Condo Living - June 2016

CO N D O L I V I N G

J U N E 2016

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CONTENTS JUNE 2016 | VOLUME 12 ISSUE 198

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FOCUS ON 12 | Bring the heat Fire pits bring warmth and style to private outdoor spaces CONDO PROFILES 18 | Sarina’s style Avenue 33 brings a fresh approach to inner-city lifestyle 22 | Old World charm Hunter House beckons with enticing elegance 28 | Easy connections The Link at Evanston offers the best of the northwest 34 | THE RIVER of dreams The dream comes true, as THE RIVER welcomes residents 38 | Vivid, vibrant Viridian Upgraded standard features makes Viridian a popular choice 44 | Mission revolution Mission 34 brings a new sense of urban style to the inner-city COMMUNITY PROFILE 54 | Prairie perfect The bare land condo community of Lakes of Muirfield offers luxurious, shared lifestyle

COVER FEATURE 14 | The Avi advantage Avi Urban’s big win at the SAMs marks new milestone CO N D O L I V I N G J U N E 2016

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CONTENTS 63 LIFESTYLE 59 | Art of his world Restaurateur enjoys freedom of condo living

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FEATURE 63 | Finding your outdoor oasis Tuscan-Inspired furniture collection from Debbie Travis only at Sears STYLE 68 | Coping with clutter Simple solutions to win the battle with clutter A DAY IN… FARMERS’ MARKETS 73 | Going to the market Fresh produce, baked goodies, tons of fun — farmers’ markets bring life to the community COLUMNS 79 | Ask Maria

by Maria Bartolotti 81 | Condoscapes

by Richard White 83 | Condo Conversation

by Bernice Winter 85 | Hope at Large

by Marty Hope 87 | Around Town

by Pepper Rodriguez ITEMS 10 | Editor’s Message 90 | Maps 94 | Ad Index

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

During the course of my job, I usually am able to see condominium projects at their birth — or at the start of pre-construction sales if you want the less dramatic description. That’s when you only really see floor plans or an artist’s rendering of the project, or — if you’re lucky — a custom-made show suite that allows you to experience the kind of lifestyle the condo will offer. (These can be a very pricey for most developers though, so not all go to such elaborate lengths.)

But it is rare for me to actually walk the halls, tour the suites and see the final completed product. (You can’t blame the developers, their responsibility is to the buyer, of course, and the less people that walk through a condo before possession, the less chances of messing something up before they hand the unit over to owners.)

I did get a chance to walk through a couple of stunning developments this past week — MARK on 10th by Qualex Landmark and THE RIVER by 26th Avenue River Investments Inc.; and it’s very gratifying to see what we talk about in our condo profiles come true. It felt like every praise and admiration that we heaped on both these projects as they were being built were really worth it, and I truly envy the owners. We actually get to talk about THE RIVER in this issue, and trust me, we’ll talk about MARK on 10th when we get one of their residents to interview for a lifestyle feature.

Right now, I’m more excited to see the final product of the condo line-up we have for you this month. Starting with Avi Urban that just came off its big Grand SAM Multi-Family Builder of the Year award at the 2015 SAM Awards. Their amazing array of inner-city and suburban condos really gives them an edge. Then we have Sarina Homes — a newcomer to the apartment-style condo scene — debuting their Avenue 33 in Marda Loop.

Another inner-city looker is Mission 34 on Parkhill by Calgary Urban Equities and Assured Communities, and buyers are excited about its location along the revitalized Mission Road in the southwest.

In the suburban side, we have Hunter House by StreetSide Developments in Silverado that offers NEXT MONTH: spacious stacked and row townhomes. The Link at Designing your kids’ rooms Evanston is Brookfield Residential’s first foray to build townhomes outside one of their own communities.

Viridian by Trico Homes is also in the growing northwest in the community of Sage Hill — which has really become popular with its thriving retail and entertainment amenities.

We also take a peek into bare land condos in our community feature on Lakes of Muirfield and Maria Bartolotti explains more about it in her Ask Maria column. I’m really excited about Shelley Boettcher’s feature on farmers’ markets — I’m hoping they’ll open readers’ eyes on the amazing local goods that are out there.

I do love my job talking about condos — going to the sales centres, talking to buyers and developers about their dream homes — and it is really gratifying for me to see the fruition of all these condo talks .

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |

EDITOR | Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR | Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca Vivian Zhang vivian.zhang@sourcemediagroup.ca Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Maria Bartolotti, Shelley Boettcher, Darlene Casten, David Crosson, Andrea Cox, Aaliya Essa, Lindsay Holden, Marty Hope, Richard White, Bernice Winter, PHOTOGRAPHY

Amadeo Giron, Don Molyneaux, Morgan Worth Photography, Roy Ooms Photography, Sona Visual 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 198 • 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.

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@CondoLivingYYC

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CondoLivingCalgary

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Bring the heat

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Fire pits bring warmth and style to private outdoor spaces

BY AALIYA ESSA

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FIRE PITS are a perfect way to spend time together with family and friends in your own private outdoor space and ward off the night chill in style. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a design that will either fit in with your backyard décor, or mix it up with a feature piece, you’re sure to have a ton of fun this summer. Just be sure to be mindful of any fire bans in your area. CL

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6 7 [ 1 ] Santorini bar 54 inch, $4,699 at Wicker Land. [ 2 ] Tuscany Wood Burning, $1,649 at Wicker Land. [ 3 ] Fire Pit Art Third Rock, $3,999.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 4 ] Giant Hexagon, $685 at Little Monkey Metal. [ 5 ] Venice Beach Santorini, $3,499 at Wicker Land. [ 6 ] Ball of Fire, $299.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 7 ] Outdoor Greatroom Uptown, $3,999.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 8 ] Brown Jordan Flo, $4,199.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 9 ] Urban Wonder, $500 at Little Monkey Metal. [ 10 ] Napoleon Hampton, $899.99 at Barbecues Galore. [ 11 ] Aurora ICON, $3,099 at Wicker Land.

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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

Duke at Mission

THE AVI ADVANTAGE

Avi Urban’s big win at the SAMs marks new milestone

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inning isn’t everything, but it is wonderful to be appreciated. Avi Urban is in the business of developing stylish, well-built and affordable multi-family homes, not collecting accolades. But when you’re the best at what you do, recognition is sure to follow.

Avi Urban won the Grand SAM multi-family builder of the year award in the 2015 SAM Awards that honours the best in Calgary’s housing industry. Avi Urban has produced some of the most intelligently designed, lifestyle-affirming condos and townhomes in Calgary’s most popular communities.

It was a big night for Avi Urban — the multi-family arm of similarly renowned Homes By Avi group — as they also took home the Janine Coughlin Marketing Campaign of the Year for Duke at Mission and Best Town Home from $300,000 to $359,999 for Jasmine E in Willow at Sherwood.

But beyond the glitz of the gala, Avi Urban has done what few condo

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developers can, in that they have found success in both inner-city and suburban markets. A thorough understanding of the needs and wants that fit these two disparate markets has been key to their success, but it is their ability to grow and learn along with their buyers that has been their greatest advantage.

“Avi Urban has experienced considerable growth as the need for multi-family (developments) in our market has grown over the past 16 years,” says Avi Urban President Charron Ungar. “Our core philosophy has always been to lead by example, meaning that we set our own bar at the highest level we feel we can achieve. Not all our efforts have been successes, but every community we built, we took away a lesson on how to do it

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Jackson

The Avi Urban team at the 2015 SAM Awards

better. I think that with over 20 developments under our belt, we achieved a level of proficiency as a multi-family developer that made us worthy of the recognition.”

Just take a look at the list of current developments Avi Urban is currently offering: Duke at Mission and Juno at Currie Barracks are two of the most compelling innercity condos around; while Jackson at Walden, Canoe at Auburn Bay and Willow at Sherwood demonstrate their deep understanding of the suburban multi-family market.

All of them are the result of years of listening to the needs of their customers, blending these with the realities of the economy, and then adding their own touch of design brilliance. Ungar believes that this unique approach has given Avi Urban their perch atop the market, and resulted in recognition by the industry and their customers as an innovator and trusted home builder.

He recognizes that getting the Builder of the Year honours is no mean feat. “This honour is special because it is given by our peers in the industry. The Builder of the Year award is very elusive and when it comes your way it tells you and your team that you are doing a great job,” he says.

“That feels good, but it also reaffirms to our customers that we are a recognized professional organization that has garnered the respect of our industry. The award is a well-respected thirdparty endorsement provided to Avi Urban from Willow the people that know the industry best.”

AVI URBAN HAS DONE WHAT FEW CONDO DEVELOPERS CAN, IN THAT THEY HAVE FOUND SUCCESS IN BOTH INNER-CITY AND SUBURBAN MARKETS.

Buyers have been similarly impressed, making Duke at Mission and Jackson at Walden some of the hottest selling condos in town.

Duke at Mission is going up on the corner of 18th Avenue and Centre Street S.W., right at the border between the popular and historic neighbourhoods of Mission and the Beltline. It will have a total of 47 homes, collecting 43 apartment-style condos and four townhomes in its uniquely W-shaped four-storey building From attractive price points, to stylish finishes and an unbeatable location in the heart of Mission, Duke’s apartment-style condos and townhomes are decidedly the most urbane choice for a home in the inner-city.

A deciding factor in its design is its wood frame construction. After their previous downtown success at The Block, Avi Urban made the conscious decision to also offer Duke as a wood frame multi-family development.

“We made a conscious choice to use wood, not concrete, when building Duke. Wood gave us the option to create a boutique four-storey building that is modern without the cost and restrictions of concrete construction,” Ungar says.

He adds that using wood allows Duke to feature larger suites than what are commonly offered in concrete buildings, it also allows for greater diversity in floor plans, as Duke offers more than 20 different models to choose from.

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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

FA ST FACTS Developer: Avi Urban Project:

Duke at Mission; Jackson at Walden

Community: Mission; Walden Style:

Duke – Boutique apartment condos and townhomes

Jackson – three-storey townhomes

Size:

Duke – One-bedroom condos from 550 sq. ft., and townhomes from 1,350 sq. ft.

Jackson – 1,150 to 1,450 sq. ft.

Price:

Duke starts from $270,000 plus GST; Jackson from the $300,000s plus GST

Website: www.aviurban.com

Photos on this page are of Jackson at Walden

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Jackson at Walden will feature 150 three-storey townhomes offered in two- and three- bedroom models ranging from 1,150 to 1,450 squarefeet. All will have two car tandem garages, and a space for a third car in the driveway. And although it is distinctly a suburban townhome, it will definitely have an urban feel to it.

