Avenue is famous for its eateries and ethnic grocery stores. Don’t miss Gunther’s Fine Baking (gfbaking.ca, 4306 17th Avenue S.E.). In business since 1971, this family-owned German and Austrian-style bakery sells buttery danishes, rye bread, poppyseed-encrusted buns and an array of cream-filled cakes and tortes. The hazelnut and almond-filled pastries are unforgettable. Green Cedars Food Mart (4710 17th Avenue S.E.) has some of Calgary’s best hummus, as well as Lebanese coffee, spices, chickpeas, pita and kitchenware. Just off 17th Avenue S.E., Illichmann’s Sausage Shop (illichmannscalgary.com, 1840 36th Street S.E.) has been making some of Calgary’s finest smoked German and Eastern-European-style Green Cedars Food Mart meats for more than 30 years. Load up on mustards, cheeses, noodles, chocolate and red cabbage, plus bones for your dog. And the Hong Kong International Food Market (hongkongfoodmarket.ca, 3215 17th Avenue S.E.) has good parking and a great selection of Asian groceries: fresh curry leaves, Asian candy and crackers, kitchenware, fish, produce, you name it. You’ll even find extra-wide straws for bubble tea or smoothies.

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Just off 17th Avenue S.E., inside Quality Tools, Mantiques (1830 52nd Street S.E.) is a gem for collectors of “guy stuff”: tools, oil cans, tobacco tins, tractor seats, Life magazines, original Star Wars toys, coffee cups. There’s even a cupboard of vintage girlie magazines!

Mantiques

The opposite end of the shopping spectrum, Jeannie’s Boutique (2893 17th Avenue S.E.) has gorgeous formalwear, bridal gowns, children’s clothing and dress shoes for all ages. Last but not least, Calgary’s only Giant Tiger (gianttiger.ca, 4710 17th Avenue S.E.) has unbelievable deals on kids’ clothing, household goods and more. CL

THE INTERNATIONAL AVENUE BUSINESS REVITALIZATION ZONE (BRZ) offers sporadic culinary tours of 17th Avenue S.E., and they’re legendary amongst Calgary food-lovers in the know. Pay $25 per person, and you’ll be escorted on a bus to many of the avenue’s finest eateries. It’s a great opportunity to taste, shop, learn and meet some of the families behind the businesses. The tours have been offered for years, but they also sell out pretty much as soon as the dates are announced. For more information on upcoming dates or to register, call 403-248-7288. Or go to internationalavenue.ca for more information about tours and the area.

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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

MULTI-FAMILY RECYCLING Recycling comes to condos

Dear Maria. I am moving to a condo this year, will there be a recycling program in place by then? What do I need to know about this?

The City of Calgary has passed a Bylaw amendment that will require all multi-residential condominiums to offer an onsite, recycling program to their residents starting February 1, 2016. As a reminder to condo boards and managers, not offering an onsite recycle facility by this date for your residents could lead to heavy fines, and it would be in your interest (and the environment’s) to comply. Here are some helpful tips to condo boards that can help you comply with the new bylaw.

accessible for all your Residents. • It is also important to have the right size and number of bins or totes for the size of your Condominium Corporation. Having too little can be problematic. • The area you choose for your recycling should have enough room for the recycling company to easily remove the bins or totes.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIT: • Is the recycling company reputable in his industry, carry liability insurance and do they have documentation to prove it? • Will the Recycling Company work with your Management Company and Board to find a suitable location for your tote/s and bin/s? • Does the Recycler have environmental, health and safety, management systems in place to ensure environmentally sound management practices? • Does the recycler accept the materials you want to recycle and that the City requests to be recycled? • How often will you require recycling picked up?

