Condo Living - August 2016

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CONTENTS AUGUST 2016 | VOLUME 12 ISSUE 200

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FOCUS ON 12 | Go, go gadgets The digital age is in full bloom with a host of personal electronic devices CONDO PROFILES 18 | There’s something about Henry Brookfield Residential’s new Parkdale townhomes are stylishly intriguing 23 | First timer fit Axis offers urban living in a suburban setting for first time homebuyers 28 | Designed for life Landmark Homes’ Diseño brings stylish touch to Sherwood 34 | Economies of scale INK’s scaled down condos make up for size in the grand, urban lifestyle it offers 38 | Complete community SoBow offers instant possessions for last few suites COMMUNITY PROFILE 42 | Calgary’s newest established community EvansRidge is on the verge of completion

COVER FEATURE 14 | Welcome, Arris! Embassy BOSA’s next development ushers new era for East Village CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

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CONTENTS LIFESTYLE 47 | Right time to right-size Brent and Kerry find the right fit for their lifestyle in Riverstone STYLE 52 | A wireless design Achieving a seamless look in the home begins with advanced wireless technology

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A DAY IN… CALGARY PARKS 57 | Nature in the city Calgary’s many parks brings nature to the urban lifestyle NEWS 61 | A bold, new era begins CHBA – UDI Calgary Region elects first board members, names executive directors COLUMNS 63 | Ask Maria by Maria Bartolotti 65 | Condoscapes by Richard White 67 | Condo Conversation by Bernice Winter 69 | Hope at Large by Marty Hope 71 | Around Town by Pepper Rodriguez ITEMS 10 | Editor’s Message 74 | Maps 78 | Ad Index

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |  Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

LIFE IN HIGH-DEF

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |

I love home entertainment. Ever since I can remember, the dream had always been to have the best hi-fi stereo to listen to my LPs (kids today call it “vinyl” — I know, I’m old), and a colour TV connected to its two speakers for stereo sound quality. Back then I thought I was the king of the world with my old set-up anchored by a 21-inch box type RCA TV. I laugh at myself at the thought with today’s inexpensive, readily-available ultra 4K TVs as big as your wall paired with high-def surround sound system. Our STYLE guru, David Crosson, dives into this new world head-on in his entertainment technology feature in this issue. Although a self-proclaimed Luddite, David says he was enthralled by the crisp, digital beauty of watching and listening to even just the nature scenes loop running at the TV show room where he did his research. I’m sure “Game of Thrones” wouldn’t have the same impact if I were still watching it in my old analog set-up. With the advances in sound attenuation technology in multi-family developments, even condo dwellers can enjoy 5.1 channel surround sound without getting into fights with their next-wall neighbour. And with advancements in wireless speaker technology, you can move the speakers away from the common wall without worrying about wires and cables running all over your floor. Sound attenuation — or limiting the travel of sound vibrations in buildings — is one of the features that Embassy BOSA Developments excel at. And their latest one, Arris in East Village will surely have this home-entertainment-friendly feature. But that’s not all it’s going to have, as Arris is giving Calgarians a chance to have their input in the design of the suites themselves. Interested parties can go to Embassy BOSA’s renovated sales centre at the East Village Experience Centre to let the well-respected developer know what features they feel are important for this new high-rise. I’m sure they’ll love to hear from you. This issue also talks about the latest Brookfield Residential inner-city townhomes — The Henry in Parkdale, which gives a slick urban twist to living by the river. There’s also Axis by Rockford Developments in Walden that offers a firsttime homebuyer friendly option. Diseño by Landmark NEXT MONTH: Homes in Sherwood offers both townhomes and The back-to-school issue apartment-style condos in a new contemporary style. INK by Battistella Developments is another reason for people to choose to live in East Village. And SoBow by M2i makes the most out of its location in the thriving neighbourhood of Inglewood. These are just a small sample of what’s available in the city, and if you check out the EvansRidge community feature, I’m sure you’ll find more of them there. Shelly Boettcher also reminds Calgarians how lucky we are with all the many urban parks at our disposal. Sun is out, maybe time to put down my TV clicker and go for a ride in one of those parks. Have a great summer, Calgary.

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, Aaliya Essa, Lindsay Holden, Marty Hope, Richard White, Bernice Winter PHOTOGRAPHY

Shelley Boettcher, Amadeo Giron, Don Molyneaux ADVERTISING SALES | Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING | Norma Robertson accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSUE 200 • ISSN 1918-4409 © 2016 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the written permission from the publishers. Source Media Group agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Condo Living® is published 12 times per annum with copies available for distribution at more than 1,500 locations every month. Condo Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to: cleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. Condo Living® is a registered Trademark the property of Source Media Group Corp. Reg. USPTO 3,584,683 & 3,584,583. Contact: Source Media Group Corp., 6109 — 6th Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9; Tel 403.532.3101 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; www.sourcemediagroup.ca

@CondoLivingYYC

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CondoLivingCalgary



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, gadgets The digital age is in full bloom with a host of personal electronic devices BY AALIYA ESSA

SURE TECHNOLOGY has come a long way, from smart phones to televisions, and even computers. Personal accessories have followed along with this new wave, with more and more gadgets that allow consumers to have access to fun toys to play with, and even simple devices that allow you to monitor your home with a simple application on your phone. Here are some great products that will surely pique your interest. CL

[ 1 ] Bose Soundlink — Blue BT Speaker, $149.95 at Apple. [ 2 ] iHome color-charging clock radio, $44.00 at Walmart. [ 3 ] GT BT Suction Speaker, $24.99 at The Source. [ 4 ] SOLO 2 WL — Red, $329.95 at Apple. [ 5 ] Water Speaker 20, $39.99 at The Source. [ 6 ]

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Light up Mouse, $9.96 at The Source.

[ 7 ] Orbotix BB-8 App Enab Droid by Sphero, $189.95 at Apple. [ 8 ] Nest CAM-CAF, $249.95 at Apple. CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

WELCOME, E

mbassy BOSA may be welcoming new residents into Pulse, the second phase of Evolution in East Village but they are already knee deep in their next venture, Arris. Arris is a two tower mixed-use development, a joint venture with Canadian retail giant RioCan. Centrally located in East Village at 6th Avenue and 4th Street S.E. and as the tallest building in the neighborhood, Arris residents will be treated to incredible unobstructed city and river views and be within walking distance of some of the best amenities Calgary has to offer — including the newly renovated Simmons building, RiverWalk pathway, National Music Centre and the New Central Library. The retail podium will feature 188,000 square feet of shops and services, including a signature Loblaws City Market, Joe Fresh and Shoppers Drug Mart. “Grocery is a critical element to building a sustainable community,”

THE RETAIL PODIUM WILL FEATURE 188,000 SQUARE FEET OF SHOPS AND SERVICES, INCLUDING A SIGNATURE LOBLAWS CITY MARKET, JOE FRESH AND SHOPPERS DRUG MART.

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ARRIS! Embassy BOSA’s next development ushers new era for East Village

Embassy BOSA’s Think Tank

says Robert Marchand, vice-president, sales and marketing at Embassy BOSA. “Having your daily needs within reach changes how you live. It gets you out of your car and into your community.” The retail component, aptly named 5th and THIRD due to its location will include a variety of shops and services in additional to grocery. “This won’t just benefit the estimated 11,500 current and future residents of East Village, but all individuals downtown,” he tells Condo Living. “But this will be a valuable amenity to Arris residents most of all, who get to enjoy having unimpeded access to these services.” The name Arris is an architectural term meaning a sharp edge formed by the meeting of two surfaces, which is highlighted in the building’s exterior with large overlapping sheets of glass. The towers’ exterior design has been determined and construction has already started, but Embassy BOSA is looking to Calgarians for input on the interiors from unit mix to amenities. Marchand says: “Good design takes into consideration the needs of its users. It isn’t created in a vacuum; we want input.

“GOOD DESIGN TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION THE NEEDS OF ITS USERS. IT ISN’T CREATED IN A VACUUM; WE WANT INPUT.” »

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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |

“WE ARE COMMITTED TO DESIGNING HOMES THAT POSITIVELY AFFECT THE WAY PEOPLE LIVE AND THE ONLY WAY TO DO THAT IS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT USERS WANT — SO WE ASK.”

“Embassy BOSA has been listening to Calgary over the past several years, and since we started with Evolution, feedback through the East Village Experience Centre has helped us validate our design and in some cases, refine our offering. That process has carried through in our latest development, The Royal, and now we’re formalizing this feedback model and taking it to the next level with Arris.” Enter the Embassy BOSA Think Tank. A customized space in the EV Experience Centre dedicated to the idea of building a community with the input of the people who will live there. Part of the space focuses on the new grocer, which has understandably been generating a buzz from local residents. But the real draw is the kiosk in the centre, where visitors are invited to provide their input in an online survey on what is important to them both from their community and their home. “We are committed to designing homes that positively affect the way people live and the only way to do that is to figure out what users want — so we ask.” These insights will help shape Arris and future Embassy BOSA developments in Calgary — and there’s a lot of them coming down the pipeline. Embassy BOSA has been integral in the transformation of East Village into Calgary’s most promising downtown development. Their sold out Evolution condos was one of the first to bring new residents to this part of town, with the second phase currently taking possessions. They’re also actively in the process of selling The Royal, an urban extension

of Mount Royal Village West that came out as the top selling residential building in Calgary last year. The development is more than 60 per cent sold and construction is well underway. In the southwest, Embassy BOSA is working with Canada Lands on a massive undertaking to modernize the former Currie Barracks into a sustainable urban community with a healthy mix of residential and commercial components. All of this just shows the confidence that Embassy BOSA has on Calgary’s future. “In Arris, we started construction ahead of sales because we are confident in the Calgary market and have a long-term commitment to the city,” Marchand says. “Calgary has a lot of potential and we’re in it for the long haul.” The Think Tank at Arris is open to the public so visit this summer to have a voice in future developments in the city. Residential sales at Arris are expected in 2017, but they are currently taking pre-registrations at arrisliving.ca.  n

FA ST FACTS Community: East Village Project: Arris Developer: Embassy BOSA Style:

Mixed Use Development – High-rise apartments above a retail podium

Sales Centre: EV Experience Centre at 553 Riverfront Ave S.E. Hours:

Monday to Thursday noon to 6 p.m.