Jackson — located in the popular southeast community of Walden — takes a page from Avi Urban’s past developments in scope and overall look, but Jackson is also an evolution of original ideas. “At Avi Urban, innovation is always at the top of our must-do list in every development,” Ungar points out. “We drew from our over 20 enormously successful developments to come up with a fresh new take on multi-family living that impacts not just the looks of the condo, but the lifestyle of its residents.”

“Jackson will feature new materials, colours and a number of new innovations based on feedback from customers. The overall flow and functionality of the floor plans have also been refined and we’ve added as much space as we can in the six models available,” he tells Condo Living.

The diversity of multi-family housing choices is one way to judge

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the livability of a world-class city and Avi Urban has certainly contributed to raising Calgary’s stature in this regard.

“I believe that as an industry we need to offer the best we can for our market. Not just the best design, but, as builders we need to stand behind our commitment to build great product and deliver what we promise to our homebuyers,” says Ungar — a past president of the CHBA – Calgary. (Now, CHBA – UDI Calgary Association.)

“At Avi Urban we recognize that we need to do our part to live up to the world class reputation of our city by providing world class housing product for our market. Multi-family is still quite a young trend in Calgary, with many cities that have far more experience with the built form than we do, but that doesn’t take away from my belief that Calgary can do it better, and Avi Urban is up for the challenge.” n

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SARINA’S STYLE

Avenue 33 brings a fresh approach to inner-city lifestyle

BY LINDSAY HOLDEN

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chance to customize with high-end finishing and a vibrant urban location will suit inner-city condo buyers when Sarina Homes launches sales of their Avenue 33 project this month in Marda Loop.

One-bedroom units will start at just $299,999 inviting a new demographic to one of southwest Calgary’s most popular inner-city communities, only seven minutes from downtown.

“We are expecting a great response,” says Sarina Homes founder Naz Virani, adding pricing is very competitive given the convenience of location and value in the

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specifications. Sales will begin mid to late May for the mixed-use condo.

Two-storey lofts start from $459,000, featuring views of Calgary’s skyline, two- and threebedroom options with an interior staircase to give a townhouse feel within a multi-storey building.

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A chance to make design changes to the layouts of units, and customize with add-ons like a fireplace is almost unheard of in a building of this type. But customization has always been a part of what Sarina offers in its chic infills on which the company has built its reputation.

Condo buyers will also be delighted with the choice beyond the limits of a few pre-selected interior palettes. Creative freedom is offered to Avenue 33 buyers who are looking to express themselves with a wider variety of options.

A contemporary style that will stand the test of time has become a trademark of Sarina’s design aesthetic that urban buyers have become loyal to the brand for the last decade.

“We are a local boutique builder. We are able to offer more in terms of customizing the home, while still starting with a very high end spec,” says Virani.

Avenue 33 is Sarina’s largest multi-story apartment-style condominium project. The company is known for its four-plex infill townhomes with street-level entrances, and infills that are in step with a ‘smart growth’ concept for urban planning — which works to add more living units and densified population to core locations.

The five-storey building will have 36 units with an underground parkade, and will break ground this summer. The site is currently a church and two single-family homes on the

CREATIVE FREEDOM IS OFFERED TO AVENUE 33 BUYERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES WITH A WIDER VARIETY OF OPTIONS.

south side of 33 Avenue S.W. “The community has a perfect mix of urban amenities but with a residential feel — it’s not right downtown, but a very quick commute for the downtown worker,” said Natalie Dingle, Sales Manager for Avenue 33.

“The dog park, Sandy Beach, and neighbourhood cafes and restaurants are just outside the door,” she said — adding new commercial projects are set to bring Blush Lane Organic Market and more to the mix allowing residents to park their cars indefinitely if they choose.

Avenue 33 is a mixed-use development with retail shops on the grand floor to the vibrant Marda Loop business district. The boutique residential flats will start on the second floor with lofts occupying the top two levels. The penthouse is recessed from the façade of the building to accommodate oversized rooftop balcony for the lofts owners. These two-storey homes will also feature an open-to below section that allows for an alternative layout featuring a three-bedroom — a design that could suit near empty-nesters or owners with frequent out of town guests.

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“It’s about using resources better, and redeveloping land instead of contributing to the urban sprawl,” Dingle says.

Virani agrees — he founded his company on investing in communities closer to the core, and adding updated value to well-located and underutilized sites.

“As our city grows we have to start building with intention.

This means building with existing infrastructure in mind, building with our diverse demographics in mind and building with the current community vibrancy in mind. Smart growth goes well beyond building taller. It is building wiser,” he says. CL Dingle says the company’s focus on adding higher-density buildings to underutilized sites is a part of a smart growth policy that is favored by city hall’s vision. But the privilege of living in one of the best urban communities doesn’t have to be priced out of reach. Sarina’s Avenue 33 building serves up spacious but affordably priced alternatives in a community known for premium real estate. At 1,400 square-feet, the largest units are bigger than most of the original bungalows of the community that are getting torn down.

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Marda Loop PROJECT: Avenue 33 DEVELOPER: Sarina Homes STYLE: Apartment-Style condominiums SIZE: One to three bedroom units ranging from 600 to 1,400 sq. ft.

PRICE: From $299,999 SALES CENTRE: 1915 33rd Ave S.W. HOURS: Saturday to Thursday from noon to 5 p.m.

WEBSITE: www.avenue33.ca

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OLD WORLD CHARM Hunter House beckons with enticing elegance

BY ANDREA COX

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estled into the mature southwest community of Silverado amidst the stunning scenery of Alberta’s rolling foothills and ranchlands, Hunter House

by StreetSide Developments evokes images of picturesque old world charm.

Chalk full of design indulgences, this collection of 92 estate townhomes and stacked bungalows offers unique structure, striking counterpoints and elegant detailing. Think old world Tudor and Craftsman mansions with beautifully columned porticos, and board and batten detailing.

“The exterior curb appeal is over the top. It’s absolutely stunning,” says Darcey Robertson, area sales manager for the project.

Each home is crafted to emulate a 19th Century mansion or an executive home. “We wanted Hunter House to blend in with the estate character of the community in Silverado,” says Kimberley Orr, senior marketing coordinator for StreetSide Developments.

StreetSide is no stranger to creating excellence in design. The Hunter House project has earned accolades for its innovative styling, garnering status as a finalist for Best Townhome Design ($360,000 and over) in the 2015 SAM (Sales and Marketing) Awards. And its Killarney Townes project took top spot with a stellar win for the best design in the same category.

“We are extremely proud to be chosen by our peers and

It is a testament to our tag line of building Condos that Defy the Ordinary,” says Orr. But what really sets Hunter House above the rest is the intricate interplay between all of the elements.

The attributes and architecture weave a sumptuous and gracious experience.

“The inspiration behind the design of Hunter House was to create a floor plan that not only maximized space, including outdoor living space, but offered luxurious finishing and high end features not usually available in multi-family living,” says Orr. The townhomes are a five-level split design with 1,500 square-feet of judiciously appointed living space, including 15-foot ceilings in the great room and a choice of a double-master or three-bedroom plan.

The stacked bungalows feature between 1,400- and 1,670-squarefoot two-bedroom plans with two full bathrooms, a gas fireplace with built-in bookshelves on either side and a bright and sunny open-concept design with full walk-in pantry. “It’s like a room,” says Robertson, noting that storage is no problem. “There is just so much incorporated into the design.”

What really sets Hunter House above the rest is the intricate interplay between all of the elements. The attributes and architecture weave a sumptuous and gracious experience.

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CONDO PROFILE | FA S T FAC TS PROJECT: Hunter House, a collection of 92 executive townhomes and stacked bungalows. Move In Ready homes available COMMUNITY: Silverado DEVELOPER: Qualico Communities BUILDER: StreetSide Developments PRICES: Executive townhomes start in the $380,000s (plus GST) and stacked bungalows start in the $490,000s (plus GST).

PRESENTATION CENTRE AND SHOW HOME: 220 Silverado Plains Park S.W. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 – 8 p.m., Weekends and Holidays 12 – 5 p.m. Closed Fridays.

WEBSITE: www.hunterhouseliving.com

Robertson says that most of the stacked bungalow purchasers are empty nesters, or downsizers. “I like to call them right-sizers,” she says. “They have already purged and most are nervous to take the next step, but when they see how much storage there is, the livability and fine attention to detail, they relax into the idea.”

The ample outdoor space also has people talking. Each upper-level stacked bungalow features two oversized terraces. “I like to call them his and hers,” says Roberston. One terrace extends from the kitchen, the other from the great room.

Both offer plenty of room to relax and enjoy Calgary’s warm summers nights. Imagine leisurely dinners with friends and family at a long Tuscan table surrounded by colourful geraniums, hydrangea and roses spilling from outdoor planters with views across to Spruce Meadows and the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

The townhomes also offer plenty of terrace space, including a terrace from the master bedroom, perfect for morning coffee and a deck extending from the kitchen.

Both the townhomes and the stacked bungalows offer an attached double car garage and double car driveway, providing more than enough room for guest parking, vehicles and all of the toys.

Layered textures abound from the wide planked laminate hardwood flooring in the townhomes to the engineered hardwood in the stacked bungalows.

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Imparting a sense of serenity and elegance the StreetSide’s interior designers opted for tones of grey, alabaster and ecru. Layered textures abound from the wide planked laminate hardwood flooring in the townhomes to the engineered hardwood in the stacked bungalows.

And, not surprisingly StreetSide adds a heavy dose of glam to its Hunter House kitchens. With their chic styling, gas cooktops and sleek quartz or granite countertops, the look dazzles; in fact it sizzles several notches above expectations.

Throughout the homes, nickel plated fixtures gleam, while floor to ceiling windows capture the rolling hills and waving grasses of adjacent farmers’ fields juxtaposed with the carefully manicured green spaces weaving throughout the development. Robertson spills praise.

“Another great aspect about Hunter House is that it’s nearing completion so we have Move in Ready homes available with special incentives for these homes,” says Orr. “Time is of the essence though as the project is 60 per cent sold out. CL

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EASY

CONNECTIONS

The Link at Evanston offers the best of the northwest

BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

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onnected to the community, connected to life in the northwest — The Link at Evanston is Brookfield Residential’s latest triumph that offers a resounding testament to its ability to build compelling, stylish and affordable townhomes anywhere in the city.