MIXED USE OR SEPARATE THEM: • Does your condo prefer to have separate containers for the recycling if so, keep in mind that you will require extra space. Most condos don’t want the headache and find it easier for their residents to co-mingle the material. If you choose this option, you must educate your owners on what kinds of material can be recycled.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: • Find a location for the recycle bin that is convenient and suitable and easily

WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED: The City of Calgary has put together a very comprehensive list of items that can and

cannot be recycled. I would recommend logging onto their website to obtain more information. www.calgary.ca/UEP/WRS/Pages/ Recycling-information/Residential-services/Multifamily-recycling/Multifamily-Recycling.aspx The City of Calgary also has posters that can be downloaded and circulated to your residents so they have an understanding of what are acceptable recycling items. Until next time …CL

Maria Bartolotti

ACCI, FCCI is the ownermanager of New Concept Management Inc. She has developed a strong reputation for rendering timely and eﬃcient services to the condominium industry. Maria believes that her company’s success hinges on her hands-on approach to condominium management as well as maintaining open lines of communications with her clientele. Maria is actively involved in her industry. For more information, visit www.newconceptmanagement.com CO N D O L I V I N G FEB R UA RY 2016

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CONDOSCAPES By Richard White

THE RISE OF THE MID-RISE! Developers turn to higher density condos

n every major North America city the mid-rise is becoming the most popular built-form for infill condos in established communities. In Calgary, once you get out of the City Centre (17th Avenue S.W. to the Bow River, from Stampede Park to 14th Street S.W.) the mid-rise is the dominant condo type. WHAT IS A MID-RISE? There are a multitude of definitions out there but the most common is a five to 11 storey building. The reason for five is until recently most building codes allowed wood frame buildings to be a maximum of four storeys, above that it had to be concrete. It was convenient to make the break between low-rise and mid-rise at four storeys the same as the transition from wood to concrete. I am not sure why the division between mid-rise and high-rise is at 11-storeys. My theory is mid-rise buildings are often marketed as being human scale; meaning humans walking along the street don’t feel dwarfed by them as they do with highrises which means they can’t be too tall, but I don’t see what is the magic in 11-storeys vs. say eight-, 10-, or 15-storeys. BENEFIT OF A MID-RISE In Calgary when a mid-rise is proposed in an established community next to single-family homes, city planners and developers try very hard to convince the neighbours a mid-rise has minimal impact when it comes to shadowing, traffic and parking issues. However, too often they are not very

successful. For example, at the Kensington Legion site redevelopment or the Ezra condos at Riley Park (5th Avenue and 13th Street N.W.), thw proposed eight-storey condos were vehemently opposed by the neighbours. In Inglewood, the neighbours protested the AVLI condo that was 2.5 metres above the allowed height. Obviously height matters! From a rational perspective, there are many benefits of a mid-rise to the city, developer and the community. For the City a mid-rise creates more density, more quickly i.e. one mid-rise can have two or three times the number of people as a low-rise condo. This creates a more immediate increase in the utilization of transit, bike lanes, parks and schools. It also means the city only has to spend time with one development application instead of three. From the developers point-of-view a mid-rise means it can be developed on sites too large for low-rise and too small for high-rise buildings. They also don’t need to sell as many units in advance before construction can start and construction can take half the time a 20-storey highrise. This means they can take advantage of shorter windows of opportunity in the market. From the community’s perspective, they get increased density in one building rather than three or four; this means the roads and sidewalk disruption time is

LIDO by Battistella

reduced. Also the increased density means better bus service, improvements to parks, school enrollment, new restaurants, cafes, medical services and increases the viability of existing small businesses. Mid-rise condos are ideal for transit-oriented development next to Calgary’s LRT station. The twin 10-storey Renaissance Towers at North Hill Mall, next to Lions Park are a good example of creating good density in an established community. The same could be said for LIDO by Battistella in Kensington. IN MY OPINION Rather than focusing on the density and height of new infill condos, I think we should be focusing on the quality of the design of the building and the overall impact it will have on the entire community and city — not just the immediate neighbours. 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 FEB R UA RY 2016