Website: www.arrisliving.ca

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CONDO PROFILE |

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT HENRY

Brookfield Residential’s new Parkdale townhomes are stylishly intriguing BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

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he name Henry has resounded throughout history; it’s been a well-known name of kings, pioneering inventors, statesmen and world leaders (and a delicious chocolate bar, to boot). In Calgary, Henry will now be known as the utmost in inner-city living with Brookfield Residential’s utterly stylish, centrally-located The Henry townhomes. The Henry in the northwest community of Parkdale is replete in the modern amenities that make urban living so tempting. With the Bow River as its backdrop, residents readily enjoy boundless recreational opportunities through the park and pathways surrounding the development, and the established community it’s in already offers the shopping, dining and entertainment that newer communities can only dream of.


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“THE HENRY IS AN UPSCALE TOWNHOME PROJECT IN THE ESTABLISHED NEIGHBOURHOOD OF PARKDALE...”

Designed by renowned local architectural firm, Hindle Architects, who are involved in the transformation of the former Currie Barracks and are designing the interior of the new Telus Sky high rise, Henry is visualized to take full advantage of its bountiful setting in the community. Each townhome comes with its own private rooftop patio, overlooking the beautiful Bow River with views of Calgary’s nearby downtown. The Henry also features a brick exterior that mirrors the history and character of the Parkdale community. “The scheme incorporates a rich material palette, inspired by the historic red brick homes of the Parkdale community,” says Jesse Hindle, one of the principals of Hindle Architects. “The Henry is an upscale townhome project in the established neighbourhood of Parkdale,” says Gisele Danis, Brookfield Residential’s Vice-President Marketing & Communications. The finishes outside and in are stylish and classic, the building is intimate with only a few lucky residents, and everything you could possibly want is close at hand,” she tells Condo Living.

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FA S T FAC TS PROJECT: The Henry DEVELOPER: Brookfield Residential SIZES: 1,605 – 1,868 square feet, with private rooftop patios PRICE: Starting low $600,000s, including GST LOCATION: corner of 29th Street and Parkdale Boulevard N.W. She believes that The Henry is a one-of-a-kind development that blends all the important aspects of living in an urban environment. “The Henry is a unique opportunity to live in an established community, at a competitive price point in the luxury townhome market. The Henry is already deeply connected to its neighbours, therefore you’re not just purchasing or moving into a home, you’re joining a community,” she says. Establishments nearby include Avatara Pizza, Leavitt’s Ice Cream Shop, Lazy Loaf and Kettle, and Extreme Bean Café, each one as unique as The Henry itself. These townhomes are also close to the Parkdale Community Centre and playground, Westmount Charter Elementary School and Madeleine d’Houet School (7 – 9 French Immersion). The low-density development will consist of only 24 townhomes divided between four separate buildings. There are five floor plans to choose from, ranging in size from 1,605 to 1,868 square-feet. The Henry offers two- and three-bedroom townhomes, besides the rooftop patios, each townhome also comes with double attached garages. It’s the perfect blend of flair and function. “The Henry is a high-style development with a lot of focus on unique design elements and interior selections, including a sliding barn door and black iron Edison light fixtures,” Danis says, adding that the exquisite city views available from the rooftop patios is worth every penny.

“THE HENRY IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN AN ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY.”

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PRESENTATION GALLERY: 3620 16 Street S.W. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 12 – 6 p.m., Saturday, Sundays and holidays 12 – 5 p.m. Closed Fridays. WEBSITE: www.thehenrycalgary.com

Standard features also include glamourous quartz countertops in the kitchen, timeless and durable hardwood in most shared living spaces and tile in the bathrooms and entryway. Starting from the low $600,000s, it’s no wonder why it’s performing so incredibly well. “The Henry is already 50 per cent sold out,” Danis says. Construction has started and framing for the first building is already complete, and residents are expected to move in by early 2017. CL




FIRST TIMER FIT

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Axis offers urban living in a suburban setting for first time homebuyers BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS BY AMADEO GIRON

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first home that singles, couples or families with small children can fall in love with is what Axis offers, as the newest townhomes from Rockford Developments brings style, space and affordability that the market is looking for. The Axis development, made up of 72 townhomes spread among 13 buildings in the southeast community of Walden, showcases a brand new style of housing for Rockford. It offers two- and three-bedroom units measuring from 1,193 to 1,426 square-feet with a choice of single, tandem, or double attached garages.

“Buyers love our location, our open layouts, the kitchens, the vaulted ceilings in the master bedrooms, the huge garages, the upgrade options in the upgraded unit, the standard nine-foot ceilings,” says Rockford vice-president operations, Marlo Schaaf tells Condo Living. Basically, what Axis offers is the convenience, spaciousness and functionality of a single-family home at a fraction of the price, she adds. “The two- or three-bedroom units we have offer versatility to suit many needs, and the versatility within the units themselves is an awesome feature. You can basically choose how you want the living room or dining room layout to be, we’ve designed them with choice in mind. The large garages are a huge feature, that not only have room for two vehicles, there is room to spare, for bikes, carriages and whatever else is important to the buyer,” she says.

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YOU CAN BASICALLY CHOOSE HOW YOU WANT THE LIVING ROOM OR DINING ROOM LAYOUT TO BE, WE’VE DESIGNED THEM WITH CHOICE IN MIND Construction has started and Axis opened two new show homes: a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom suite. “The two-bedroom was something that we recently added to our development based on expressed interest in a two-bedroom unit. Both with double tandem garages,” Schaaf says. “First possession starts as quickly as three months from now in the early fall,” she adds. Buyers have warmly received axis with townhomes starting at $325,000. Schaaf thinks their biggest challenge isn’t design or affordability, but overcoming the cautiousness of buyers. “We want to convince people that it is the right time to buy with low interest rates. Prices won’t be going down and they will always be better off getting in early with introductory pricing and they get choice selection on lots and floor plans, etcetera.”

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Walden PROJECT: Axis DEVELOPER: Rockford Developments STYLE: Two and three-bedroom townhomes with attached garages SIZE: 1,190 to 1,480 sq. ft. PRICE: From the $325,000s ADDRESS: 25 Walden Grove S.E. DIRECTIONS: South on Macleod Tr., exit on 210 Ave. S.E. and follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 3 to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Fridays and holidays WEBSITE: Register at www.axiseverything.com to get updates

Making Axis a stylish fit for families are features that include double-glazed Low E argon filled windows, double stainless steel kitchen sink, contemporary profile baseboards and casing, fridge, stove, dishwasher and over the range microwave. Each Rockford project offers the peace of mind of having the Alberta New Home Warranty Program. The convenience of low-maintenance living is also important to their buyers, Schaaf says. “Here, residents won’t have to worry about the responsibility of exterior maintenance. Complete landscaping maintenance and snow removal and road and parking maintenance are taken cared of. No more mowing the lawn on weekends or shoveling snow from the walk.” Its location in the 5,000-acre smart growth community of Walden is one of the biggest draws for Axis. This Genstar community in the southeast has terrific accessibility to downtown through Macleod Trail, and is an

excellent gateway for a quick trip to Kananaskis via Highway 22. Walden is spread over 620 acres off Macleod Trail and 192nd Avenue, and will see approximately 3,000 homes at build out. When Walden started, it was the first community in Calgary to hit the 11 sustainability principles set as targets by the City. That involved saving a lot of the natural trees that were on the land, installing a lot of environmental features, such as bioswales, which are landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water, and storm water features. Young families especially like the fact that Walden is surrounded by well-established communities with tons of amenities already available, including the Somerset LRT station, the Shawnessy shopping centre, the newly opened South Health Campus hospital, and several schools nearby. The Gates of Walden shopping centre right in the community provides plenty of convenience, and includes a Shoppers Drug Mart, Windsor Rose Pub, Pet Planet, Starbucks, RBC and a variety of other shops and services to come shortly. “Walden is now making a turn, to a more mature type of neighbourhood,” says Schaaf. “It’s as family-friendly as can be, which is just perfect for residents of Axis.” CL CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

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DESIGNED FOR LIFE Landmark Homes’ Diseño brings stylish touch to Sherwood BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

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contemporary design flair, with loads of practical features, and a centrally located spot in one of Calgary’s most vibrant neighbourhoods — that’s what you would call a home designed for life, and that’s exactly what Diseño offers buyers. Diseño, pronounced [dis-EN-yo], is the Spanish word for design, and this new Landmark Homes multi-family development in the northwest community of Sherwood is nothing if not well designed. “The market trends in Calgary the last few years have really favoured multi-family developments and we at Landmark wanted to join in with our own unique take with Diseño,” says Andreas Angellakis, Area Sales Representative for Diseño.


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“What makes Diseño unique is our exterior finishing material, we decided to use Hardi board and stucco to bring a unique look to our homes.”