With four new show homes opening in June, The Link at Evanston also expertly shows how opportunities can be made in a down market, as it offers a variety of townhome options that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

The Link is an inspired collection of row and stacked townhomes in the northwest community of Evanston. It offers spacious two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 812 to 1,432 square-feet with attached garages and a host of popular interior finishes.

The Link at Evanston also represents a breakthrough for the multiple-award-winning home builder and land developer, as it marks the first time that Brookfield is building townhomes in a community by another developer, namely Qualico Communities.

Brookfield’s townhomes all used to be built in communities that they themselves developed, like Cranston and Auburn Bay in the southeast. The Link at Evanston shows that Brookfield can be just as good — if not better — playing away from its home court, as it were.

“What makes this project special to us is this is the first time we’ve purchased land outside a Brookfield community for one of our townhome developments and we’re really excited that it’s Evanston, which is one of Calgary’s fastest selling communities,” says Kelly Halliday, Business Development Manager at Brookfield Residential.

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“People love that Evanston is an established community so they can move into a new home and they can walk to the local grocery store and shops and there are already developed parks (48.92 acres of them) and pathways,” she adds.

“There is a large regional shopping centre nearby and two schools planned for 2016/17.

Evanston also has great access in and out of the city on Stoney and Beddington Trails, so it’s very easy to head to the mountains or the airport and you can be downtown in 25 minutes.”

The Link at Evanston will have a total of 124 homes with eight floor plans to choose from.

One- two- and three-storey townhomes are offered, all featuring the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship that Brookfield has been known for.

On the outside, The Link is all about durability and style, with high-end James Hardie® siding and classic details like masonry and roofs over porches and decks that enables it to blend with the mostly single-family residential homes of the neighbourhood.

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Evanston PROJECT: The Link at Evanston BUILDER: Brookfield Residential LAND DEVELOPER: Qualico Communities STYLE: Row and stacked townhomes SIZE: 812 to 1,432 sq. ft.

PRICE: Starting at $255,000 plus GST ADDRESS: 521 Evanston Link N.W. (Corner of Symons Valley Parkway and Evanston Link N.W.) HOURS: Monday to Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.

WEBSITE: thelinkatevanston.com Interior finishes are decidedly upscale and include such standard features as laminate and tile floorings, stainless steel appliances, and maple flat panel cabinets. “We offer a choice of three designer interior colours — Bold Living, Rustic Modern and Transitional — which involve not only the colours, but also provide different lighting, fixtures, hardware and door profiles,” Halliday adds.

The Carmine, Ivory, Plum and Ruby show homes all capture the rich lifestyle of living in this community.

The 915-square-Foot Ruby stands out with its vaulted great room that gives it a loft-like ambience. Having two master bedrooms make it a comfortable fit for singles who can get roommates to help with the mortgage. It starts from $260,000.

While the Carmine at 1,203 square-feet is one of the larger townhomes and features flex room and bedroom options that create a perfect setting for young families.

Having one- or two-car attached garages is an undoubted advantage in its competitiveness, as are the unique floor plans that suit the needs of each customer at a price point — starting at $255,000 plus GST — that appeals to the budget savvy buyer. Buyers have noticed and sales have taken off, with 50 per cent of the units already sold.

“The Link at Evanston offers maintenance free living, catering to those who want to spend more time doing the things they want to do instead of yard work

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like mowing the lawn or shovelling snow from the driveway and sidewalks,” she says.

This pet friendly building is ideally situated for shopaholics, Stoney and Beddington Trails grant quick access to major shopping centres such as CrossIron Mills. Run, shop or play, homeowners can have it all, Halliday adds.

Buyers can move in starting June 2016. CL

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THE RIVER OF DREAMS The dream comes true, as THE RIVER welcomes residents STORY BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS FROM ROY OOMS PHOTOGRAPHY AND SONA VISUAL

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he promise of living at Calgary’s most prestigious address is now a reality for the lucky residents of THE RIVER, which now stands as perhaps the most luxurious development the inner-city can offer.

Residents started moving in last November and THE RIVER will welcome its last few buyers by May to complete one of the most ambitious multi-family projects in Calgary’s history. This will leave just four homes unsold in the 38-suite complex — all ready for quick possession — and from the looks of it, they won’t last long as it is truly a rare find.

“We didn’t know that there were any more availabilities here,” says Marcelle Landry, who had just moved into one of the four stunning townhomes at THE RIVER. “We were already living in Mission and had always been curious about this development, we just assumed it was sold out. We’re really glad to have found it wasn’t, and we really love the home we found here,” she tells Condo Living.

Sales had been brisk, especially after buyers began seeing the project take shape.

THE RIVER’s sales director, Anne Clarke, says sales really took off when the tower began

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coming off the ground, and stayed steady even as the Calgary market started to slow.

“What we offer here speaks to a very niche market. Those looking for a luxury condominium lifestyle quickly discover that there’s really nothing out there that can match the comfort, luxury and convenience found at THE RIVER,” Clarke says.

THE RIVER — developed by 26th Avenue River Holdings Inc., an affiliate of Ledcor Properties — is comprised of 38 ultra-luxury condos and townhomes. Its one-of-a-kind location in Mission, on the banks of the

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“Our luxury estate condominiums encompass all the great features of an estate home such as size, privacy and exclusivity, but with the convenience of a lock-and-go lifestyle.”

meandering Elbow River, is one of its greatest advantages.

“The Mission area is so rich in character — it’s a historic riverside village where people can easily find entertainment, shopping, dining within walking distance and go home to a completely blissful environment,” Clarke says. “The Talisman Centre and riverside pathways are a short walk away for your recreational activities, and downtown, as well, is tantalizingly close.”

But that’s not all that THE RIVER has going for it.

Every home was designed to astound, and unlike other developments where the choices among the final unsold units are not very exciting, what THE RIVER has left are pure magic.

One of the remaining units for sale is a sub-penthouse suite, located on the 14th floor of the 15-storey tower, with a list price of $7.99 million, and its beauty is matched only by the unblemished views of the cityscape and lush river valley below.

There is also a multi-level street-facing townhome that will fit the lifestyle of single professionals or young families with the enormous amount of storage functionality and pizzazz it possesses.

THE RIVER broke several condo sales records in Calgary when it was first introduced. A 5,600-square-foot penthouse unit in the tower sold for a record $8.99 million in May 2012. This was the highest price ever paid for a Penthouse condo in Calgary.

And even after the 2013 floods, this stately development never even missed a step. Landry, whose townhome sits right on the banks of the river, says she is very much satisfied with how the developers handled

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adversity and came up with a plan to mitigate the situation. “I think we’re as safe as we can be here,” she says.

Besides it’s sturdy construction and emergency preparedness plans, THE RIVER is quite simply amazing.

There are no compromises, all features in THE RIVER are of impeccable quality. The gourmet kitchen includes Downsview cabinetry; Subzero, Wolf, Asko and Miele appliances and Caesarstone countertop.

The quality and luxury continues in the master suite, with marble lined steam shower with body sprays and rain shower head. Innovative home automation system knows your personal preferences and makes sure that everything is just the way you like it.

In-house amenities include full time concierge, security, guest suite, fitness centre, social room, chef’s catering kitchen, executive boardroom, bike storage, and a car wash and pet wash facility. These are just a few of the defining features that elevate THE RIVER and establish a new benchmark in quality and luxury.

“Our luxury estate condominiums encompass all the great features of an estate home such as size, privacy and exclusivity, but with the convenience of a lock-and-go lifestyle,” says Clarke.

“When we said THE RIVER was going to be an exceptional development, we meant it. Every home has been meticulously designed with quality finishing with privacy in mind, the amenities are spacious and inviting and the river and mountain views are truly stunning.” CL

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Mission/Cliff Bungalow PROJECT: THE RIVER DEVELOPER: 26th Avenue River Investments Inc. STYLE: Luxury estate townhomes and condominiums SIZE: 1,400 – 5,600 sq. ft.

PRICE: Starting at $1.89 to $8 million HOURS: By appointment only WEBSITE: www.therivercalgary.com

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VIVID, VIBRANT

VIRIDIAN Upgraded standard features makes Viridian a popular choice

BY AALIYA ESSA

W

hen it comes to making the latest trends in home designs available and affordable, Trico Homes is right on point.

Their newest condominium, Viridian, located in the thriving northwest community of Sage Hill, offers buyers a secure, stylish lifestyle, made even more enticing by the wide variety of upscale finishes that come standard.

“We have heated floors, nine-foot ceilings, granite throughout the kitchen and the bathrooms; these are huge selling points,” says Cindy Arevalo, area sales manager for Trico Homes. “We are giving first time homebuyers the opportunity to get all the nice things that Mom and Dad have, at an affordable price.”

Each unit also includes stainless steel appliances, a front load stacked washer and dryer set, and USB plug-ins in every major room. There is also an assigned, titled, parking stall for each unit, with underground and surface spots available, and plenty of aboveground parking for visitors, as well. There is also the option to

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buy an additional underground parking stall for buyers who may have two cars.

With six buildings and 359 units in total, Building One is completely sold out, and Buildings Two and Three are at over 98 percent sold to date. While there are a few quick possession homes still available, Viridian is moving quickly.

There are 52 units available in Buildings Four and Five, with possession dates set for August

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“MOST PEOPLE NOWADAYS LIKE TO ENTERTAIN, AND SO THE BIG FOCAL POINT IS THE OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN AND LIVING SPACE.” and December, respectively; great for buyers who want to move in quickly.

With only two 629-square-foot one-bedroom with one bathroom and a den layouts available as of this writing, priced between $205,400 and $229,300 plus GST. There is still a great selection of two-bedroom floor plans to choose from, ranging from 757 to 869 square-feet, with most layouts including a den space, priced between $245,300 and $291,150 plus GST. With each floor plan there is the option to open up the plan from the main entrance, or if you’d prefer, to create a little more privacy in this space. Bedrooms are along opposite sides, perfect again for privacy, and with two full bathrooms there is no need to share this space either.

“Most people nowadays like to entertain, and so the big focal point is the open concept kitchen and living space. Residents can choose from a peninsula-style kitchen or an island, depending on the floor plan, to create their own

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Sage Hill PROJECT: Viridian DEVELOPER: Trico Homes STYLE: Apartment-style condominiums SIZE: From 629 to 869 sq. ft.

