Condo Living - February 2017 by Source Media Group

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2017 | VOLUME 13 ISSUE 206

12 FOCUS ON 12 | Cushion for impact You can’t go wrong with throw pillow accents CONDO PROFILES 18 | Brilliant Viridian Trico Homes’ Viridian offers plenty of options 23 | Loving the Loop StreetSide’s The Loop in Evanston brings natural element to townhome living 27 | Cochrane calling Stepper Homes brings new no-condofee Heritage Hills Street Towns COMMUNITY PROFILE 31 | Face of the new west Heartland offers new homebuyers family-oriented community with lasting value DESIGNER SERIES 35 | Theme building Back stories inform show suite designs at My Legacy Park

COVER FEATURE 14 | The Height of style and affordability Achieving the dream of affordable luxury at Carnaby Heights CO N D O L I V I N G FEB RUARY 2017

CONTENTS 55 52 LIFESTYLE 39 | Sunny days ahead ZEN Cranston Solar’s energy-saving features key in buying decision FEATURE 44 | Car-less in Calgary Car-sharing economy = big impact on Calgary’s future

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE |

DESIGNED FOR THE TIMES

When I pitched my idea to have My Legacy Park show suites featured in our new Designer Series in this issue, Brad Remington Homes’ vice-president for sales and marketing Bryan Logel hastened to remind me that he was first to use the term “Designer Series” which was what they called the immediate possession homes they’ve had in their many developments. I told him I would acknowledge the fact in the magazine, and here it is. What can I say, Bryan, brilliant minds think alike, right? Speaking of brilliant, that is indeed what the My Legacy Park show suites are. All eight of them (yes, eight!). Each has been meticulously designed and decorated to evoke an appealing lifestyle with an engaging theme that goes a long way in not only informing buyers of what living here may look like, but also how brilliantly the floorplans themselves work. We’ll have more of Calgary’s best condo show suites next month in what has been a hit new feature for Condo Living. Our cover story on Jayman BUILT’s Carnaby Heights townhomes in Nolan Hill shows that luxury and affordability are not mutually exclusive. The multi-awarded home builder certainly knows how to please buyers with their brand of top-notch specifications and personalized style. We also have coverage for StreetSide Developments’ The Loop in Evanston, Trico Homes’ Viridian in Sage Hill and Stepper Homes’ no-condo-fee Hill Street Towns in Heritage Hills in Cochrane. There certainly is a lot to love in multi-family living these days, especially in the northwest side of town. As long as we’re on the subject of love, how about our Valentine’s Day focus in Shelley Boettcher’s A Day In feature? She lays out all the romantic things couples can do in the city this February 14 and beyond. Even our community feature on Heartland is a great fit for this romantic theme. I also have a thing for pillows and we wallow in this personal obsession with terrific takes on what’s available out there in Kathy McCormick’s Shopping story, as well as in Aaliya Essa’s Focus On photo feature. Our STYLE guru, David Crosson, puts his sights on creating the perfect feature wall to create visual depth in any room. Speaking of which, My Legacy Park show suites certainly use this design feature to great effect. Lastly, we have a very timely story on Calgary’s car sharing program from well-known local blogger (and NEXT MONTH: Condo Living regular columnist) Richard White. He paints The Calgary Home us a picture on what the city may look like with fewer cars + Garden Show on the road. It’s been a frigid start to 2017, with temperatures plummeting to bone-numbing levels. I guess the good ol’ Farmers’ Almanac was on the nose this year, but the condo market is seeing some warmth return to its fortunes. We’ll keep you updated with whatever happens in the coming months.