From outside and in, Diseño brings an inner-city design sensibility that blends with the contemporary character of Melcor Development’s Sherwood community. And with 53 townhomes and 64 apartment-style condominiums, it also offers one of the widest ranges of condo floor plans in town, and can suit every lifestyle need. Landmark has built quite a reputation as a multi-family developer with projects in Fireside in Cochrane and in various inner-city locations in Calgary. “We decided to go with a modern and contemporary design in a newer community like Sherwood and use the site and location to construct something a little different,” Angellakis says. “What makes Diseño unique is our exterior finishing material, we decided to use Hardi board and stucco to bring a unique look to our homes. Our project is also located directly beside a park and a pond, where there are picnic tables, trees, shrubs and walkways already established in the adjacent space.”

The location is a little piece of heaven. “Across from Diseño is a brand new commercial site, with a City Market Grocery store, multiple bank branches and plans for a professional building and multiple restaurants,” Angellakis says. The units themselves have higher standard features than what can usually be expected in such starter home products.

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Sherwood PROJECT: Diseño DEVELOPER: Landmark Homes STYLE: Townhomes and apartment-style condos SIZE: Townhomes from 1,176 sq. ft., and apartment-style condos from 703 sq. ft. PRICES: Starting price for townhomes is $315,000, plus GST, while apartment-style condominiums are from $215,000, plus GST ADDRESS: 218, Sherwood Square N.W. HOURS: Monday-Thursday 2 – 8 p.m., and Holidays and Weekends noon – 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.landmarkhomes.ca

Townhomes are all three storeys and come in three-bedroom with twoand-a-half bath, and two-bedroom with two-and-a-half bath models, with walkout options available. They range in size from 1,176 to 1,604 square-feet. “We offer five floor plan variations for the townhomes,” Angellakis says. While the 64 apartment-style condos, Angellakis says will be in one four-storey wood frame building. They are also offered in five different floor plans from one-bedroom and one-full bath, to two-bedrooms with two-fullbaths and a den. Sizes are from 703 to 1,186 square-feet. Diseño townhomes offer tandem and full double car garage parking, while the condominiums offer underground parking and surface parking stalls. All of them come standard with hardwood patterned laminate flooring across the whole main floor, and plush nylon carpet throughout the bedrooms. Buyers also get stainless steel appliances, dual pane sundown windows, glass backsplash in the kitchen, flush pot lights across the main floor, slab door cabinets with modern fixtures, high efficiency furnace, CFL LED lighting throughout and low

Diseño townhomes offer tandem and full double car garage parking, while the condominiums offer underground parking and surface parking stalls.

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water consumption bathrooms faucets and fixtures. “Within our homes we also added large sundown windows wherever available and added the main floor height to nine-foot ceilings which opens the home up to a ton of natural lighting to look onto the community features,” he adds. People have been enamoured with Diseño and phase one of the townhomes have sold out since sales began in late 2015. “We’re just under 40 per cent sold in phase two of the townhomes, and the condominiums that began selling in May are just under 40 per cent sold, as well,” Angellakis says. Starting price for townhomes is $315,000, plus GST, while apartment-style condominiums are from $215,000, plus GST. Their market is comprised mainly of first time home buyers, downsizers, young professionals, and young families. “We believe with different product offerings and multiple square footage options we are able to offer a range of homes to fit different lifestyles,” Angellakis says. Construction began early 2016 and occupancy will be within the next 30 – 60 days, he adds. Possession dates available for all current selling product is November/December to 10-12 months. Apartments possession is estimated at Spring 2018. Diseño has also just opened up their new show home, and interested parties can actually see and feel the sumptuous lifestyle it offers. CL





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ownsizing should be the last thing on the mind of a 30-something-year-old, but that’s exactly what Kristen Henderson is doing as she moves from her suburban condo to her INK two-bedroom micro-suite in East Village. “I have a 1,000-square-foot condo in Edgemont and I just bought a 600-plus-square-foot suite in INK, so yes, I am downsizing,” she laughs. She doesn’t think she’s losing all that much in space at all with the utter functionality and style that she’s getting at Battistella Developments’ latest mid-rise. But it’s the kind of lifestyle living here offers that she is really looking forward to. “I wanted to live nearer downtown and East Village is a terrific up-and-coming neighbourhood. You can already feel the youthful energy in it, and there’s more coming down the road and I can’t wait to live here,” Kristen says. Her enthusiasm is understandable. East Village is fast becoming the city’s premiere entertainment, cultural and residential district that it was always promised to be. The new National Music Centre just opened its doors on Canada Day, and the historic Simmons building is already home to Charbar restaurant, Phil & Sebastian’s coffee house, and the popular Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. Construction has already started for RioCan’s 5th and Third retail establishment that will bring a Loblaw’s grocery and Shopper’s Drug Mart into the neighbourhood, and the new Central Library, almost next door to INK, is also something Kristen is excited for. “And most of these are opening in 2018, which is just in time for when I move in to my INK condo.” East Village certainly didn’t look like this bright, cosmopolitan district when she first saw it in 2005. She tells Condo Living that she went to a party at Orange Lofts then — incidentally, also a Battistella Development project, and the first new condo to go up here. “East Village certainly looked very different then, I’m not sure if I would have chosen to live here at that time.” But East Village’s transformation has been a complete 180-degree turnaround, and just show’s Battistella Developments’ acumen for picking the best location for their condos. “Orange Lofts was very forward-thinking back in the day, and INK is similarly as cutting-edge, and our condos here are unparalleled in style, price and quality, and the lifestyle fits not just the young but anyone who has an appreciation for artistic innovation,” says

EAST VILLAGE IS FAST BECOMING THE CITY’S PREMIERE ENTERTAINMENT, CULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT THAT IT WAS ALWAYS PROMISED TO BE.

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Battistella Development’s Chris Pollen. Indeed, INK offers a lot more than what other micro-suite developments. “I have my own parking stall, which is important to me,” Kristen says. “I need a car to get around, I work full-time as an accountant in the northeast, INK’s location also works well for me because of its accessibility.” She says she also chose a two-bedroom unit, because it’s a better re-sale investment and it also gives her the option to take in a roommate that can help with the mortgage. “We’re close to the Bow Valley College, and I can take in a student roommate, if I wanted,” she says. The lock-and-leave lifestyle also fits her perfectly. “I love to travel and go to the mountains on my days-off,” says Kristen, who is also an avid rugby fan (and former player) and has been to Australia, New Zealand and Europe to attend international rugby matches. “I really only need a small condo for my lifestyle, basically, just a crash-pad.”

Kristen Henderson


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SCALE

INK’s scaled down condos make up for size in the grand, urban lifestyle it offers BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

But what a crash pad! INK combines smart floor plans and a striking exterior to create 119 comfortable and efficient city homes. Rising 14 storeys above 8th Avenue S.E., INK had studio units that started from 368 square-feet but those sold out quite quickly. Now, their available units start at 444 square-feet for a one-bedroom suite. “We don’t shy away from offering micro-suites,” says Pollen. “The minimalist lifestyle we offer may not be for everyone, but we wanted a condo that captures the vibrant millennial lifestyle that focuses more on having the ability to thoroughly enjoy a downtown lifestyle affordably.”

 INK offers nine floor plans from one-bedroom units to 501- to 519-square-foot one-bedroom plus den and 568- to 689-squarefoot two bedroom corner homes, which is their largest. Kristen bought a 651-square-foot suite with picturesque views of the river and Fort Calgary.

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FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: East Village PROJECT: INK
 DEVELOPER: Battistella Developments
 STYLE: Apartment style condos
 SIZE: Available floor plans start from 444 sq. ft.
 PRICE: From $224,500 plus GST
 SALES CENTRE: Unit 108 – 535 8th Ave S.E.
 HOURS: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Fridays
 WEBSITE: www.inkcondoseastvillage.ca Prices range from $224,500 to $419,000, plus GST. INK seems to be off to a rocking start selling 50 per cent of the development, with construction slated to begin by fall this year. The sales centre located on the main floor of Orange Lofts perfectly shows the kind of lifestyle awaiting residents. The studio apartment show suite expertly displays the commitment to making small spaces work in a cohesive, practical manner. INK’s interiors merge smart, functional layouts with stylish materials and features, complemented by nine-and-a-halffeet tall ceilings with matching window walls. 

“The loft-like overheight ceiling provide an open, airy atmosphere to reveal exposed pipe and venting, which with Battistella’s signature polished concrete floors give suites that singular modern, industrial look,” Pollen says. Kitchens have a full array of stainless steel appliances and a choice between two modern wood grain cabinetry options. Bathrooms are just as sleek, with custom floating cabinetry and smart storage solutions. INK’s exterior is just as unique with a visionary design by S2, which combines concrete construction with a soaring glass-and-steel facade, creating a modern architectural landmark for East Village. There are several in-house amenities that add to the ease-of-living promise, including a spacious rooftop patio with fireplaces and plenty of room for entertaining. “It’s a private spot where you can enjoy the company of friends and neighbours with the glittering downtown skyline as a backdrop,” Pollen says.

INK’S INTERIORS MERGE SMART, FUNCTIONAL LAYOUTS WITH STYLISH MATERIALS AND FEATURES, COMPLEMENTED BY NINE-AND-A-HALFFEET TALL CEILINGS WITH MATCHING WINDOW WALLS.