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HOPE AT LARGE By Marty Hope

HISTORICAL LAND Ezra on Riley Park has history on its side

t’s been home to the more staid athleticism of cricket and has hosted band concerts, and if you stand among the mature trees in Riley Park, you can almost hear the sounds of yesteryear. If you are looking for a condo in a location that embodies words like placid and tranquil, this 20-acre patch of nature in close-in northwest Calgary is among the best you’re going to get — some backyard! It is here that Birchwood Properties Corp. decided to create and construct its two-tower 100-home luxury condominium development called Ezra on Riley Park at 11A Street and 12th Avenue N.W. “The location is wonderful,” says Adele Kerr, sales and marketing manager for Birchwood. “Both towers are backing onto the park, giving our residents eyes on the park.” Ezra Hounsfield Riley was one of 10 children of Thomas and Georgina Riley who bought and homesteaded the now historic land shortly after their arrival in Calgary in 1887. In 1906, Ezra, by then a successful lawyer and businessman, sold a large chunk of the family land to the city — land that would become the communities of Hillhurst, West Hillhurst, and Hounsfield Heights. Four years later, he donated more land to city to be used as parkland. Preserving Riley Park was foremost in the mind of Birchwood as it undertook the challenge of building on such a historic piece of property. “It was something that had to be done right the first time,” says Kerr. So, taking advantage of the opportunity to spotlight the surrounding parkland, Ezra

has been designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and tempered glass wraparound balconies. In some cases, the outdoor living space coves more than 450 square-feet. And the look of luxury spills into the interior of the homes where specifications include high-gloss cabinetry, white quartz countertops, hardwood floors, European appliances, Grohe plumbing fixtures, modern light fixtures, and three colour palettes. All of this, and more, is available in floor plans moving from one-bedroom units at 466 to 590 square-feet; two-bedrooms covering 747 to nearly 1,500 square-feet; and four penthouses (two in each tower) measuring at more than 3,000 square-feet. Townhomes measure from about 1,100 square-feet to almost 1,700. Prices run from the low $320,000 range for the smaller suites to upwards of $3-million for the penthouses. The development includes two levels of underground parking. There are also residents’ private facilities in each of the

towers, one of which is a fitness club. After breaking ground last October, Kerr says interest in Ezra has been steady and has covered a wide gamut of profiles from young single professionals to downsizers and empty-nesters. But the threads that tie them all together are the desire to living in a parkland setting, close to the amenities offered in nearby Kensington, and across the Bow River from the downtown core. “For our residents, the condo lifestyle offered by Ezra is appealing. For some it’s being close to family, others are moving from elsewhere in the community or from surrounding communities who want to stay in the area but move up in the market,” says Kerr. CL

Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry. CO N D O L I V I N G FEB R UA RY 2016

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AROUND TOWN By Pepper Rodriguez

CHBA – CALGARY, UDI MERGER TO PROCEED

he Canadian Home Builders’ concerns or questions you Association – Calgary may have and finally, ask you, Region (CHBA – CR) has voted our members to formally vote unanimously to go forward with on proceeding with the merger proceedings with the amalgamation of our two Urban Development Instiorganizations. This is the tute-Calgary (UDI). Membership Engagement Donna Moore, CEO of phase of the process,” Moore CHBA-CR, made the announce- Donna Moore says. ment after a unanimous vote “We have a lot of informaamong members of the association that tion to share with you, and will start this represents more than 600 companies in sharing at the upcoming Economic Calgary’s home building industry. Dinner meeting on January 13. More UDI-Calgary, on the other hand, repinformation will be forthcoming after resents the local land developers. Talks to that, and we will be scheduling one-onmerge the two entities have been in the one discussions or meetings with you in works for the past few years, which February to walk you through the plan, proponents says will result in a more discuss the benefits of the amalgamation unified voice for the whole industry in the and the operational and organizational residential development of the city. details of the amalgamated entities.” “The next phase in the process is to proShe adds that a vote to proceed with vide the details of the amalgamation to amalgamation will likely be held in late the membership, address and answer any February or early March, 2016.