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca

PUBLISHER |

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |

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

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

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR |

EDITORIAL

Kathy McCormick , Maria Bartolotti, Shelley Boettcher, Portia Yip, David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Richard White PHOTOGRAPHY

Amadeo Giron, Don Molyneaux, Mirco Razon 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 206 • ISSN 1918-4409 © 2017 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

FOCUS ON |

CUSHION FOR IMPACT You can’t go wrong with throw pillow accents BY AALIYA ESSA

THROW PILLOWS BRING a soft touch to the look of a room, but don’t be deceived by its nature as they can still bring an enormous design impact whatever the setting. They’re a brilliant way to throw some colour, geometric pattern or texture to any room without breaking the bank. CL

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6 [ 1 ] Multi Cushion Love, $206 at Chintz & Co. [ 2 ] Lambswool Cushion — Robin Mustard, $135 at Kit Interior Objects. [ 3 ] Marimekko Pirput Parput Cushion Cover — Black Dots on White, $75 at Kit Interior Objects. [ 4 ] Leaf Cushion Leighton, $148 at Chintz & Co. [ 5 ] Ikat Cuchion with Fill, $65.95 at Stuff. [ 6 ] Multi Cushion Botanica 30x12in, $598 at Chintz & Co. [ 7 ] Pewtr Cushion Tibet, $115 at Chintz & Co. [ 8 ] Lambswool Cushion — Woodpecker White, $135 at Kit Interior Objects. [ 9 ] Multi Cushion Botanica 15in round, $442 at Chintz & Co. CO N D O L I V I N G FEB RUARY 2017

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THE HEIGHT

of style and affordability Achieving the dream of affordable luxury at Carnaby Heights

inding the right balance between a home you can afford and one you love can be a difficult choice. Compromise comes in a lot. But with Jayman BUILT’s Carnaby Heights townhomes, compromise takes a backseat to a superior quality home many would want to own. And many already have. The row townhome development in the northwest community of Nolan Hill has been a big hit for Jayman BUILT with over half of the total 112 units already sold. With prices starting from $305,000s (plus GST) and a wide variety of two- and three-bedroom plans, Carnaby Heights has been the multi-family choice in this popular community that boasts Old World charm and modern conveniences. But there’s nothing old about Jayman BUILT’s top-notch quality and incomparable standard features offered with each Carnaby Heights townhome, says area sales manager, Helena Kipp. “We provide the absolute best interior selections process to our purchasers through our Design Centre. This offers our customers hundreds of options to choose to personalize their new home,” she adds. She also tells Condo Living that the wide range of modern and functional layouts they offer at an affordable price point also adds to their allure. Each of their townhomes comes with a heated single- or double-garage, which is usually tops on the wish list of many first-time homebuyers.

“We provide the absolute best interior selections process to our purchasers through our Design Centre. This offers our customers hundreds of options to choose to personalize their new home.”

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Kipp points out that the upscale standards that are offered in each Carnaby Heights townhome perfectly captures the luxury first-time homebuyers, downsizers, and young families are looking for. There is no compromise when it comes to quality, she adds. “All of our plans feature a heated garage, nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, a choice of slab or shaker style cabinets in several colours, all cabinetry has soft-close hinges. Flooring is carpet and linoleum and counter tops are laminate. Our kitchen appliances are Samsung stainless steel.” But what has been a key feature for them and puts the Jayman BUILT townhome a cut above the rest is their Jayman BUILT Core Performance Specifications. These include energy efficiency items such as triple pane glass windows, a tankless water heater, a Heat Recover Ventilator (HVR), 96 per cent high efficiency furnace and programmable smart thermostat.

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“These items make our homes greener than a lot of our competition while saving our homeowners money on their utility bills,” Kipp says. “Our Core Performance Features ensure your home meets the highest standards inside and out. From structure and exterior to energy efficiency, water saving and indoor air quality; your home’s performance is our first priority.” Quality work is never in short supply in any Jayman BUILT product. “When a customer decides to purchase a Jayman BUILT home they are working with a builder who has over 36 years of experience constructing the highest quality of homes.” The handsome exteriors of Carnaby Heights features enduring curbside appeal, but at the heart of the development is our 15,000-plus-squarefoot green space. “It will be beautifully landscaped and feature walking paths, benches, a playground for children and a community garden,” Kipp adds. But what has been an undeniable reason for their popularity is their location in Nolan Hill, which offers easy access to major thoroughfares. Nolan Hill is just off 144th Avenue, Shaganappi and Sarcee Trails as well as Stoney Trail, so heading in any direction is very easy, Kipp says. “There is also an abundance of shopping and amenities in the area. We are close to The Gates of Nolan Hill shopping plaza, Beacon Hill shopping center (Costco, Home Depot, Canadian Tire and dozens of other retailers and restaurants). There is plenty of green space and walking paths making Nolan Hill a very family and pet friendly community,” she says.