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INK also has a Repair Room where residents can tackle their DIY projects. Tune up your bike, fix your skateboard, adjust your skis or do small household repairs in a shared space equipped with all the tools you need. There’s also a pet wash station and easy in-and-out secure bike storage rooms. “INK enables homeowners the ability to thoroughly enjoy their downtown life,” he adds. CL


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COMPLETE COMMUNITY SoBow offers instant possessions for last few suites BY LINDSAY HOLDEN

S

ometimes a last-minute plan can make for the best adventure. Right now might be the best time to catch a break on a luxury condominium in one of the best eclectic communities in Calgary, with last-chance pricing for bargain-hunters. SoBow in Inglewood is a 120-unit community steps away from Calgary’s Bow River pathway where homebuyers are finding better value than ever before with the last of the luxury units are marked down by as much as $150,000. “We are at the last end of our product and have significantly discounted units,” says McKayla Toews, Marketing Manager with

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M2i Development Corporation, the company which built the multi-family project. “We are complete, and buyers can move in right away. They can walk the remaining suites to make a selection, purchase and move in within 30 days.” By comparison, says Toews, other options in the community are breaking ground and will see homebuyers waiting 15 months before possession. With 80 per cent sold, there’s still a good variety remaining in price and style — featuring nine different floorplans ranging from 694 to 1,632 square-feet. Properties are reduced to a starting price of $304,000, while two-storey townhomes with cut prices are all now less than $500,000 offering incredible bang for the buck in well-appointed units with up to three bedrooms. All units feature engineered hard-


| CONDO PROFILE wood floors, custom closet organizers, butcher blocks in kitchens, and top appliances including a Bertazzoni Italian gas range. Residents can be assured of their comfort with energy efficient windows and included air conditioning. Quality and quiet are boosted by the building’s steel and concrete construction. Condo buyers who have focused their inner-city search on Inglewood will be in great company among urban professionals, empty-nesters and families who take advantage of its convienent location where commuters are seven minutes to the downtown core and have direct access to the city highways. Underground parking spots are titled to units. Meanwhile homes at SoBow are tucked away next to a quiet preserved area where residents can get lost in one of Calgary’s

Right now might be the best time to catch a break on a luxury condominium in one of the best eclectic communities in Calgary, with last-chance pricing for bargain-hunters. CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

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CONDO PROFILE |

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: Inglewood PROJECT: SoBow DEVELOPER: M2i Development Corp. STYLE: Apartment-style condominiums, and two-storey Garden Suites and two-storey Penthouse suites SIZE: From 694 to 1,632 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts at $304,000 ADDRESS: #102 63 Inglewood Park S.E. HOURS: Saturday, Sunday and Monday 12 – 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.sobowcondos.com

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Within a few blocks, live blues music, top restaurants, and stores dedicated to quirky hand-made goods, original artwork and luxury furniture are waiting to be discovered.

biggest inner city park — Pearce Estate Park which sprawls over 50 acres. Tall trees over the banks of the Bow River and natural ponds with ducks offer an escape for tranquil reflection or a place to set out by kayak right next door, while pathways connecting to the city’s network will allow residents to actively explore their city on bike or foot. For indoor workouts, residents can enjoy access to a 9,000-square-foot on-site gym is included with their condo purchase. The space is managed by a group of personal trainers and offer one-on-one sessions in the private facility. For window shoppers, music lovers, and foodies, Inglewood ‘s main street on 9 Avenue will tempt a wandering spirit in a setting that Toews calls an “authentic” neighbourhood. “It is Calgary’s first neighbourhood — and we have built within Inglewood without taking the character away,” she explains. Within a few blocks, live blues music, top restaurants, and stores dedicated to quirky hand-made goods, original artwork and luxury furniture are waiting to be discovered. As SoBow purchasers take possession, the building’s occupants have become a reflection of the eclectic and friendly nature of Inglewood, said Toews. “Much like Inglewood, the SoBow community is a wide-ranging demographic from age 20 to 92,” she says. CL



COMMUNITY PROFILE |

CALGARY’S

NEWEST ESTABLISHED

COMMUNITY EvansRidge is on the verge of completion BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

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| COMMUNITY PROFILE

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he northwestern edge of Calgary has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the past few years, and nowhere else is this transformation seen better than in EvansRidge, which now just has a handful of lots left before it is totally completed. It’s a little hard to believe that EvansRidge — launched in 2011 — is already nearing completion. “The community is essentially 95 per cent built-out. Over 1,000 homes sold to date,” says Dream Development’s Michael Tandara, Director of Marketing, Land & Housing. “Though a variety of quick possession options remain available, the development is down to its final 10 open lots for buyers looking to build a home to their exact specifications. For those sitting on the fence, it means time is running out to get into the community.” The wide variety of home options in EvansRidge has been a key reason for its popularity, offering everything from townhomes, rear laned, zero lot line, front attached garage and estate homes within the 150-acre neighbourhood. As one of the most desirable communities in Calgary, Evansridge attracted an extensive group of builder partners in different phases of the project. In the final phase, seven builders continue to offer quality built, well designed homes, including Dream’s own Homes by Dream. Still available are townhomes from $310,000 (Calbridge Homes and Jayman Modus), move-up homes from $530,000 (Genesis Builder Group, DS Homes, Homes by Dream), and estate homes from $650,000 (Calbridge Homes, WestView Homes, Homes by Dream).

Tandara says EvansRidge has been a big hit because people understand it’s a community where families can grow. Situated in central northwest Calgary it has the feel of wide open spaces and big blue sky, with lots of recreational and entertainment opportunities. At this point, buyers no longer have to put faith into a rendered vision of what EvansRidge will be, as the whole community is, after all, built out and laid out in front of you. And the lifestyle-enabling, amenity-rich nature of the area is already there for everyone to enjoy — with more coming soon. “The brand new K-9 school, Our Lady of Grace, is opening this fall and is less than a five-minute walk from the new phases,” Tandara points out. “There’s also a future Montessori daycare upcoming, as well. And the nearby Creekside Shopping Centre continues to grow, with new additions like the Brokin’ Yolk, Tim Hortons, A&W, and a Brightpath Kids centre.” Community shopping is already available at Creekside Shopping Plaza, and residents also have easy access to Beacon Hill and Calgary’s premiere outlet destination, CrossIron Mills.

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EvansRidge is just a 20-minute drive to downtown, and much less than that if you’re going to the big employment hubs near the airport or CrossIron Mills in Balzac. The Stoney Trail extension enhances accessibility of residents in the neighbourhood, and this particular part of town in the northwest will be very much the centre of the action for years to come, Tandara says. Improved bus routes into EvansRidge also address public transportation concerns. “It’s a vibrant community that’s only getting better,” he tells Condo Living. “It’s a freshly established community with nearby shopping, walking trails, the beautiful ridge overlooking the valley, a brand new school, quality architectural controls, well-built homes by trusted builders, great access to the city as well as convenient access to Stoney Trail and the mountains to the west. It really does have it all.” Jayman Modus (Jayman BUILT’s multi-family arm) is selling their Avira townhome project,

FA S T FAC TS COMMUNITY: EvansRidge DEVELOPER: Dream Developments BUILDERS & PRICES: Townhomes: • Avira by Jayman Modus starting from $310,000 • Vantage on EvansRidge by Calbridge Homes starting at $390,000 Single-family: • Calbridge Homes from $730,000 • DS Homes from $650,000 • Genesis Builder Group from $520,000 • WestView Homes from $700,000 • Homes by Dream from $570,000 DIRECTIONS: North on Symons Valley Rd. N.W., right on Symons Valley Pkwy. And follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. or check with individual builders WEB: www.lifeontheridge.ca

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which will have 100 stylish two- and three-bedroom models with single, tandem and double car heated garages. They start from 1,200 square-feet and prices are from the low $300,000s. But like most of the multi-family developments in EvansRidge, it is down to its last few units. “Avira is almost 80 per cent sold, while Vantage by Calbridge Homes is all but sold out,” Tandara says. As far as single-family homes, there is still a good selection available, though that won’t last for long, including homes on prestigious west-backing ridge lots in Phase 8. This final phase includes the last of the ridge lots, semi estate lots and two car front drive midsize lot home options. Calbridge Homes is also offering some of the most affordable ridge homes in Calgary, where their double front attached homes start from the $730,000s. Homes by Dream, as well, is using the last phase of EvansRidge to launch its Arrival Collection of homes this September — marking the first time Dream has built single-family homes in the city. Despite a multi-decade history in new home construction in Western Canada, the company is still very new to Calgarians and as a result intends to make a strong first impression with its complete streetscape of 19 architecturally diverse homes. More modest 2,000 to 2,200-square-foot homes will be priced from $579,900 with the larger estate residences being offered from the $739,900. The wide-ranging price point across all of the various product lines has been one of EvanRidge’s most attractive features and with an affordability range spanning from the low $300,000s all the way to the $1 million range, there is indeed something for everyone. With EvansRidge nearing completion, Dream is already turning its focus on its next big development: Vista Crossing. “Vista Crossing is an all-new development in Crossfield, just north of Airdrie, with a 35 minute commute to Calgary’s downtown,” Tandara says. “It will be the first master-planned community for the town, and the 160 acre development will feature over 20 acres of parkspace, five acres of protected wetland and over four kilometres of walking trails. Many homeowners that moved out of Calgary to Airdrie in order to escape the city have found Airdrie to have outgrown that small town charm, and Vista Crossing offers prospective buyers that very thing in a nearly identical commute. A true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but connected just the same.” CL

The Stoney Trail extension enhances accessibility of residents in the neighbourhood, and this particular part of town in the northwest will be very much the centre of the action for years to come.