PRICE: Starting from the low $200,000s SALES CENTRE: Suites 101 and 103, 12 Sage Hill Terrace N.W. HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m.

WEBSITE: www.viridiancondos.ca

perfect place to enjoy with family or friends. We also have California split style, with the bedrooms on either end,” she says.

Each units comes with either a titled underground parking stall or an exclusive use surface stall.

Viridian is popular with a variety of buyers, you’ll find everyone from first time homebuyers to young professionals, as well as empty nesters.

The price and location allow buyers to have the home they want for an amazing value, and living in Sage Hill comes with a lot of perks on its own.

“The location is a big part of why someone would want to live here, being that it’s close to all major highways, is already a pretty developed community with the Wal-mart and Costco near by,” says Arevalo.

Having easy access to Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail is a another huge bonus for buyers that work outside of the city, making it easy to get on your way, and being close to the airport eliminates the need to leave home hours early for your flight.

“Creekside Shopping Centre is right across the street, so you have everything you need within close proximity,” she says. There is also the Symons

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Valley Farmers Market just up the road and CrossIron Mills about a 15-minute drive away,“ she adds.

Viridian gives buyers what they are looking for and more, with upgraded standard features, a price that allows even first time homebuyers to get into the market, and a location that provides you with everything you need within a short walking or driving distance.

Now is the time to see if Viridian is the perfect home for you. With only a limited number of units available, this a great opportunity to live in your own masterpiece. CL

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MISSION REVOLUTION Mission 34 brings a new sense of urban style to the inner-city

BY PORTIA YIP

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ission 34 is among the latest mixed-use multi-family projects to enhance Calgary’s inner-city, pioneering the redevelopment of Mission Road in Parkhill by delivering thoughtful design and rare value. Innovative and modern, this ambitious project is a joint venture by Calgary Urban Equities and Assured Communities.

To revitalize is to dream and to persevere so, after several years of both, anticipation is running high throughout the community for the project’s scheduled completion this month.

“It’s rare that boutique inner-city condo projects like this can be as influential to community enhancement as Mission 34 is,” says Jonathan Allen, President of Calgary Urban Equities. “Purchasers can expect to be rewarded through the additional value they will capture as Mission Road’s redevelopment potential continues to unfold.”

New buyers can expect to move into this four-storey beauty later this June or early July. With the

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project’s 47 homes nearly three quarters sold, sales of the remaining units are progressing well, especially since the opening of the onsite show suite in April.

At Mission 34, there are three distinct residential types — street-level lofts, apartment-style condos, and courtyard lofts — many of which offer flexible live/work spaces. Currently, a variety of one-bedroom and two-bedroom options are still up for grabs starting in the $370,000s — an exceptional value, especially when seen up close.

“Mission 34’s value springs from a bigger vision than any similar development in the inner-city,” says Adrian Fabro, Senior Vice President of Assured Communities. “This has inspired a bolder exterior design, greater variety of progressive floorplans, higher quality specs and larger-than-average suite

sizes for the price.” All of the remaining units feature highly desirable south or west exposures and range from 750 to 1,000 square-feet.

The spacious floorplans are contemporary, bright and open-concept with airy nine-feet high ceilings, over-sized windows and large kitchens complete with full-sized stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, under cabinet LED lighting and more.

Remaining suites feature two different professionally designed colour palettes offering high quality cabinetry in light or dark tones, complemented with engineered hardwood, carpeting and large porcelain tiles that deliver tasteful, timeless interiors.

Designed by award-wining NORR Architects, the exterior of Mission 34 is just as impressive and adaptive as its interior. Setting the building on a corner site with a dramatic slope has created several unique benefits for residents such as direct access to parkades from the 1st and 2nd floors, a 3rd floor courtyard with direct access to 34th Avenue, and dual entrances for many units on the first three levels.

The unique layout of Mission 34 provides convenient access to an amazing internal courtyard, the street, the parkades and in some cases, all three. Remarkably, the Mission 34 complex will feature 10

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different street addresses and some of the residences will have their own individual address on either Mission Road or 34 Avenue.

The one-of-a-kind design holds pride of place in Mission Road’s transformation as the building features a striking illuminated tower along with an upscale retail space, and is clad with an inspired blend of high-quality materials including handsome brick, glass, extruded aluminum, concrete board and corrugated steel.

Further distinguishing each residence is the range of options that buyers can select for their suite’s outdoor space. “For those who want more, there are over-sized terraces,” describes Fabro. “For others there are traditional balconies, and for those who prefer the added square footage indoors, there are units with simple Juliet balconies.” Regardless, the development includes a beautiful, private courtyard with a two-sided fireplace, lounge area, barbecue facilities, and extensive landscaping. Other perks improve security and convenience for all residents, including two separate underground parkades, bike storage and storage lockers.

Mission 34 is undoubtedly a visionary project and it’s also bridging the gap between urban and suburban lifestyles. The development is situated in an urban central location within an established community where residents don’t have to compromise on lifestyle. The upscale community of Parkhill Stanley Park retains a friendly neighbourhood charm with great parks and schools nearby while offering all the essentials of urban inner-city living.

“Parkhill has predominantly single-family homes and has been rapidly gentrifying for many years due to its ridge location overlooking the Elbow River valley and its proximity to 4th Street, 17th Avenue, and the downtown core,” says Fabro.

The changing streetscape in Parkhill is reflected in the types of people that Mission 34 is attracting. From urban or work-at-home professionals and investors, to retirees and even Olympic athletes, Mission 34’s diversity will create a lasting connection between its residents and the surrounding communities. “If there’s a common theme, it’s the shared desire to be part of a community that’s closer to urban amenities without the crushing density or compromising access to great outdoor parks and natural spaces,” Fabro adds.

“Mission Road is an important ‘gateway’ to Calgary’s best innercity communities and amenities.”

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It’s no surprise that the location is so attractive given direct access to Macleod Trail and the 39th Avenue LRT, with both Glenmore Trail and Blackfoot Trail mere minutes away. This makes destinations such as Talisman Centre, the Stampede Grounds, and Chinook Centre Mall reachable in minutes, too — and not necessarily by car!

Allen concludes, “Mission Road is an important ‘gateway’ to Calgary’s best inner-city communities and amenities. Besides providing a thoughtfully designed inner-city value for condo buyers, Mission 34 is leading the ongoing redevelopment of Mission Road and creating longer term value for all residents.”

Special incentives and pricing are in effect for select units and interested buyers can visit the fully furnished, on-site show suite for more details. CL

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Parkhill/Stanley Park PROJECT: Mission 34 DEVELOPER: Assured Communities in partnership with Calgary Urban Equities STYLE: Apartment-style lofts and condos SIZE: From 650 to 1,000 sq. ft.

PRICE: Starting at the $370,000s ADDRESS: 92 Mission Road S.W. HOURS: Weekdays by appointment only, weekends from noon to 5 p.m.

WEBSITE: www.mission34.ca

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| ADVERTISING FEATURE |

THE

SHANE HOMES WAY Nuovo by Shane Homes enters Calgary condo scene with The Mark 101

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t took years of deliberation, focus and attention, but when Shane Homes finally began its venture into Calgary’s competitive condo market this spring, they came out with a sure-fire winner.

The Mark 101 in Sage Hill marks Shane Homes first apartment-style condominium development, which it is building under its Nuovo by Shane banner. And it bears all the marks of quality craftsmanship and value people expect from this venerable, and multi-awarded home builder.

Shane Homes has a long history of success and with the growing demand and new definitions for growth in Calgary and area, it was only a matter of time before Shane Homes opened its dynamic new condominium division — Nuovo by Shane.

“The Mark 101 condos are constructed with a passion for

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workmanship and smartly designed functional spaces,” says Nuovo by Shane General Manager Kevin Taylor. “The condos will include many of the same upscale features that are comparable to the quality you would receive when buying a Shane home, such as granite counters in the kitchen and baths, 9-foot ceilings in each unit, and stainless steel appliances.

“We have built a full sized fully furnished show suite at our presentation centre, so our customers can check out the specifications and finishes for themselves.”

The Mark 101 will have a total of 206 units in three traditional architectural four-storey buildings. Buyers can choose from five smartly

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designed one- and two-bedroom plans ranging in size from 600 to 887 square-feet. Prices start from the $184,000s plus GST. Each unit has nine-foot ceilings and upscale features such as luxury vinyl plank flooring and granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Oversized balconies and private patios, depending on the floor, give residents room to appreciate the outdoors. They also get a secure underground parkade with heated underground parking, oversized storage lockers and secure bike storage. Ample visitor parking is a big bonus.

The Mark 101’s location in Sage Hill — just across from the amenity rich Sage Hill Crossing commercial centre — is one of its biggest advantages. It is

adjacent to future city transit and is near a wealth of amenities and shopping centres such as Beacon Hill, Sage Hill Crossing, Gates of Nolan Hill, Creekside Shopping Centre and the Market at Symons Valley Ranch With all this value packed in it, The Mark 101 remains very affordable.

“We are one of the most affordable options to own your own home.

Mortgage for our one bedroom units can be as little at $403 bi-weekly, which in some cases is less expensive than rent,” he points out.

“Buying a new condo is an exciting and refreshing life experience. The Nuovo buying experience will leave you with every reason knowing that you have made the best choice,” Taylor says. “With over 35 years of residential building experience through our parent company Shane Homes you can rest assured that you are building with a company that takes great strides to ensure your home buying experience is an enjoyable one.”

The Mark 101 provides residents with an opportunity to capture the true essence of suburban living in northwest Calgary, he adds.

For more information, visit the sales centre and show suite at 3727 Sage Hill Drive N.W., or go to www.themark101.com. n

FA ST FACTS PROJECT: The Mark 101 in Sage Hill BUILDER: Nuovo by Shane Homes COMMUNITY: Sage Hill DEVELOPER: Wenzel Developments STYLE: Three four storey condominiums SIZE: 600 to 887 sq. ft.

PRICE: Starting from $184’s plus GST. ADDRESS: 3727 Sage Hill Dive N.W., Calgary DIRECTIONS: Take Shaganappi Trail N.W., turn right on Symons Valley Parkway N.W. and left onto 37th Street N.W. Turn right on Sage Hill Drive N.W. Presentation centre and fully furnished show suite will be on your right.

HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

WEB: www.themark101.com

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PRAIRIE

PERFECT

The bare land condo community of Lakes of Muirfield offers luxurious, shared lifestyle

STORY BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS BY DON MOLYNEAUX

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he glorious sunsets that paint the majestic grasslands of southern Alberta in blazing hues of red, orange and purple play out every night in the backyard of Lakes of Muirfield — a bare land condo community just east of Calgary.