VICTORY & VENTURE CONTINUES TO RISE

onstruction is continuing at a rapid pace at Victory & Venture, the latest genius development by the Providence Group in the trendy community of Bridgeland. The building continues to rise above street level with the third floor nearly complete on the North building. The South building is close to keeping pace as mechanical and electrical trades begin to gear up for “rough-ins”, the pipes, wires and equipment which are inside the walls. A great deal of work has been completed in the parking garage which is now full of pipes, ducts, sprinkler lines, conduits and light fixtures as the trades work below while framing crews continue above. Working in this relatively sheltered space is a relief when the weather turns nasty. This area is also being utilized for storage, offices and lunch rooms due to the limited space on the site. V&V is one of the most sophisticated condo developments in the city, and is redefining the meaning of affordable, stylish, and urban living. V&V is a four-storey low rise with 82 units nestled on the corner of Edmonton Trail and 4 Avenue N.E.

GROSVENOR BIDS FOR BIGGER PRESENCE IN THE BELTLINE

rosvenor Americas’ eight-year love affair with Calgary continues to deepen, and backs this confidence in the city with a couple more land acquisitions in the Beltline. Following hard on the heels of a trio of high-rise successes — Drake, Smith, and Avenue (a joint-venture with Cressey Development Group) — the North American division of the Britain-based worldwide development conglomerate has laid claim to two more properties in the Beltline area of the city. According to Robert Duteau, senior vice-president development for Grosvenor Americas, the company is currently in the planning stage for 1520 Fourth Street S.W. and has chosen McKinley Burkhart Architects for the project. As well, it has closed on the former Sony store site at 1405 Fourth Street S.W. and is in the early stages of Robert Duteau design. Duteau says many Calgarians are looking for a car-free urban lifestyle to avoid long suburban commutes and to connect with the vibrancy urban centres offer, hence the appeal of living in the Beltline. “What we like best about the Beltline is that it is an established neighbourhood that already boasts some of Calgary’s best restaurants and bars, shopping, and other amenities that this age demographic is looking to live near, and all within Calgary’s central business district,” says Duteau. CL CO N D O L I V I N G FEB R UA RY 2016

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CALGARY MAP | North West, North East and Inner City 4

MAP LEGEND

High Volume Roads Main Roads

Parks

Bodies of Water

27 10

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

NOSE CREEK PARKWAY

NOSE HILL PARK

CANADA OLYMPIC PARK

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

28 26

19 18 20

25 PRINCE'S ISLAND

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STAMPEDE PARK

North West, North East and Inner City | CALGARY

MAP

1 2

26 9 4

8 10 27

11 12 13 14

CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

16 17

19 24 21

INNER CITY

INNER CITY PROJECTS Kensington VEN 3 LIDO 4 Avenue West End 5 Vogue 6 The Concord 7 Waterfront 8 FIRST 9 Evolution 10 Verve 1

11 6th and Tenth

21 The XII

12 The Guardian South

22 Park Point

14 The Park 15 The Block

24 Scollen House 25 Duke

13 The Orchard

16 Drake 17 Smith

18 The District 19 Tela

20 THERIVER

23 The Royal

26 Riverfront Pointe 27 N3

28 EZRA on Riley Park 29 INK

NORTH WEST | NORTH EAST PROJECTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ZOO

8 9 10 11 12

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

13 ARRIVE at Redstone

14 ARRIVE at Skyview

Ranch Arbours

15 Groves of Varsity 16 University City 17 Landings at Cougar Ridge 18 STEPS Bridgeland 19 LiFTT 20 43 Park

21 Victory and Venture

24 ARRIVE at Evanston 25 Bridgeland Hill

26 Ezra on Riley Park 27 Urbana Street Towns 28 Vivace at West 85th

29 Ashbury at Saddlestone

30 The Link at Evanston 31 RADIUS

32 Diseño 33 Cityscape Townhomes

22 Bridgeland Crossings 23 Killarney Townes

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CALGARY MAP | South West, South East and Calgary Area