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| LIFESTYLE

Right time

to right-size

Brent and Kerry

Brent and Kerry find the right fit for their lifestyle in Riverstone STORY BY DARLENE CASTEN PHOTOS BY DON MOLYNEAUX

I

ts that age old question — what do you get for the person who has it all. Brent and Kerry had a beautiful 3,600-square-foot home in Douglasdale Point, with a swimming pool and beautiful yard. However, their blended family was growing up and Brent was beginning to think about making a change. After 12 years keeping up their high-maintenance house had him looking around for a condo, but Kerry says it took her time to warm up to the idea. “I didn’t want to just downsize in price,” Kerry explains. “I didn’t want to feel like I was going backwards.” It wasn’t until they found Mosaic Riverstone by Brookfield Residential that Kerry says she could envision herself in a condominium. “One-and-a-half years ago, we biked down and my wife said ‘I CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

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could do this’,” Brent says. “She said, ‘I can see myself in this place’.” The Tuscan-style buildings are nestled in the southeast neighbourhood of Riverstone, just down a grassy hill from Cranston. Mosaic is only a short walk from the Bow River Valley and faces Fish Creek Park. Kerry and Brent said they frequently bike the endless Fish Creek pathways and Kerry also regularly goes for run in the park and it’s a perfect place to walk Logan, their 13-year-old Yorkie Maltese. Brent says he can see his future in Riverstone. “When I retire I will learn to fly fish on the Bow,” he says. The surrounding estate neighbourhood was also appealing, says Kerry. “My wife enjoys the finer things in life,” Brent says and that includes her surrounding. A lot of their furniture had to be sold when they finally decided to ‘rightsize’, but in the end they say paring down their possessions feels good. “I wanted to ‘right size’ to what suited our lifestyle,” she says.

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They also had been practicing condo life on weekends at their property in Fernie and at their vacation home in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kerry says. “If we didn’t have our condos in Fernie and Arizona, I don’t know if we’d have considered moving into one in Calgary,” she says. Brent says moving into their 1,600-square-foot, three bedroom, two-bathroom Mosaic condominium has been great for peace of mind. “You can just be just as happy, if not happier,” he says. There have been some adjustments for the couple, who both work from a home office. They pared down their office furniture and now work from one room, a move they are both enjoying. The yard work is also much more manageable, Brent adds. “I go out and pick the flowers and sweep and I’m done in two minutes,” Brent says.


| LIFESTYLE

stairs from the foyer to their unit will add longevity, says Brent. “Stairs add 10 years to your life,” Brent says. The L-shaped living room and dining room are a collection of items from their previous home and new pieces that create functionality for their everyday lives and for entertaining. Kerry says she gravitates to antiques, citing Junktiques and Crickle Wood Furniture, as her favourite stores for homey pieces. A family heirloom grandfather clock stands in the corner of the room. It’s as sentimental as it is beautiful and Kerry said she couldn’t leave it behind. The wide-planked engineered hardwood floors tie in well with their aesthetic. The couple paired their antique collection with modern sophistication. They sourced their own lighting and appliance packages. Brent said they chose high-end Samsung appliances because they wanted an induction stove top and dual zone oven. They also worked with Brookfield to add features like a gas fireplace in their living space with a porcelain tile surround. “I knew what I wanted so we really pushed the envelope,” Kerry says. “Brookfield has been amazing to work with.” CL

Mosaic is only a short walk from the Bow River Valley and faces Fish Creek Park.

Their deck is large enough for a standup dining table, sitting area for four, their gas fire pit and is perfect for entertaining. Kerry had two antique flower potholders powder coated in a Tiffany blue to bring some life and greenery to the deck. The deck overlooks a park that leads to Fish Creek, a view that will be preserved forever. “You see deer and hear frogs in the pond,” Brent says. “You feel like you are outside the city.” Mosaic offers stacked bungalows and for Brent and Kerry a top floor unit was important, not only for the view, but also for their health. Climbing the

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A WIRELESS DESIGN

Achieving a seamless look in the home begins with advanced wireless technology

BY DAVID CROSSON

judiciously wired counterparts) is a designer’s dream: no more awkwardly placed plug sockets or oddly positioned cable jacks to trip up my plans for an exquisite room. Simply put, on the freedom scale it’s like being able to fly a kite without a string. Being obviously limited in my tech-savvy, in pursuit of greater understanding I turned to Andrew Donald of K&W Audio, Calgary’s 38-year-old A/V institution, to help educate me on the latest and greatest. And educate me he

PHOTO COURTESY BDI FURNITURE

BELOW BDI Furniture has been making media units — and the rooms they inhabit — look great for more than 32 years.

I

n praising a structure or space it’s often said that it has “good bones”. Rarely, if ever, do you hear people speak favourably about the “veins” of a space—namely the endless tangle of wires that somehow keep everything running smoothly. Fortunately, in recent years this nuisance network has begun to diminish as more advances are made in the area of wireless technology. I welcome this on two fronts: one, as a Luddite (I can barely dial a smartphone) and, two, as a person who can make a space look great provided it’s not tethered Gulliver-like by a mess of cords. Well and truly, wireless technology (or even

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ABOVE Although it’s no longer considered “bleeding edge” in the world of technology, 4K resolution offers broader colour gamut and contrast boost, only rivalled by its 8K cousins.

»

BELOW Sonos Speakers, aside from being sleek and elegant, offer superior sound and can create their own robust transmission network in primarily wireless settings.

P H OTO CO U RTE S Y K&W AU D I O

explanation as images of nature and travel dominated the screen with stunning displays of minutiae. Samsung, and to some extent LG, pretty much dominate the marketplace in terms of display clarity and technological advances, although really anything in this realm is sure to impress. Encouragingly, the price point on these televisual wonders has dropped significantly in recent years—hardly to bargain basement levels but in many cases four figures down from five, depending on screen size. Despite being quite smitten by all the great bells and whistles on offer, my ears really perked up when we got

P H OTO CO U RTE S Y K&W AU D I O

did, showcasing the very best in televisions, stereo systems and media furniture. Better still, he did it all without using confusing tech-jargon—which is why you are reading this story right now and not my obit… On the sound front, when it comes to wireless technology, Sonos speakers rule the roost in terms of outstanding results and ease of use. Unlike other product lines that rely on available Wi-Fi connections (often tricky in high-density dwellings), Sonos creates its own robust network for transferring data provided only one of its component units is plugged directly into a router. In fact, they were so self-reliant in creating an untethered sound experience that it wasn’t until 2014 that they began incorporating Wi-Fi-only options into their systems. Of course, hearing music play is the true test and I cannot stress enough how superb the Sonos experience really is. Obviously, sound only addresses one of our entertainment senses; when it comes to appreciating new ‘toys’, seeing really is believing. Despite the fact that more and more people are tuning in to watch their favourite programs and movies on computers, tablets and phones these days, televisions are still big players in the world of big-ticket electronics. With the advent of 4K technology (not new but the new-est), portable devices still cannot measure up to the absolutely immersive experience of watching something in breathtaking clarity on a large screen. If you have ever watched anything in 4K resolution (and I mean anything), then you know that the latest sets make up in sheer dazzle what they lack in portability. I was mesmerized as I watched looped content on a 78-inch curved screen Samsung in the K&W showroom, trying to focus on Andrew’s

P H OTO CO U RTE S Y K&W AU D I O

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ABOVE Low-slung, modern and functional, BDI’s Signal media stand (available in walnut and graphite finishes) adapts itself beautifully to many interior schemes and surroundings.

RIGHT A leader in the Ultra High Definition (UHD) industry, Samsung’s curved television sets offer outstanding picture quality even when viewed in close quarters.

Although I entered K&W on a mission to research this story, I exited a changed man. Looking at my unobtrusive 32-inch television nestled in a bookcase (just above the miniature CD player), I can’t help but wonder if it’s time to join the 21st century and trade-up in my electronics choices. My head fairly spins at the prospect of watching The Great British Baking Show in 4K resolution. I guess life really is too short to be lived as a Luddite… CL

to the furniture part of our tour. For those who have A/V components they need to centralize, options abound beyond the ubiquitous IKEA TV bench. Two in particular are BDI and Salamander Designs. BDI has been making exceptional media furniture for 21 years and it is clear they are committed to their craft. Not only are the pieces beautiful and adaptable to a variety of décor styles, they are purpose-built to handle the specific demands of housing electronics. Most models feature concealed venting to allow for proper air circulation and are designed to allow infrared remote beams to pass easily through their facades, either through decorative slats or tinted glass. More importantly (at least from this Luddite’s perspective) BDI units are crafted of beautiful materials such as walnut and white oak and engineered to a level that ensures they will serve the spaces they occupy for decades to come.

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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P H OTO CO U RT E S Y K&W AU D I O

P H OTO CO U RT E S Y B D I F U R N I T U R E

BDI has been making exceptional media furniture for 21 years and it is clear they are committed to their craft.




| A DAY IN CALGARY PARKS

Nature in the

Calgary’s many parks brings nature to the urban lifestyle STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHELLEY BOETTCHER

E

very community in Calgary has a park. A place for kids to play. A place to toss a ball, go for a run or walk your dog. Our versatile, beautiful green spaces are a big part of what makes our city so special. “It doesn’t matter where you are in the city, you should be able to find a park that meets your needs,” says Keath Parker, a manager and parks planner with the City of Calgary. “And we try to work with the landscape to leverage the existing beauty that it provides, everything from the river valley system to the wetlands and trees.” With that in mind, here are some of the city’s finest parks. And if you don’t see your favourite on the list, don’t despair; this list is short and Calgary’s parks are many. Just get outside and enjoy the natural beauty that is found within our city limits.

» Nose Hill Park

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Bowness Park

One of Calgary’s oldest parks, Bowness is also one of the city’s most beloved parks. The University of Calgary’s Outdoor Centre operates a boat house here in the summer. Try your hand at paddling by renting a pedal boat, canoe or kayak. And in the winter, rent a pair of skates or bring your own, and tootle around the lagoon. Obviously, this depends on the weather; it has to be cold enough for the ice to freeze.