It’s this stunning spectacle of nature’s beauty that residents of this growing community in the hamlet of Lyalta get to enjoy every night– but it’s the neighbourliness of this gated, golf community that many treasure. “Everyone knows everyone, and it’s not just the casual nod-ofthe-head friendliness, it’s more like a welcome-to-the-neighbourhoodlet’s have-a-beer kind of instant relationship that everyone shares,” says Amanda Morse.

She had just moved to Lakes of Muirfield with her husband and two young daughters from the Greater Toronto Area, and she instantly fell in love with the quietude and small town openness of Lakes of Muirfield. “It’s a very relaxed lifestyle that still affords us easy access to modern day amenities like groceries, schools in nearby Strathmore and Chestermere,” she adds.

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Lakes of Muirfield, developed by Muirfield Land Corp., is a bare land condominium corporation and running the community is a shared responsibility of every resident. Which goes a long way in strengthening the bonds of the community.

“The house and lot belong to each homeowner, but the street cleaning, garbage collection and snow removal are among the responsibilities of the condo board,” says Himat Gill of Vanity Homes, one of the three home builders in Lakes of Muirfield. “Residents don’t have to rely on anyone but themselves in keeping the neighbourhood clean and safe.”

According to the Alberta Real Estate Association, a bare land condominium complex may look like a neighbourhood of single-family

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homes or townhomes. “Bare land condominiums operate in the same way as conventional condominiums, but may not have as many common property elements since yards and driveways are located inside the boundaries of each condominium unit,” it explains in its website.

Lakes of Muirfield’s 18-hole, Newis Wilson Design golf course that envelopes the neighbourhood is a major attraction, but that’s just a small part of its story. Homes here have bigger lots than what can usually be found in Calgary — or even in areas just outside the big city.

Gill says lots in Lakes of Muirfield average about 50-feet-wide and 120-feet-deep and

most are big enough to accommodate a three-car front attached garage home. “The value of land here is also incredible, and start from $99,000. You can buy a home here at a fraction of what it would cost in Calgary or even in some of the outlying towns,” he tells Condo Living.

Vanity Homes offers bungalows, semi-detached, semi-estate homes and estate homes. “We’re a true custom home builder. Buyers can customize floor plans, upgrade options and choose from a wide array of detail work offered through our knowledgeable design consultants,” Gill says.

Their Fairway bungalow show home is a perfect example of the kind of quality craftsmanship they are capable of. The 1,900-square-foot Fairway starts from $550,000 including lot and GST. The show home itself with the developed basement is at $575,000. “You can never find anything like this at this price in Calgary,” Gill says.

The company has over 30 years of experience in the home building industry and has built over 300 homes within the Calgary metropolitan area. Gill says they’ve done some of their best work in Lakes of Muirfield. “We want to show buyers that there are some great places to live in areas east of Calgary, there are plenty of opportunities to live in a bigger house at a more affordable price than what some homes on the west side of Calgary can offer,” he adds.

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Lakes of Muirfield DEVELOPER: Muirfield Land Corp.

BUILDERS: Douglas Homes, Brycor Homes, Vanity Homes STYLE OF HOMES: Semi-detached, Walk Outs, Two-Storey to Bungalows. Apartment-style condos coming soon.

PRICE: Contact builders for specific prices, but usually from the low $400,000s LOCATION: Just off Range Road 264 in Lyalta Alberta. East on TransCanada Hwy, left on Township Rd. 264 and follow the signs.

SHOW HOME HOURS: Monday – Thursday 2 to 8 p.m. Weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

WEBSITE: www.lakesofmuirfield.com

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Vanity will also be building Lake of Muirfield’s first multi-family development, and Gill says more announcements regarding this will be coming soon.

Noted Calgary inner-city and acreage home builder Brycor Homes is also joining the Lakes of Muirfield builder group. Along with Douglas Homes — which has been with Lakes of Muirfield since Day One — this golf community certainly offers a unique lifestyle choice with some of Calgary’s best home builders. Douglas Homes already has a show home here, and Brycor will be opening one this year.

Lakes of Muirfield wil have some 700 homes on build out with plenty of home options available. All the homes here back onto either the 18-hole golf course or the canal water feature that runs through the community. The walking paths that weave throughout the community are perfect for an evening walk, a morning run or an afternoon bike ride.

“The concept and core element of Lakes of Muirfield is that it is a secure gated community with impressive and carefully controlled architecture and landscaping.

The resort golf facility neighbors many of the residential homes who can enjoy the beautiful greenery, nature and landscaping of a golf course,” Gill says.

It is less than half-an-hour away from Calgary, so it does attract a lot of young families and retirees.

“Getting to Calgary’s downtown from here may even be easier than from some of Calgary’s outlying suburbs, because it’s mostly higway driving all the way,” says Heather Dougall, who moved to the community less than a year ago. “We also have more options of routes to take, where not reliant on just Highway 1, we can also take Glenmore Trail or Country Hills Boulevard.”

“CrossIron Mills in Balzac is just 20 minutes from us, too,” says Gill. “We really thought that older couples with retirement on their minds were going to be our main market, but it turns out that we’re getting more young families who love its safe and secure environment, and the golf and outdoor activities readily available within the neighbourhood is a big bonus,” he says. CL

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| LIFESTYLE

Art of his world

Restaurateur enjoys freedom of condo living STORY BY DARLENE CASTEN PHOTOS BY AMADEO GIRON

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housands of Calgarians have had a glimpse into Peter Kinjo’s world.

They might have even met the man at one of his four family-friendly Japanese restaurants.

He is the larger than life personality, brandishing a Samurai sword who entertains as his customers dine on sushi and other staples like tempura and teriyaki.

At his newest Kinjo restaurant in The District, the northeast commercial area just off Deerfoot Trail and Country Hills Boulevard, the walls are a reflection of

Kinjo’s personal space, with Van Gogh prints gracing the restaurant walls.

At his Groves of Varsity condominium, Peter has an entire room dedicated to Van Gogh.

The second bedroom, in the two-bedroom, 1,400-square-foot corner unit has been converted into a amini art gallery. Wall panels were installed to showcase the 35 Van Gogh paintings he has collected from the 18th century master, including iconic works and lesser-known pieces.

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Just across the street is Kinjo’s Varsity location.

He said looking down at his own restaurant is a reminder of what he has accomplished and what he hopes to accomplish in the future.

Art dominates his apartment, which was kept simple to allow the art to shine.

One hundred and twenty prints by the masters cover the walls all the way to the top of the 10-foot ceilings. He had 48 small spotlights installed around the perimeter walls to create the right lighting for his art.

Peter says his massive collection started with one small painting he spotted while in San Francisco that struck a chord.

“This picture was at the front of my class when I was in Grade 3 (in Japan),” Peter says, referring to the Girl With a Pearl Earing by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer that he has on an easel in his living room. “I fell in love with her.”

That was the beginning of a landslide of art collecting over the next five years, Peter says.

His entryway is an overwhelming display of prints from mainly 18th century artists.

Two terracotta soldier reproduction soldiers, Kinjo had shipped from China, stand at at-

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tention facing the door.

The hallway opens up to the open and untraditional kitchen and living space.

It, like every other room in the house (including the bathroom and his bedroom), is covered in art work. From floor to ceiling art that Peter has seen in museums from around the world cover every inch of the wall space.

Some are even leaned up against the floor waiting for him to find a spot to hang them.

An oversized solid-wood table with eight massive chairs dominates the space. Peter explains the oversized dining table, saying he entertains often and sees dinner parties as ways to have business meetings without all the formality.

Above the dining room is a row of Venetian masks collected from Cirque De Soleil performances.

“I love Cirque De Soleil,” he says. “I think I’ve watched it 25 times.”

His living room is anchored with a large solid wood desk and treadmill.

One wall contains a small portion of his library of Japanese books. He favours biographies and books written by people he finds inspiring like former Tokyo governor Ishishara Shintaro.

Other library spots are tucked away in the ‘Van Gogh’ room behind sliding doors and in the spacious laundry room, where book shelves were installed.

The kitchen, with neutral white quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances sits quietly in the background. Reed baskets containing Japanese snacks are on the countertops.

“I don’t eat much here,” Peter laughs. “I own four restaurants.”

What draws the eye in this penthouse apartment, is the background. Wraparound floor to ceiling windows give a 180-degree view, including the grassy slopes of Nose Hill and a glimpse of downtown’s high rises.

Peter says one of the reasons he bought in the Groves of Varsity was the quality building practices used by Statesmen.

“It is so quiet the way the windows are built,” he points out, opening the door to the living room. “See it is noisy outside. This is a busy road, but you don’t hear it.”

Just across the street is Kinjo’s Varsity location.

He said looking down at his own restaurant is a reminder of what he has accomplished and what he hopes to accomplish in the future.

“It is my dream to open 100 stores,” he says.

The Groves of Varsity sits on the corner of Crowchild Trail and 53rd Street Northwest.

Peter says the location makes it easy for him to get around to all of his restaurant sites.

A senior’s residence will be built on site so he says he won’t have to go far as he ages, without revealing his age.

Just over one year into condominium life, Peter says he made the right decision to downsize after a divorce.

“I used to have a big yard and gazebos and waterfalls,” he says. “It was a lot of work.

Now I don’t have to shovel or do the gardening. I’ve done enough gardening. I enjoy my freedom and choice. This is the best for a single man.” CL CO N D O L I V I N G

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Finding your outdoor oasis

Tuscan-Inspired furniture collection from Debbie Travis only at Sears

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dd a touch of Tuscany to your backyard with the new Debbie Travis Collection, exclusively from Sears Canada.

It’s no secret that Canadians retreat to their backyards to spend time outdoors with family and friends at the first hint of spring. This is exactly why internationally renowned Canadian interior and furniture designer Debbie Travis has launched a new and exclusive collection of Tuscan-inspired home products with Sears Canada.

Now homeowners all across the country can bring the richness of ancient architecture to their outdoor living spaces with innovative, on-trend, comfortable and stylish patio furniture, tableware and accessories.

“I’ve spent much of the last few years in Ita-

ly,” says Travis. “I wanted to bring both the clean lines of modern Italian design and the richness of ancient architecture to my new Tuscan-style collection. Functionality and versatility were my top priority in designing the collection, so Canadians can now bring European pizzazz to their homes at an affordable price.