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FA S T FACTS Community: Nolan Hill Project: Carnaby Heights Developer: Jayman BUILT Style: Two- and three-bedroom row townhomes Size: 1,200 to 1,725 sq. ft. Price: From the $305,000s Address: 402 Nolancrest Heights N.W. Directions: North on Shaganappi Tr. N.W., left on Nolan Hill Dr. and continue up the hill past the traffic circle and follow the signs Website: www.jayman.com/carnaby

“Carnaby Heights and Nolan Hill are inspired by the Old World values, love for the land and emphasis on family that are characteristic of the Emerald Isle,” she says. “The many parks, pathways, wet ponds and natural ravines of Nolan Hill will bring a touch of green to all your adventures. Nolan Hill welcomes families, couples and single owners to a community designed for harmony, convenience and fun! A commercial development is just down the hill and feature amenities such as: Sobey’s, Papa John’s, Dairy Queen, Petro Canada gas station, Breathe Hot Yoga, Dental, Veterinary Clinic, Nail Salon, and Green Chili. They are also close to the Vivo recreation centre, which offers active families a range of options to lead a healthy lifestyle. Market Mall is just 12 minutes away and the Crowchild shopping centre is similarly close by. Carnaby Heights has two show homes open that give

buyers a good idea of the kind of lifestyle available here. The two-bedroom Serendipity and the threebedroom Esprit IV models have been garnering plenty of praise for their expert use of all available space and easy-living lifestyle they project. Even if Carnaby Heights stands at 50 per cent sold, Kipp says there are still plenty of great homes in terrific locations to choose from. There are five different plans ranging in size from 1,200 to 1,725 square-feet. “If you purchase now, you can be moving into your new home by mid- to late-2017,” Kipp says. “We encourage readers to stop by our show homes and view the craftsmanship and quality of our homes for themselves. They are sure to be impressed. Our homes are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Stop by for a coffee and a tour,” Kipp says. n

Even if Carnaby Heights stands at 50 per cent sold, there are still plenty of great homes in terrific locations to choose from.

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BRILLIANT VIRIDIAN

Trico Homes’ Viridian offers plenty of options

BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

he vision for Viridian is quickly unfolding, as Trico Homes’ hit apartment condo development welcomes new residents and offers plenty of options for quick possessions. The six-building low-rise condo complex has sold 80 per cent of its total 359 units. Buildings 1 and 2 are completely sold out, Building 3 is 98 per cent sold with only the two show suites left, and quick possession homes are available in Buildings 4 and 5. Co-area manager Warren Martz says Viridian is moving quickly, and has been attracting lots of first-time homebuyers who want to get out of renting. “Price, location and value are our biggest selling points, we’ve been able to maintain prices at $200,000 for a one-bedroom and $250,000 for a two-bedroom,” Martz tells Condo Living. Buyers have already started moving in, most recently in Buildings 4 and 5 where possessions started last fall. Sales for Building 6 were launched last September and 21 sales have already been made. “Those buyers will start moving in by fall 2017,” Martz adds. Located in the thriving northwest community of Sage Hill, Viridian offers buyers a secure, stylish lifestyle made even more enticing by the wide variety of upscale finishes that come standard.

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“Most young people don’t realize that they can actually afford a new home we have so many tools available for them… assisted down payment options, flex down payment programs.”