Confederation Park

In December, thousands of cars stop along this park’s 14th Street N.W. strip to admire the massive Christmas light display. But year-round, this park is wonderful. There’s a golf course, and in winter, you can cross-country ski. Go for a picnic here, or ride your bike on paved trails. And find the time capsule, located in the circle of flags off 10th Street N.W. Buried in 1967, it will be opened next year to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Edworthy Park

This gorgeous park has lots of typical big-city amenities, including a playground, picnic sites, shelters and tables. But it also has plenty of woodsy charm and good places to hike and bike. Plan to spend a few hours here, as there’s a ton to see and do.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

You can hike or run. You can ride your bike or take the dog for a stroll. And on a hot day, you can swim at the Sikome Aquatic Facility. The man-made Sikome Beach

beach is a favourite amongst Calgarians in the summer and yes, there is sand. The weather isn’t warm enough for swimming? Head to Annie’s Bakery for nosh. Or book a table at Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant for a romantic meal. The house dates back to 1896, when it was built by rancher William Roper Hull.

Nose Hill Park

The sprawling Nose Hill covers 11 squarekilometers and includes tons of hiking trails, off-leash areas and wildlife. This is a terrific spot for taking photos of the city skyline and wildlife. I’ve lived near here for more than a decade, and I have seen many coyotes, deer, porcupines, mice and birds over the years. Keep your little dog on a leash.

Prairie Winds Park

Part of Prairie Winds is closed for redevelopment, but when it reopens, there will be a new (and improved) wading pool and spray park. The baseball diamond will become a cricket pitch, and new washrooms, drinking fountains and a tandoori oven will be installed. This winter, however, you’ll still find the toboggan hill if you’re looking for some snowy fun.

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PHOTO COURTESY RIVER C AFÉ

| A DAY IN CALGARY PARKS

Confederation Park

Prince’s Island Park

Prince’s Island is gorgeous on a nice day, and in the summer, it’s festival central. The Calgary Folk Music Festival will take place in July, while the 2016 Afrikaday Festival will take place August 10 to 13. And while you’re there, check out River Café (river-café.com), an excellent stop for fans of good food and wine.

Riley Park

Located in Hillhurst Sunnyside, this pretty park is a wonderful place for a picnic with friends. On a hot day, the free wading pool

Cricket in Riley Park

is filled with kids, and the playground is popular, too. Maybe you’ll see a cricket game, or a wedding party getting photos taken by the flowers.

River Park, Sandy Beach and Britannia Slopes

This trio of adjoined parks is always busy with people walking their dogs, going on picnics or just having fun. If you haven’t been for a while, check out the renovations, which were mostly completed last year and include upgrades to the bathrooms, picnic shelter and pathways. If you’re a kid, or a kid at heart, it’s a great place on a hot day.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: St. Patrick’s Bridge St. Patrick’s Island River Café Pathway from River Park to Sandy Beach

St. Patrick’s Island

One of the city’s newest parks, St. Patrick’s Island features public art, a popular playground, a cool hill with great city views, and nice spots to stick your feet in the river on a hot day. Bonus: It’s a stone’s throw (a.k.a. a pretty walk over a bridge) to the Simmons Building. Stop by for pastries and coffee from Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and Phil & Sebastian, or a meal at Charbar. CL

Riley Park Playground

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| NEWS

A bold, new era begins CHBA – UDI Calgary Region elects first board members, names executive directors

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he CHBA – UDI Calgary Region Association took the next big step in achieving its mandate to lend a bigger voice for Calgary’s housing industry, as the first board of directors of the newly amalgamated organization was announced. Allan Klassen, senior vice-president, Calgary Homes for Brookfield Residential, will be the chair of the new 15-member board that brings together representatives from home builders, land developers and renovators; suppliers and trades; and service and professional consultant sectors. “It is my honour to be the first Chair of the newly amalgamated organization and to finally get to realize the dream we have been working towards for so many years,” Klassen says. “I have always believed that an industry that works together can create a stronger more united voice, the more unified we are, the greater impact we can make.” Klassen will be joined by Darryl Conroy (VP Allan Klassen Operations, Borger Group of Companies) as 1st Vice Chair; Paul Boskovich (Vice President Alberta, Genstar Development Partnership) as 2nd Vice Chair; and Mark Wynker (Senior Principal, Stantec) as Secretary/Treasurer. Donna Moore and Guy Huntingford remain the co-executive officer for CHBA-UDI Calgary Region. “This term I’m looking forward to two outcomes, the successful integration of the two organizations [UDI – Calgary and CHBA – Calgary Region], and enhancing the relationship with our stakeholders,” says Klassen, who had been a past president of CHBA – Calgary Region in 2004. For decades both former organizations have been building Calgary and its regions, providing quality neighbourhoods and homes for all. “CHBA – Calgary Region and Urban Development Institute (UDI) – Calgary were critical parts of the economic engine of this great city, the province and the country,” Klassen says. “And now we are beginning a new era, building on what many great industry leaders have accomplished before us, and setting ourselves up for future success.” CHBA – UDI Calgary Region Association has 745 member companies in Calgary and the region. It is a not-for-profit organization representing the building industry in Calgary and the surrounding regions. The association has a membership base that includes all facets of building, from single and multi-family builders, renovators, and land developers, to trades, suppliers, and professional companies involved in some aspect of home building. Its vision: “To create the most liveable communities in the world.” CL

BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE Chair – Allan J. Klassen, Senior Vice President, Calgary Homes, Brookfield Residential 1st Vice-Chair – Darryl Conroy, VP Operations, Borger Group of Companies 2nd Vice-Chair – Paul Boskovich, Vice President Alberta, Genstar Development Partnership Secretary/Treasurer – Mark Wynker, Senior Principal – Stantec Guy Huntingford, Co-Chief Executive Officer, CHBA – UDI Calgary Region Association Donna Moore, Co-Chief Executive Officer, CHBA – UDI Calgary Region Association

BOARD MEMBERS BUILDER/DEVELOPER/RENOVATOR

• Paul Boskovich, Vice President Alberta – Genstar • Ryan Boyd, Vice President Calgary Communities – Brookfield Residential • Collin Campbell, Vice President, Land Development – Mattamy Homes • Brett Friesen, General Manager, Community Development – Hopewell • Jill Huber, Vice President, Land – APEX • Allan Klassen, Vice President – Brookfield Residential • Sean Nolan, President and COO – Jayman BUILT • Carolina Oxtoby, President & CEO – Heritage Pointe Properties • Shane Wenzel, President – Shane Homes

SUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER/TRADE

• Darryl Conroy, VP Operations – Borger Group of Companies • Wayne Copeland, Director, Business Development – Double R Building Products Ltd. • Ryan Erickson, President – Kidco Construction

SERVICE/PROFESSIONAL/CONSULTANTS

• Fraser de Walle, Director Sales and Marketing – The Alberta New Home Warranty Program • Jane Power, Senior Planner/Principal – Urban Systems Limited • Mark Wynker, Senior Principal – Stantec

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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

HOME ALONE

Tips for safeguarding your condo while on vacation

Q:

Dear Maria: I’m going away for an extended vacation abroad, what are some things I have to be mindful for in the condo for my peace-of-mind while on this trip?

A:

Vacation time is here, and every summer Calgarians invariably pack up their bags in search of adventure and relaxation in far-flung places. Just be mindful of Murphy’s Law before you up and leave: if anything can go wrong, surely it will happen when you are on vacation. The last thing you want is a call from a friend or family member telling you that something has happened inside your condo unit. Here are some helpful pre-vacation tips that can save you a whole lot of money. Insurance: Most owners purchasing into a condo believe that the condo insurance policy in place for the corporation will cover their personal content and living expenses; well I’m here to tell you otherwise. The Condominium Property Act of Alberta states that a Condominium Corporation is only responsible for purchasing the fundamentals that are covered under the definition of “units and common property.” And in most cases the improvements and betterments of which the Board has knowledge. As an owner you would need to purchase a “unit owners policy” which provides coverage for your personal content. What is “Personal content insurance?” I describe it as, anything that you can physically carry in and out of the home such as furniture,

clothing, jewelry among others. Before leaving on vacation be sure that your personal content insurance is up to date. Water Supply and Heat: One of the biggest losses in a Condominium unit is water damage. Before leaving on holidays and if possible, be sure to turn off any water sources inside your unit. The last thing you want to come home to is an undetected leak inside your unit. If you are vacationing during the fall/ winter season keep your thermostat on inside your condo unit. In theory, the heat inside your unit will produce enough warmth to keep the pipes from freezing. Not enough heat can cause pipes to burst. Friends and Family: If you are going on a vacation, always have a family member or friend check your unit in your absence and pick up your mail. A keen eye can catch and/or stop a leak or disaster from occurring. Also, speak to your personal insurance company to find out what there expectations are on having the condo unit inspected while you are on vacation. Last thing you want is to have your insurance voided. Lights and Security System: “Honey, don’t forget to leave the lights on.” If you’re thinking this will trick people in thinking you’re home, think again! Leaving the lights on during your vacation will raise more suspicion, and is not very

economical nor environmentally-friendly. I always recommend investing in a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically according to a programmed schedule. A security system is always a wise investment in my opinion. You can now download an app to control the security system as well as the lights from your smart phone or device from wherever you are. Doors and Windows: Always make sure that you secure the doors and windows before leaving on vacation. Bottom line: Take the necessary precautions to safeguard your condo and avoid a disaster from happening before it’s too late. If you’re unsure, ask! 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 AU G U S T 2016