“My designs bring both comfort and style, and include low-maintenance furniture, space-saving solutions, colourful accessories and sophisticated tableware,” she says.

The line will expand to include more innovative, on-trend products including indoor furniture, tabletop, home décor, and bed and bath items later this year.

The Debbie Travis Collection is available exclusively at Sears department stores or online at www.sears.ca

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FEATURE | FEATURE

Debbie Travis Rosseau Seven Piece Dining and Conversation Set

Built to withstand the elements, the Rosseau set is made with full weather-proof wicker and has cushions made from Sunbrella fabric and quick dry foam that suit any style. From casual and classic to elegant and modern, it can be transformed by pairing with different fabrics and accessories. Beautiful and versatile, the chairs in the conversation set are built to also work with the dining set. (Retails for $2,199.97)

Debbie Travis Chelsea Conversation Set

Perfect for smaller spaces, check out Debbie’s elegant, space-saving Chelsea patio set. It boasts seating for up to five, and can be easily tucked away for space-saving storage. Kick back and relax! (Retails for $799.99)

Debbie Travis Milan Outdoor Sectional

This stunning outdoor sectional sofa is specially designed for the Canadian climate. Upholstered in weather-resistant Textilene, it dries up to 85 per cent faster than regular foam. For ultimate enjoyment, create a conversation pit, using this sectional to provide extra-wide banquette seating on a summer evening.

(Retails for $1,999.99)

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Debbie Travis Dinner Plates and Serving Bowls

Go bold with Debbie’s gorgeous and distinctive European-inspired tableware.

Featuring a classic crackle ceramic finish, it’s lightweight, shatterproof and BPA free, making it easy to bring sophistication to your table. Perfect for serving delicious antipasto platters and bruschetta. Buon appetito!

(Retails for $4.99 - $17.99)

ABOUT DEBBIE TRAVIS An internationally renowned interior designer, beloved television icon and bestselling author, Debbie is one of the largest celebrity name brands in Canada. Canadians and fans around the world have used her decorating suggestions and entertaining tips for years, with her shows seen in over 80 countries. She has authored 9 books, and her weekly syndicated newspaper column is read by over 6 million readers in North America,.

Past TV shows include Painted House (W Network), Facelift (HGTV),

Debbie Travis Reversible Highback, Seat and Accent Cushions

Sun showers don’t have to slow down your outdoor fun. These quick drying cushions feature foam inserts with antimicrobial protection and Sunbrella upholstery that’s UV and fade resistant. Add a pop of fun to your outdoor décor with these highly functional cushions in vibrant colours and chic patterns. (Retails for $19.99 - $69.99) CL

From the Ground Up and All For One. Her latest show, a six-part series called La Dolce Debbie, a documentary series about her journey of restoring a 13th century building in the heart of Tuscany, launched in February and is now over.

Debbie lives between London, Montreal, Toronto and Tuscany with her husband and two sons.

LA DOLCE VITA CONTEST One lucky Canadian will win the chance to experience Tuscan living firsthand with Sears Canada’s new La Dolce Vita with Debbie Contest. The winner and a guest will travel with Debbie Travis to a gourmet getaway in Tuscany for a week in 2017 to recharge and indulge in Tuscan style. Each time customers spend $50 or more at Sears and use their registered Sears Club Rewards Card for the contest period, they will be automatically entered to win. Customers get a bonus entry if the purchase includes Debbie Travis merchandise. Contest closes at 11:59 pm ET on June 30, 2016. For more information, visit: www.sears.ca/debbietravis.

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Coping with clutter Simple solutions to win the battle with clutter

BY DAVID CROSSON

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et’s face it: getting organized is neither easy nor fun. Still, it’s a necessary evil if there ever was one — especially when sorting out your stuff means being able to log more time outside. Of course, it could be easy if you defaulted to the old garbage bag and shoebox method of corralling clutter but we all know that’s a cop-out. The key to doing it well is to make sure the items that help you bring order to your life are at once functional, durable and attractive.

Did you notice I mentioned “attractive”? There’s solid reasoning behind that, as we tend to engage with things more if they engage with us, especially on an aesthetic level. Selecting attractive containers to house your flotsam and jetsam doesn’t mean you have to shell out; you just have to assess, address and acquire in a manner that suits both your lifestyle and environment.

For example, free-range remote controls drive me crazy so I house mine in a very attractive orange leather box with a nickel clasp. It fits in

beautifully with my living room décor and the leather is so buttery soft it’s a pleasure to open and close it every time I need the ‘clicker’. Likewise, the cufflinks, collars stays and random bijoux that used to litter the top of my bureau now reside in a black velvet box with individual compartments, which makes me feel better about the (minor) chore of putting accessories away at the end of a long day.

As I said, these items need not cost a fortune, they just have to work for us in whichever application applies. Take, for example, the exquisite wares of Global Views, a company which excels at creating decorative items for aesthetically aware households. When it comes to organizational objets their site is a treasure trove, although more about the chest than the actual treasures. I am completely smitten with their Mother of Pearl Box, as well as the Luxe Organizer collection in bleached oak.

Mother of Pearl Box from Global Views.

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Sheridan Island from Crate & Barrel is a great option for adding storage in an attractive and functional way.

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STYLE |

Matte gold Braque box from Global Views.

The expandable bamboo drawer organizers from Crate & Barrel, although primarily crafted for cutlery, can do wonders for organizing items while keeping them in plain view.

Van Gogh’s Galaxy storage increases visual flow in a room and actually holds a surprising amount.

And I swear if someone showed up with a set of Braque boxes I would propose on the spot…

Global Views goods are available in Calgary at a variety of retailers, including Country Furniture, Chintz & Co. and Maria Tomas.

These are but a few of the great options available for rounding up everything from keys and change to sunglasses and mail. If your tastes run more to the global, consider a trip to Chinatown or a visit to one of Calgary’s three Ten Thousand Villages locations. Both offer great deals and distinctive items that are sure to bring texture and character to any space. Similarly, great baskets can be had at a variety of price points, from garden centres to the Rubaiyat. Again, find something that speaks to your sensibilities and take a chance on thinking outside the (shoe)box.

Sometimes, though, good storage solutions are more about revealing than concealing.

In the kitchen, the dreaded junk drawer would actually represent more of a chore if you had to root through a bunch of closed containers in order to find what you were looking for. Crate & Barrel has a great solution: clear plastic bins that can accommodate anything from turnips to twine. The Binz series comes in a range of sizes,

all with lids, so said junk can be both protected and presented at the same time. Similarly, their expandable bamboo drawer organizers, although primarily crafted for cutlery, can do wonders for organizing items while keeping them in plain view.

Speaking of the kitchen — and Crate & Barrel, for that matter — their Sheridan Island is a great option for adding storage in an attractive and functional way. Available in three great colours, it offers a stainless top with fold-out leaf, two drawers, an open shelf and two towel racks, all within a tiny footprint. It’s a winner!

Of course, clutter accumulates anywhere but it can really get out of hand in places where we lounge. Both bedrooms and living rooms are generally relaxation zones—which often means the rigours of tidying may fall by the wayside. One piece I really love — and it works in either space — is Van Gogh’s Galaxy storage ottoman. Unlike its more rectilinear counterparts, this charmer increases visual flow in a room and actually holds a surprising amount. Available in a wide range of fabric options, the Galaxy is sure to rock your world and the debris within it. Van Gogh products are available in Calgary through Country Furniture, among others.

Obviously, when it comes to getting organized I can’t do it for you, although I certainly hope these few examples help inspire you.

Regardless of the tools you choose, just remember the motto: a place for everything and everything in its place. And make sure you do it in style… CL

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Crosson is a freelance design writer and principal of the David Crosson Design Collective. He is a frequent media commentator on matters of life and style as well as a regular guest on CTV Morning Live.

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| A DAY IN FARMERS’ MARKETS

Going to the market

BY SHELLEY BOETTCHER

Fresh produce, baked goodies, tons of fun – farmers’ markets bring life to the community

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ummer’s here and everything is blooming. You have a hankering to enjoy all that our farmers and local food purveyors have to offer.

Then check out some of Calgary’s myriad farmers’ markets. Each has its own personality, its own neighbourhood and vendors. While there are wonderful markets in almost every quadrant of the city, as well as many of the small towns that surround Calgary, here are a few of our favourites.

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Calgary Farmers’ Market

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Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market

Jebb’s Fresh Pasta at Crossroads Market

Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market

brcacalgary.org 917 Centre Avenue N.E. At least 80 per cent of the Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market vendors — roughly 30 or so — must make, bake or grow their offerings in Alberta. You’ll find everything from homemade bread to produce, drinks and ice cream here every Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

If you go, be sure to check out the Aspiring Entrepreneur table. Sponsored by Lukes Drug Market and the Bridgeland Market, these tables give entrepreneurs facing financial hurdles an opportunity to sell their wares or services at the market.

And three times a year, the market expands: June 23 (the market’s 2016 launch date), Aug. 11 (during Bridgeland bike fest) and Oct. 6 (the fall harvest celebration.) These larger markets will feature music, children’s activities and games for everyone.

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Burnt To Order at Crossroads Market

Calgary Farmers’ Market

calgaryfarmersmarket.ca 510 77th Avenue S.E. Established in 2004 in the Currie Barracks, the Calgary Farmers’ Market recently celebrated its fifth anniversary in its current location by Blackfoot Trail and Heritage Drive S.E. One of the city’s largest markets, it features more than 75 food purveyors and craftspeople, selling all kinds of stuff: pet treats, coffee, smoked meat, locally grown produce, homemade chocolates, kettle corn and more.

In addition to shopping, you can sign up for cooking classes and market tours, or listen to some of the live music and other entertainment.

While you’re there, be sure to stop in at the new J. Webb Market Wines shop, located in the large red quonset on site.

You’ll find great wines — including an excellent organic selection — as well as a growler bar for beer fans.

| A DAY IN FARMERS’ MARKETS

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Grassroots/Deerfoot Farmers’ Market

northlandmarket.ca Deerfoot Mall, 901 64th Avenue N.E. For 24 years, this market — Calgary’s oldest and largest summer outdoor market — was located at Northland Village Shoppes in northwest Calgary. But this year, for the first time, the market has relocated to Deerfoot Mall.

Many vendors — at least 40 — from previous years will be setting up shop in the new location, and there will be new vendors, too, so if you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by for local produce and meats, as well as locally made cuisine. Grassroots is one of only a handful of Sunnygirl-approved markets in the province, meaning it has been recognized by Alberta Agriculture for its support of rural producers.