11 7 41

8 7

6 8

4 6

AIRDRIE

2 10 5

MAP LEGEND High Volume Roads Main Roads

Parks Bodies of Water

10 4 11

9 7

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

3 2

1 13

COCHRANE 2

19 1

CHESTERMERE

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OKOTOKS/DE WINTON

South West, South East and Calgary Area | CALGARY

MAP

SOUTH WEST | SOUTH EAST PROJECTS 1 Valmont at Aspen 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

26 34

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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 The Gates

17 Killarny Townes 18 MidCity 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

Auburn Bay 27 Muskoka 28 Auburn Walk 29 Canoe 30 Stonecroft Auburn Bay 31 Regatta 32 Ebony 33 Chalet No 5 & No 6

34 Albert Park Station 35 Stonecroft at

Copperfield

36 Copperfield Park II & III 37 Mahogany Street Towns

38 Legacy Street Towns 39 Livingstone Townes

40 Elements 41 MAX

42 Legacy Park 43 Jackson

44 Sandgate

45 The Morello

46 Sanderson Ridge

47 Side by Side Front Drive

Auburn Bay

48 Axis 49 Legend of Legacy 50 Origins at Cranston

CALGARY AREA PROJECTS AIRDRIE

1 Riviera Riversong

2 Windsong 3 Creekside Village 4 Waterscape at

2 Jumping Pound

5 6

COCHRANE

1 The Edge

9 10

Cooper’s Crossing Stone Keep at King’s Heights Ravenswood Townhomes Brookside at Baysprings ZEN Ravenswood Newport at Canals Landing Hillcrest Townhomes

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Townhomes Stonecreek Landing Trading Post The Village Townhomes in Sunset Ridge Heartland RiverReach The Range Sunset Ridge Street Towns Duplexes in Sunset Ridge Clearbrook Villas Fireside Vantage Fireside

CHESTERMERE 1 The Courtyards in

Chestermere

2 Townhomes of

Chestermere Station

OKOTOKS/ DE WINTON 1 ZEN Okotoks

2 Villas of Artesia

40 35

36 32 26

31 29 30 22

48 21 38 49 39 42

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ADVERTISERS INDEXâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Altadore 36 Brookfield Residential page 6

Champagne Remington Development Corp. page 4

Killarney Townes StreetSide Developments page 33

Regatta Brookfield Residential page 57

The Henry Brookfield Residential page 6

ARRIVE Partners page 41

CHBA page 56

Legacy Gate Carlisle Group page 62

Sandgate Hopewell page 18

The Royal Embassy Bosa FC, pages 14-16

Legacy WestCreek Developments page 82

Smith 17 Grosvenor page 35

Valmont Riverbend Developments page 51

Legacy Park Brad Remington Homes gatefold, back cover

Sonoma Morrison Homes page 39

Legend of Legacy Aldebaran page 90

Stonecroft pages 28-29

Verve Fram/Slokker Developments page 2

Avenue Grosvenor page 27 Axis Rockford page 73 Brand Townhomes Birchwood page 34 Brookside at Baysprings Merge page 72 Cityscape Mattamy Homes page 80 Doc IT All Certified Vacuum Systems page 67 Chalet No 6 Hopewell page 18

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Copperfield Park III Brad Remintgon Homes page 89 Cove Properties page 11 Duke Avi Urban page 3 EmeraldSky Carlisle Group page 5 Glas Avalon page 52 Homes by Avi page 46 Hunter House Streetside Developments page 84 INK Battistella page 40

LIDO Battistella page 68

Stone Keep Merge Developments page 56

Livingstone Trico Communities page 40

Sunset Ridge Townhomes Jayman BUILT page 22

Origins at Cranston Streetside page 77

The Guardian Hon Developments page 23

Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 45

The Gates Remington Development Corp. page 47

Victory and Venture Providence page 17 Vivace Streetside page 61 Walden Place Cardel Lifestyles page 9 Zen Avalon Master Builder page 78

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