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CONDOSCAPES By Richard White

HANDS-ON APPROACH

Family-owned Truman Homes built its condo empire from scratch

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ruman Homes has been so busy building condos in Calgary over the past 10 years that Bruce McKenzie, VP Business Development at NORR Architecture who were designing most of their condo buildings introduced Truman President George Trutina to Calgary’s S2 Architecture to help carry the load. Introducing a client to a competitor NEVER happens in the architectural world — well almost never! Trutina is the classic Calgary entrepreneur story. He immigrated to Toronto from Croatia in 1971 with no money and limited education, where he learned the building trade through hands-on experiences. Then he hears about a frontier city called Calgary with its “can-do” attitude and the Calgary Stampede and decides to move to there in the middle of the ‘70s boom where he starts George Trutina building estate homes in Chestemere and never looks back. Over the past 30 years, Truman Homes has evolved from an estate homebuilder to a suburban condo builder to an established community infill condo builder. Today, George has projects in various stages of development in several suburban communities — Aspen Woods, West Springs, Springbank Hill, Mahogany, Skyview, Savana and Cornerstone as well as several established communities — West Hillhurst, Beltline, Hillhurst-Sunnyside, Brentwood, Killarney, Shaganappi, Westbrook and University District. Despite the growth, Truman Homes is still

very much a family business with George and his four sons, including twins, Tony and Oliver, who handle much of the day-to-day tasks. They all take a hands-on approach to the design and construction of each building. They are just as comfortable in works boots as in a shirt and tie. I first became aware of Truman Homes when they announced the opening of the “EngagementHub” on the 700 block of 85th Avenue SW for their 96-acre all-condo West District master planned community (for some context, East Village is 113 acres) in summer 2014. This 2,000-square-foot building that looked like a hip café, was in fact a purpose-built building to engage the neighbours in discussion about Trutina’s plans to develop an urban living community in the middle of Calgary’s newest millionaire communities. I had never before — nor since — seen this kind of commitment to community engagement from a developer. Then Trutina rescued the Kensington Legion site redevelopment after failed attempts by two developers to make the numbers work. His two building (a four-storey office and eight-storey condo with retail along the street) was definitely ambitious. Some might say visionary; others may say crazy. But the Truman team developed a comprehensive engagement program that included several open house weekends at the Legion as well as a bulletin board on the street where anyone could see the plans and comment. While everyone didn’t embrace

the project, enough did and it was eventually approved. A day later, site preparation began. Trutina is a man of action. “The City of Calgary has lots of good policies; you just need to analyse them and develop strategies to capitalize on them,” says Trutina. The Legion is a great example as it fits perfectly with the City of Calgary’s “Main Street” program, announced in December 2014. Today, Truman’s Kensington Legion project is the poster child for the program aimed at creating an old fashion shopping street in several of Calgary’s established communities.

LAST WORD

Trutina is a passionate guy. When talking about his projects, he will often quip, “it is not just about the numbers, you have to be happy in your chest.” He is also a stickler for detail with comments like “the project is not complete if you don’t shine your shoes.” Trutina takes great pride in his projects which he feels “stand out” wherever they are built. What’s next for Truman Homes? If I had to guess, they will become Calgary’s premier mid-rise (under 12-stories) condo builder in Calgary. It was not surprising Truman was chosen as one of the first two developers to build in the first phase of the mega University District project along with Calgary’s Brookfield Residential (North America’s largest residential developer). 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 AU G U S T 2016

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CONDO CONVERSATIONS By Bernie Winter

CONDOMINIUM INSURANCE

Insurance policies can work differently in condos, here’s what you need to know

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ondo buyers frequently ask what they are required to insure in their condominium. The short story is that owners and tenants need to have individual insurance for everything they bring into their condo home. This includes clothing, jewels, valuables, furniture, electronics etc. In addition you need coverage for liability, in case damage occurs to property or persons generating from an occurrence from within your unit. For example, you come home from work and are looking forward to a long hot bath. Just as you set the temperature and walk away while the tap runs and the tub fills the phone rings. You lose time as you chat with that old friend and before you realize there is water running from the bathroom and greeting you in the living room. Unfortunately that water has also leaked through the seven floors below you and damaged the building and the property of your neighbors living below you. You then become responsible for the resulting damage. The owner/ occupant’s liability insurance

will cover the damage to the contents and parts within the unit that are not covered by the Corporation insurance. If you do not have insurance or adequate insurance you could be responsible for the cost of the repairs to the seven occupants below. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for “contingency loss coverage” as many condominiums today have bylaws that require the owners to pay the corporation deductible in the case of a claim that arises due to damage resulting from an individual unit. These deductibles range from $2,500 to upward of $100,000 depending on the claims history of the condominium. It is important to have a copy of the corporation insurance certificate available when you apply for insurance for your specific needs.

In a condominium, insurance requirements vary for a Bare Land condominium and a conventional condominium. A conventional condominium has boundaries describing the unit by floors, walls and ceilings and the Condominium property Act of Alberta & Bylaws prescribes the insurance required. Improvements and Betterments within the Unit are prescribed by bylaw and vary from one condo to the other. Bare Land condominiums are comprised of lots of land, measured by pins in the ground. The insurance requirements for these condominium homes is determined primarily by the bylaws. In any case it is important to do whatever is possible to reduce the risk of a claim in a condominium. There are a number of things that individual owners can do such as, ensure toilet seals are working and there is no water running in the bowl or tank, check around shower heads, drains and taps for soft tiles and investigate any dripping you hear in a wall. You get the idea. Insure your coverage is appropriate for your home, be a responsible owner and relax and enjoy your condominium home. CL

Bernice M. Winter, ACCI, FCCI President/Owner Condo Check Providing buyers with the condo document review service since 1994. www.condo-check.com. She is also on the advisory committee of the Centre for Public Legal Education of Alberta (CPLEA) and she encourages readers to visit www.cplea.ca for more information. CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

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HOPE AT LARGE By Marty Hope

CAMPUS LIFE

University District makes new northwest condos academic

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suppose, among other descriptions, it could be called a campus within a campus. Whatever the term used, the University District is a mixed use development in the early stages of creation that is making a stir for reasons other than just the fact it is being built on land hugging the University of Calgary that is bounded by 32nd Avenue N.W., Shaganappi Trail, and 16th Avenue N.W. Projections for the development of the land immediately west of the U of C is for an estimated 6,000 residences, some 40 acres of green space with four parks, three bus stops, a school, 200,000 square-feet of ground-floor retail along a nine-block area, and 1.5-million square feet of office space. And the estimated population of 15,000 will all reside in some type of multi-family housing being built by first-phase building partners Brookfield Residential and Truman Development Corp. "This is a terrific opportunity for us to be a part of this exciting, mindfully-made community, where there is a sense of place and purpose,” says Allan Klassen, senior vice-president of housing for Brookfield Residential. Truman president and founder, George Trutina, says the creation of University District “aligns with Truman's place-making philosophy.” "This momentous milestone is the beginning of remarkable city-building that will add to the very fabric of our city for all Calgarians to experience for generations to come." As work continues in bringing this

From left, City of Calgary Ward 1 councillor Ward Sutherland; vice- president Calgary Infill at Brookfield Residential Jayden Tait; president/CEO of University District James Robertson; and president of Truman Homes George Trutina.

development to reality, the plan is to open pre-sales this fall with occupancies in 2018. No firm buildout date has been set, but the neighbourhood will “develop responsibly alongside demand and market conditions,” according to a news release from West Campus Development Trust, the district’s developer. That could mean 15 to 20 years down the road. The idea for this unique neighbourhood has been drawn from the successes of other post-secondary institutions like Harvard, Oxford, Yale, Simon Fraser University, and the University of British Columbia where vibrant communities have been built to combine campus life with local culture, unique architecture and amenities for both businesses and residents. “West Campus has a unique opportunity to leverage knowledge and entrepreneurship to create a community that is future-focused and becomes a global magnet for faculty, students and staff,” says James Robertson, CEO and president of the trust since 2012. All net income from the development will go directly towards future university

initiatives, the trust said. To a certain extent, the University District will also serve as part of an area employment hub, says Klassen. “Our home buyers will be young professionals and empty-nesters or families purchasing homes for their children attending university. As well, there will be some 30,000 jobs in the surrounding area making it a true live/work/play community,” he says. Klassen’s comments were pretty much echoed by Robertson. “We want to create a community for Calgarians at all stages of their lives, where they can live with their families, work here, or take a short commute downtown, but also enjoy the retail spaces or the recreational opportunities that already exist on campus,” he says. CL

Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry. CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

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AROUND TOWN By Pepper Rodriguez

BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL UNVEILS LIVINGSTON

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algary’s northern edge will look so very different a few short years from now, as Brookfield Residential launched Livingston, their first Master Planned community in north Calgary since Tuscany in 1995. The launch culminates the long, arduous initial development process that began in 2007 to get this new 1,284-acre community off the ground. And now that it’s a reality, it will be a game-changer for north Calgary. “Livingston is Calgary’s new north,” says Trent Edwards, Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Residential Alberta. "It's the next generation community built with extensive input from Calgarians. From concept and design, there are

mindful touches that will create greater connections among residents, whether it's the streetscape, home entrance design, green spaces or gathering places like the resident association. Livingston, off Centre Street N.W. and Stoney Trail, is 25 minutes from the downtown core. When fully developed, it will be home to 30,000 Calgarians and become one of the most significant residential, employment and commercial hubs in the city, anticipated to provide

7,000 full-time jobs. The first phase of Livingston will include almost 400 homes, and sales are expected to start in late 2016 or early 2017. The community will offer a range of housing, including apartment-style condos, townhomes, fee-simple townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes. The builder group in the first phase of development includes Cedarglen Homes, Jayman BUILT, Brookfield Residential, Homes by Avi, Morrison Homes and Avi Urban.