Hillhurst Sunnyside Market

farmersmarket.hsca.ca This small but friendly market takes place on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., and features music, BC and Alberta fruit and vegetables, and food from local producers. Parking is always a bit tricky here; ride your bike or walk, and enjoy the friendly neighbourhood vibe.

P H OTO BY M O RG A N WO RTH P H OTOG R A P H Y

crossroadsmarket.ca 1235 26th Ave. S.E. A venerable year-round inner-city market, Crossroads blossoms in the summer, when the outdoor booths are set up. This place has everything you need, from cheeses to fresh produce, local meats to ethnic cuisine. There are far too many vendors to list here but a few noteworthy names include Burnt To Order (hand-made, hand-fired, gluten-free crème brulee), Waffles & Chix (the permanent location for the popular food truck), Uptowne Gelato (small-batch Italian ice cream) and East of Asia (hand-stretched noodles and Asian street food). Then there’s local actor/ comedian Jebb Fink; you’ll find him selling fresh pasta, pasta sauces and barbecue sauce at Jebb’s Joint. You could spend an entire day here — probably longer, in fact — without getting bored.

Crossroads Market P H OTO BY M O RG A N WO RTH P H OTOG R A P H Y

Waffles & Chix at Crossroads Market

Crossroads Market

Hillhurst Sunnyside Market

Calgary Farmers’ Market

Inglewood Night Market

Twitter:@InglewoodMarket inglewoodnightmarket.ca This relatively new but incredibly popular evening street market features food, jewelry and crafts for sale, plus live music and tons of Inglewood residents, roaming around, visiting and having fun. This year’s markets will take place June 10, July 8, August 12 and September 9. Follow the Twitter handle for updates.

Symons Valley Ranch Farmers’ Market

symonsvalleyranch.com 14555 Symons Valley Road N.W. One of the newer players on the scene, Symons Valley Ranch is open Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is so much to see and do and eat here; relax and spend a day, especially if it’s your first visit. Calgary’s renowned Gruman’s Catering and Delicatessen will open a barbecue pit opening in mid-June. Banff’s Natur’el Tea just started a booth in April, and Sassy Cakes is a new bakery offering amazing fancy cakes and cupcakes.

There’s more, too. Both the Jolly Table and Chef’s Pantry offers quality take-home meals made by local chefs. Earth Cravings makes gluten-free juices and pizzas — including one with crickets (yes, crickets) on top. And 24 Mantra, which opened in early May, offers organic spices and foods from around the world. CL

East of Asia at Crossroads Market

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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

WHAT’S A BARE LAND CONDO?

Conventional and bare land condos offer different multi-family settings

Q:

Dear Maria; What is the difference between a bare land condo and a Conventional condo?

A:

If you are considering purchasing a condominium I would strongly recommend doing some soul-searching first to determine what type of condominium suites your lifestyle, needs and budget.

More importantly, read the bylaws of the condo you want to purchase to determine if living in a multi-residential community is right for you. Every condominium is governed by its own unique rules, regulations and bylaws and not everyone can live in a structured environment.

It is also very important to understand the different types of condominiums available to you as this will impact how much ownership and control you have over your asset.

Conventional Condo is the most common type of ownership (example: apartment style condo). The unit title represents a portion of the building and an undivided interest in the common property. The walls, floors and ceilings define each unit/s boundaries. The Titleholder of the unit owns and is responsible for maintaining everything inside the boundaries of the unit. The area outside the unit is considered common property, and is owned collectively by all unit owners (the Condominium Corporation). In some cases, a unit’s exterior windows and doors are part of the unit, and in some cases they are considered common property.

Always check the condominium plan and

bylaws to determine what is part of the unit and what is common property.

A Real Property report is typically not available for conventional condominiums; instead, a Condominium Plan serves as an assessment of the entire building, and can only be registered after the building is sufficiently constructed to define the unit.

Bare Land Condo is an actual plot of land that may or may not already be developed.

Boundaries are defined by the limitations marked on the land and identified on the Real Property Report if developed. The report may identify the structure, landscaping, yard, trees and garage. Bare land condos are no different from a traditional house or townhome.

A bare land condominium complex may look like a neighborhood of single-family homes, townhomes or villas. In some bare land condos; snow removal, grass cutting and maintenance of the exterior is the responsibility of the owner to maintain, whereas, in other circumstances, the condominium corporation would be responsible for looking after the exterior maintenance. Which then becomes managed property. This of course is dependent on the configuration of the plan and access.

Common Property, if there is any, will typically be streets or roadways allowing

access to each unit. Condo fees in a bare land condo are typically lower then in a conventional condo. Living in a bare land also offers you more privacy.

The above is a small piece on the two types on condominium communities.

Consider all the facts before making a decision to live in a condo. Consider your lifestyle, your needs and wants, ask questions and read the bylaws.

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 J U N E 2016

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CONDOSCAPES

By Richard White

CHINATOWN AT A CROSSROADS Proposed new development stirs controversy

W

hile the communities surrounding Calgary’s tiny Chinatown — East Village, Downtown and Eau Claire — have experienced mega makeovers over more than two decades, Chinatown has seen little change in this span.

That is until recently, when a controversial land-use change that would accommodate, three 20-pus-storey buildings designed by Calgary Architect Manu Chu was proposed for a large surface parking lot on the southwest edge of Chinatown, just north of Sun Life Plaza’s three 28 floor office towers.

Recently I flaneured Chinatown on a lovely weekday spring afternoon. It was like a ghost town — nobody on the streets or in the shops. This isn’t the first time I have been to Chinatown and found a waning vitality.

Chinatown can’t survive as is!

NEED FOR CHANGE Communities must evolve with the times to continue to retain existing residents and retailers and attract new ones.

Chinatown, with a population of 1,836, is a senior’s haven, (a whopping 32 per cent of the population is over the age of 65 — three times the city average). The median age in Chinatown is 60, compared to Calgary’s 36.

The median household income of Calgarians living in Chinatown is only $32,029 versus Calgary’s $81,256. This is, perhaps, misleading as 38 per cent of the people living in Chinatown live alone (single income) compared to 10 per cent of all Calgarians. As well, the dispropor-

tionate number of seniors (not working) would also skew the household income to a lower value. Nonetheless, these demographics will not encourage new retailers and restaurateurs to locate in Chinatown.

If Chinatown is to thrive again it must attract more young professionals and young families (those in their “consumer years”) with the income and lifestyle that will support existing and new retail, restaurants and other services.

Chinatown can’t survive simply a seniors’ residence.

HEIGHT ISN’T EVERYTHING! Questioning the negative impact of the proposed condo towers because the height doesn’t fit with the charm and character of the existing quaint sidewalk-oriented brick buildings is valid. But there are also many other questions that should be asked.

• Does the design of the proposed buildings have the potential to enhance Chinatown’s future character and charm?

• Are there lots of small commercial spaces at street level that would increase sidewalk animation and expand Chinatown west to link with Eau Claire?

• Will the condo unit sizes and designs attract young professionals and young families to the community — Chinese and non-Chinese?

• Does the site support a building of this size?

• Can the towers be set back from the sidewalk in a manner that is pedestri an-friendly?

• How does the building fit with the surrounding office towers?

• How does the building act as a link to the downtown office core?

• Will the density and diversity created by the building benefit the future of Chinatown, but also downtown and the City Centre in general?

All communities must continually adapt to changing market and economic realities, but even moreso for those that are part of a dynamic urban city centre with a diversity of uses like Calgary’s.

LAST WORD For too long, Calgary’s Chinatown has been stuck in the past. If it wants to survive in the 21st century it will need to embrace change and diversify.

Chinatown is at a crossroads. Does it focus on the preservation of the past, or does it embrace changes that will be the catalyst for future prosperity? 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 J U N E 2016

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CONDO CONVERSATIONS

By Bernie Winter

THE CONDO INVESTMENT OPTION Finding condo investment opportunities in a buyers’ market

T

he price is right! With the perceived downturn in the real estate market we have been experiencing a buyer’s market. Many savvy buyers are investing in condominiums across Alberta. Today I want to share the benefits of investing in a condominium project, whether as an absentee owner or and owner occupant.

Condominiums are a unique form of property ownership in that the owners share in the responsibility to maintain the common property.

Common property is the area defined by the condominium plan as the components that that are not part of the Unit represented by individual titles. This definition varies based on if the condominium plan is conventional, bare land, mixed use or other.

Sharing in the responsibility for these common area components then becomes a method of caring for the property and all components within the boundaries of the project. Sharing responsibilities includes providing the capital to maintain the property as well as ensuring the occupants live in compliance with the bylaws or rules and regulations, and the board operated in compliance with the Bylaws and the condominium legislation of Alberta. When this is understood and complied with a

condominium is a great investment for all who own a unit. It is when owners resist having to pay their share of the financial contribution or who feel the bylaws and rules are not for them that problems arise. Problems that too often impact not only the investment but the enjoyment of ownership.

Condominium legislation includes restrictions and requirements for those who chose to purchase a condominium for the purpose of renting the unit.

This includes providing a deposit to the Corporation for protection of the common area when a tenant moves in or out or simply is careless. The condominium legislation enables a condominium corporation to collect the rent if an absentee owner falls behind on their monthly contribution and ultimately has the power to evict a tenant

when they are not compliant with the bylaws. Be sure you are aware of these sections of the legislation when you rent out a unit.

The board of directors, who are comprised of owners are responsible for the management, control, and administration of the common property and any area which the bylaws give them responsibility.

With this the Board must obtain the funds needed whether for capital projects or operating costs from the owners. The board is to report to the owners on the financial status, at least annually at the AGM. The board is governed by the bylaws and the condominium legislation.

The owners are to live in compliance with the bylaws and to support the board in making decision that are often difficult and yes, costly when it comes to repairs or replacement of the capital items. Budgeting appropriately means updating the costs to include the reality of the buildings age and level of maintenance as well as keeping apprised of inflation and the value of hiring competent professional service providers when necessary.

Following these simple principles will protect your investment in condominium ownership. CL

Bernice M. Winter, ACCI, FCCI President/Owner Condo Check Providing buyers with the condo document review service since 1994. www.condo-check.com CO N D O L I V I N G J U N E 2016

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HOPE AT LARGE

By Marty Hope

A REWARDING SEASON Cardel Lifestyles wins big in national awards

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rmed with a trifecta of recently-presented industry awards, Cardel Lifestyles continues to do what it does best — build and sell condominiums and townhomes.

The company, the multi-family division of industry veteran Cardel Homes, was the recipient of the Home Owner Mark of Excellence Award presented by CustomerInsight; the New Home Buyers Choice Award, given out by the Professional Home Builders Institute; and was named among winners of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Awards presented by Deloitte.

“These awards mean a lot to us,” says company president and co-founder Tim Logel. “They give our team recognition for goals and results achieved and raises our company profile among consumers. It’s quite an honour.”

And what it also means is that the drive to create affordable, high-quality homes in top-drawer communities is just as strong.

“We have a lot of work under way,” says Logel. We have five developments at various stages with a total of about 1,200 towns and condos.”

One of those is Walden Place that is going up in the very popular and success-

ful Genstar Development Company community of Walden at 192 Avenue S.E. With a projected buildout date of 2021, Walden Place will have 428 condominium apartments and 40 townhouses. There is already one show home open, but five more will be added next spring.

“In terms of size, it reminds me of our Lighthouse Landing development in Country Hills,” says Logel. Lighthouse, which was a six-year project, was made up of 511 units, of which 307 were apartments.

Other projects filling the Cardel Lifestyles plate are: • Cranston Ridge, in Brookfield Residential’s Cranston community is made up of 152 units with four condo show suites — with a townhome show home opening this summer. It is currently 60 per cent sold and should be completed in two years.

• Auburn Walk, in Brookfield’s Auburn Bay, will be finished in the fall of 2017.

About 65 per cent of the 176 units split among two buildings have been sold.

• The last of four buildings in Sage Place, in United Communities development in northwest Calgary, has been launched.

With 75 per cent of the units sold, Logel expects work to be wrapped up next summer.

• Staying in the northwest and with United Communities, Cardel Lifestyles has recently opened new townhouse show homes in its Nolan Park project, but it will be a “couple of years” building out the 123 units in the development,” says Logel.

Tim Logel with Salmon Mufti of the Smith School of Business accepting the Best Managed Companies Award in Toronto

So, there is plenty of work and lots of buyer interest despite the economic slowdown, he adds.

“A number of years ago our executive team made a plan that included a detailed focus on improving all aspects of the condo and townhome building process.

“The team’s focus was on execution of the plan as we believed our customers would be pleased with the overall results, and was put together with a well thought out customer service plan — and so far it’s been working and results have been very exciting for us,” says Logel. CL

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

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AROUND TOWN

By Pepper Rodriguez

SOBOW SLASHES PRICES

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nglewood’s singular SoBow condos is down to its final few units and more buyers can now enjoy the luxury homes offered — as well as the vibrant lifestyle of the neighbourhood itself — as prices come down significantly.

In an effort to move SoBow’s few remaining units, M2i Developments Corp. is offering discounts from $50,000 to $150,000 off some of their most popular floor plans — including two-storey penthouse suites.

M2i’s McKayla Toews says discounts for their two-bedroom, two-storey suites are the most attractive.

These units range in size from 1,390 to 1,414 square-feet and they are now priced under $500,000 from the previous $600,000.

Their one remain-

C

ing 694-square-foot studio model is now at $304,000 from the previous $318,000.

“These are fabulous prices and immediate possessions are available,” she adds.

Situated east of Inglewood on a 14.5-acre parcel of land, SoBow is right next door to the colourful streetscape of 9th Avenue S.E. where Calgary’s best live music venues are located, along with plenty of places to wine and dine, shop, and partake in lively festivals or eclectic art galleries.

Adjacent to SoBow, residents can take full advantage of the 50-acre Pearce Estate Park — Calgary’s largest inner-city park — and use the many walking trails that weave right down to the Bow River.

The high-end finishes, design quality and spacious floorplans combined with its location endorse SoBow as the best value in the inner-city.

COPPERFIELD CHALET NO. 6 OPENS NEW SHOW HOMES

opperfield Chalet No. 6 by Hopewell Residential opens two new townhome show suites in this thriving southeast community, including the popular A plan which recently took home a Best New Townhome Design at the 2015 SAM Awards.

“Copperfield Chalet’s new show homes offer the best of townhome living, all in an established community,” says Nicole McLaws, Hopewell’s marketing manager.

The highly-popular L Plan is showcased, featuring a welcoming Cottage Country design style. The 1,306 square-foot three-bedroom, two-and-ahalf bath model has an attached garage, rear galley kitchen, and open-concept living and dining rooms combine with the décor to create a family-friendly atmosphere.

Next door, the 1,132-square-foot A Plan is Mountain Industrial in decor style, bringing a modern rustic flair to its two-bedroom, two-bath layout. A central galley kitchen, rear lifestyle room, and convenient attached garage create a completely functional home.

McLaws says Hopewell is also releasing Phase 2 of Chalet No. 6, where they re-introduce some of its most popular floorplans — all with prices starting in the affordable $290,000s.

FIRST NEW TOWNHOMES IN INVERMERE SINCE 2008 BREAK GROUND

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onstruction has started at Highland Crossing, the first new multi-family project in Invermere in eight years. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of the new residential townhome project developed by Urban West Projects Inc. Located on a hilltop at the foot of Invermere’s main strip, the project will feature seven homes with spectacular south facing views of Lake Windermere bounded by the Rocky Mountains to the east, and the Purcell Mountains to the west.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on our first residential project in Invermere,” says Larry Kerr, principal, Urban West Projects Inc. “Now that we’ve broken ground, we’ll be contributing new vitality to the public realm of this thriving community.

With unrivaled views of Windermere Lake, the location is unbeatable, with all essential amenities steps away, along with an endless array of outdoor recreation. It’s paradise.”

Interested buyers have the choice of two three-bedroom floor plans sized at 1,886 and 2,132 square-feet. All homes feature three and a half baths. Prices are from approximately $550,000 and $620,000, respectively.

»

Visit www.highlandcrossing.ca for more information.

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NEW DEVELOPMENT BRINGS HIGH-END GROCER TO EAST VILLAGE

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new $500 million development brings a community grocery store to East Village, raising the downtown enclave’s stature as one of the best places to live in the city.

The project is a collaboration between commercial real estate giant RioCan and Embassy BOSA, a major force in multi-family residential development in Western Canada.

Occupying a full city block, it comprises two spectacular residential towers totalling approximately 500+ condominium homes and an urban format ‘retail podium’ that brings 188,000 square-feet of leasable retail space to the neighbourhood’s street level.

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The residential towers by Embassy BOSA are called Arris — a name inspired by the towers’ distinctive architecture. (An arris is a sharp edge formed by the meeting of two flat or curved surfaces.) To underscore its prime location at the gateway to East Village and downtown Calgary, RioCan’s retail development is named 5th & Third.

“This exciting mixed-use urban development is a prime example of RioCan’s strategic initiative in Canada’s core urban markets, and we are thrilled to be working with Embassy BOSA and CMLC to boost the appeal and liveability of Calgary’s downtown core,” said Edward Sonshine, chief executive officer of RioCan. “We are fortunate

to have the opportunity to be involved in the revitalization of this growing neighbourhood in Calgary’s East Village, and we believe that 5th and Third, anchored by a Loblaws City Market and Shoppers Drug Mart, will be a gathering place for the community.”

“We envisioned this location in East Village to be an iconic portal to downtown — a site that deserves a landmark structure to welcome people as they enter the city,” adds Ryan Bosa, president of Embassy BOSA. “We’re raising the bar with Arris, which is set to deliver on the Embassy BOSA promise of building architecturally stunning homes of the highest standard in amenity-rich urban settings. From the incredible views overlooking the Bow River and downtown Calgary to the outdoor gardens on the private rooftop to the fantastic commercial centre at its feet, Arris will be one of a kind.” CL

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

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STAMPEDE PARK

North West, North East and Inner City | CALGARY

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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

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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 at Mission

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

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Villas at Watermark Sonoma at Nolan Hill Nolan Park Mark 101 ARRIS Willow at Sherwood Sage Place Viridian Avira Kincora Summit Emerald Sky Panorama West

13 ARRIVE at Redstone

14 ARRIVE at Skyview

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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

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

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Stone Morena West Overture Axess Armory Juno at Currie 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 Origins at Cranston 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 at Auburn Bay 30 Stonecroft Auburn Bay 31 Regatta 32 Ebony 33 Chalet No 5 & No 6

34 Albert Park Station 35 Stonecroft at

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36 Copperfield Park II & III 37 Mahogany Street Towns

38 Legacy Street Towns 39 Livingstone Townes

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CALGARY AREA PROJECTS AIRDRIE

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

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

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ADVERTISERS INDEX | ARRIVE Partners page 71

Copperfield Park III Brad Remintgon Homes page 93

Legacy Park Brad Remington Homes back cover

Avenue 33 Sarina Developments page 21

Cove Properties page 11

Legend of Legacy Aldebaran page 94

Avenue West End Grosvenor page 17 Axis Rockford page 84 Brand Birchwood page 66 Bridgeland Hill Gablecraft page 72 Brookside Merge Developments page 72 Carlisle Group pages 76 Cityscape Mattamy Homes page 48 CHBA – Calgary page 41

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Duke Avi Urban FC, pages 14-16 Emerald Sky Carlisle Group page 47 Glas Avalon page 27 Golf for Girls page 43 Hunter House Streetside Developments page 25 JaymanBUILT page 80 Kensington Bucci page 6 Legacy Westcreek Developments page 82

Mission 34 Assured Communities page 76 Niche One Niche Development Corp page 2 Origins Streeetside Developments page 32 Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 33 Radius Bridgeland Bucci page 6

Stonecroft pages 52-53 Symons Gate Brookfield Residential page 95 The Concord Concord Pacific page 5 The Gates Remington Developments page 57 The Groves of Varsity Statesman page 58 The Guardian Hon Developments page 62 The Link Brookfield Residential page 31

ReidBuilt Homes page 87

The Mark 101 Shane Homes pages 49, 50-51

Quarry Park Remington Developments page 86

The Orchard Lamb Development page 3

SoBow M2i Developments page 26

THE RIVER 26 Ave River Investments page 37

Verve Fram/Slokker Developments page 67 Victory and Venture Providence page 78 Viridian Trico Communities page 41 Vivace Streetside Developments page 77 Walden Place Cardel Lifestyles page 9 Wellspring page 47, 88 Westman Village page 4 Zen Avalon Master Builder page 42

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