LIDO SIGN STIRS MEMORIES OF OLD KENSINGTON

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ensington has long been a social and cultural hub of the city, and the heart of it — especially in the ‘60s and ‘70s — was in the old Lido Café along 10 Street N.W. Lots of those memories were revived when Battistella Developments unveiled the sign for their nearly sold out mid-rise condominium, LIDO. The eight-storey modern multi-family development that incorporates a public parkade and a hotel is standing on the spot where the Lido Café once stood, and having the restaurant’s original sign grace its frontage was an important nod to the history of the nieghbourhood. “For lots of people in this community, the Lido Café was an identifier, a landmark,” says Paul Battistella, company president. “It was a place where people gathered, had breakfast, met for coffee. It was there for so long and was part of the fabric in this community. I think the preservation of that is a nod to the historic place that was important to the community.

“Now, we’re going to build something else… where people can start creating more of those memories on a go-forward basis.” Councilor Druh Farrell, Councilor Druh Farrell and Paul Battistella who has been a champion for the revitalization of the Kensington area says the sign holds a special memory for her. “My husband Tom and I had our first date at the Lido Cafe over 36 years ago! We sat at the bar and shared a vanilla milkshake out of a metal cup while we chose music from the jukebox,” she says. “Lots of Calgarians have good memories of this place, too.” That history is being carried forward, as Battistella Developments announced the first tenant of the retail space at LIDO’s base: Red’s Diner. “We know that this popular Calgary breakfast restaurant is the perfect fit to carry on the amazing community legacy set forward by the Lido Café,” Battistella says.

»

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AROUND TOWN |

WALDEN PLACE BREAKS GROUND

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ardel Lifestyles broke ground in what may be their most ambitious project in a decade, as they began construction for Walden Place. With already more than 50 per cent of its first building sold, Walden Place looks to be another big hit for Cardel Lifestyles, just the latest in its long line of successful multi-family developments. “What we have at Walden Place is exactly what the market is looking for these days,” says Cardel Lifestyles President and Co-Founder, Tim Logel. “That’s to say that we have the right homes at the right price.” With condos starting from $181,900, and double garage townhomes from $339,900, Walden Place has the style, the location and the price that seem to fit the times, and it’s winning hearts and minds of condo buyers in a big way. At 424 apartment style condos and 40 townhomes, Walden Place will be Cardel Lifestyle’s second largest development and prices are very attractive. “The majority of our apartment-style plans are under $250,000, even a three-bedroom condo starts from $237,900,” Logel adds. “Our two-bedroom plans start from only $174,900.” Their sales centre at 23 Walgrove Cove S.E is open Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., and Fridays, weekends Cardel Lifestyles Braden, Tim and Brad Logel and holidays noon to 5 p.m. “We believe that Walden Place is the benchmark for suburban condo and townhome living in Calgary today. Whether you are a downsizer, a young couple or a single first time buyer, we have an amazing opportunity for you at Walden Place.

U

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he most eye-catching high-rise in the Beltline is now being fully enjoyed by its homeowners, as QualexLandmark™’s MARK on 10th residential tower opens its doors to residents. The award-winning MARK on 10th tower is now complete and 274 new homeowners will begin be lining up to move into their new homes. MARK on 10th is the fifth condominium development in the Qualex-Landmark™ groups portfolio. Its stunning architecture was inspired by the energy and vibrancy of Calgary and is located at the corner of 10th Avenue S.W. and 8th Street in one of Calgary’s most rapidly growing urban neighbourhoods. “We wanted to give residents the opportunity to live in a home like no other and I believe with MARK on 10th we’ve achieved that,” says Mohammed Esfahani, president of Qualex-Landmark™. It’s lobby also features “Interpretation of Calgary, Alberta in the 21st Century” an art piece designed and created by internationally acclaimed designer, Douglas Coupland. This portrait of modern Calgary features a series of coloured targets that represent flora, fauna and institutional elements of the City on an optical level.

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

niversity District, one of Calgary’s most ambitious and visionary developments, celebrated a major milestone, as they announced Brookfield Residential and Truman Homes as the premiere development partners for the first phase of the project. “To have two partners who are so well established and vested in the community be our partners in bringing phase one to life is incredible,” said James Robertson, President & CEO, University District. “This is a very exciting day for University District and the start of something very special for Calgary,” he says. Phase one of the development along the University of Calgary campus in the northwest will include homes for a spectrum of ages and life stages and is the start of a community that will soon be

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MARK ON 10TH WELCOMES RESIDENTS

CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

complemented by shops and services. “Brookfield Residential has been building community in this city for 58 years and we’re thrilled to be one of the founding builders in University District,” says Jaydan Tait, Vice President of Calgary Infill for Brookfield Residential. “We’re delivering something special in this community, where neighbours can

Jaydan Tait, James Robertson and George Trutina

get to know each other and build a shared history. This is a terrific opportunity for us to be a part of this exciting, mindfully made community, where there is a sense of place and purpose,” he adds. “Truman is proud to be part of the bold neighbourhood vision for the University District, as it is one that aligns with Truman’s place making philosophy. This momentous milestone is the beginning of remarkable city building that will add to the very fabric of our city for all Calgarians to experience for generations to come,” says George Trutina, President, Truman Homes. Initial offerings are anticipated to launch Fall 2016. CL Register for updates at www.MyUniversityDistrict.ca



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

7

High Volume Roads Main Roads

32

3

Parks

2

Bodies of Water

6

4

30

24

27 10

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

9

8

12

11

NOSE CREEK PARKWAY

1

NOSE HILL PARK

15

16

CANADA OLYMPIC PARK

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

17

28

34

26

21

19 18 20

25 PRINCE'S ISLAND

5

31

22

23

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STAMPEDE PARK


North West, North East and Inner City | CALGARY

MAP

1 2

28

3

7

6

13

26 9 4

14

8 10 27

5

33

29

11 12 13 14

CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

23

29

16 17

22

18

15

25

19 24 21

INNER CITY

20

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

2

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

8 9 10 11 12

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

Ranch Arbours

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

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

20 43 Park

32 Diseño 33 Cityscape Townhomes

22 Bridgeland Crossings

34 The Henry

21 Victory and Venture

23 Killarney Townes

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CALGARY MAP | South West, South East and Calgary Area

9

1

3

1

11 7 41

17

27

8 11 7

4

2

5

9

6

12

2

8

3

10

4 6

AIRDRIE

50

10

5

MAP LEGEND High Volume Roads Main Roads

5

Parks

6

9 7 4

Bodies of Water

10 11

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

3 2

1 13

8

12

COCHRANE 2

46

2 3

19 1

CHESTERMERE

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1

OKOTOKS/DE WINTON


South West, South East and Calgary Area | CALGARY

MAP

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

13

7 8

34 26

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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 Niche One 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

Copperfield

36 Copperfield Park II & III 37 Mahogany Street Towns

38 Legacy Street Towns 39 Livingstone Townes

40 Elements 41 MAX

42 Legacy Park 43 Jackson at Walden

44 Sandgate

45 The Morello

46 Sanderson Ridge

47 Side by Side Front Drive

Auburn Bay

48 Axis 49 Legend of Legacy 50 Avenue 33

CALGARY AREA PROJECTS AIRDRIE

1 Riviera Riversong

2 Windsong 3 Creekside Village 4 Waterscape at

2 Jumping Pound

5 6

14

7

15

8

16

9 10 11

40 18

COCHRANE

1 The Edge

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

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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

CHESTERMERE 1 The Courtyards in

Chestermere

2 Townhomes of

Chestermere Station

3 Lakes of Muirfield

OKOTOKS/ DE WINTON 1 ZEN Okotoks

2 Villas of Artesia

35

33

45

36 32 26

22

43

28 47 31 29 30

44 37

20

25

23

48 21 38 49 39 42

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ADVERTISERS INDEX |  Arris Embasy BOSA FC, pages 14-16

Kensington Bucci page 5

SoBow M2i Developments page 41

Viridian Trico Communities page 78

Avenue West End Grosvenor page 79

Killarney Townes Streetside Developments page 66

Stonecroft pages 26-27

Vivace Streetside Developments page 73

Avira Jayman Modus page 33

Legacy Park Brad Remington Homes page 77, back cover

Brookside at Baysprings Merge Developments page 46

Medical Travel Show page 17

Synergy ReidBuilt Homes page 62

Niche One Niche Development Corp page 2

The Concord Concord Pacific page 4

Origins Streetside Developments page 31

The Guardian Hon Developments page 45

Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 51

The Link Brookfield Residential page 11

Radius Bridgeland Bucci page 5

The Mark 101 Shane Homes page 68

Remington Developments page 70

Verve Fram/Slokker Developments page 60

CHBA/UDI – Calgary Region page 46 Cove Properties page 6 Creekside Village Carlisle Group page 32 Glas Avalon Master Builder page 50 Hunter House Streetside Developments page 56

Rise Townhomes Jayman Modus page 55

Ink Batistella page 37

78 |

CO N D O L I V I N G AU G U S T 2016

Street Townhomes JaymanBUILT page 21

Victory and Venture Providence page 64

Walden Place Cardel Lifestyles page 3 Westman Village JaymanBUILT page 9 Zen Avalon Master Builder page 22




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