“Viridian is a fabulous alternative to renting,” Martz says. “Most young people don’t realize that they can actually afford a new home, we have so many tools available for them, including assisted down payment options, and flex down payment programs. The Trico Red Card Rewards Program gives buyers flexibility on purchasing. Viridian is the place to buy in northwest Calgary.” Viridian seems to be bucking the trend in the slow Calgary housing market with its blend of affordably priced, yet well-appointed, beautifully designed condos. “Our standards include nine-foot ceilings in every suite and on every floor, six stainless steel appliances, granite countertops throughout, undermount sinks, in-slab heated floors in every unit and blinds on every window included,” Martz says.

There is also an assigned, titled, parking stall for each unit, with underground and surface spots available, and plenty of above-ground parking for visitors, as well. There is also the option to buy an additional underground parking stall for buyers who may have two cars. There are 19 floor plans to choose from, ranging from 629 to 970 square-feet –enough variety to ensure that every lifestyle need is met. A 629-square-foot one-bedroom with one bathroom and a den layout is available as of this writing, between $206,900 and $237,900 plus GST. There is still a great selection of two-bedroom floor plans to choose from, with most layouts including a den space, priced between $251,450 and $314,900 plus GST.

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CONDO PROFILE | FA S T FAC T S COMMUNITY: Sage Hill PROJECT: Viridian DEVELOPER: Trico Homes STYLE: Apartment-style condominiums SIZE: From 629 to 970 sq. ft. PRICE: Starting from the low $200,000’s SALES CENTRE: Suites 101 and 103, 12 Sage Hill Terrace N.W. HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.viridiancondos.ca

With each floorplan there is the option to open up the plan from the main entrance, or if you’d prefer, to create a little more privacy in this space. Bedrooms are along opposite sides, perfect again for privacy, and with two full bathrooms there is no need to share this space either. “Most people nowadays like to entertain, and so the big focal point is the open concept kitchen and living space. Residents can choose from a peninsula-style kitchen or an island, depending on the floor plan, to create their own perfect place to enjoy with family or friends. We also have California split style, with the bedrooms on either end,” says co-area manager Cindy Arevalo. “The location is a big part of why someone would want to live here, being that it’s close to all major highways, the beautiful unobstructed views looking northeast into the natural reserve, and if is already a pretty developed community with the Walmart and Costco near by,” says Arevalo. Having easy access to Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail is a another huge bonus for buyers that work outside of the city, making it easy to get on your way, and being close to the airport eliminates the need to leave home hours early for your flight. “Creekside Shopping Centre is right across the street, so you have everything you need within close proximity,” she says. There is also the Symons Valley Farmers

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

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Market just up the road and CrossIron Mills about a 15-minute drive away, “ she adds. Viridian gives buyers what they are looking for and more, with upgraded standard features, a price that allows even first time homebuyers to get into the market, and a location that provides you with everything you need within a short walking or driving distance. There are two new show suites open that give prospective buyers an idea of what it would be like to be living a rent-free lifestyle. CL

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LOVING THE LOOP

StreetSide’s The Loop in Evanston brings natural element to townhome living BY PORTIA YIP

urrounded by sweeping natural landscapes and generous amenities, an enticing new townhome project by StreetSide Developments is laying down roots in one of the most desirable communities in northwest Calgary. Expertly crafted, The Loop in Evanston boasts the perfect combination of comfort, convenience and value. It can be seen as a sequel to StreetSide’s sold out hit, Evanston Square, and it seems to be as successful as its predecessor judging from the terrific

sales it has enjoyed since its launch in October. Construction for the first of four phases is beginning early this year and first possessions are slated for the latter part of 2017. While The Loop has many notable features, one striking element is the central reserve the development will be built around. According to Jared Kulawik, Area Manager for The Loop, each phase will be built in its own corner or quadrant around the natural reserve where residents can run or walk their dogs.

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“There’s a certain amount of green space that’s required in multi-family projects and at StreetSide, we always go above and beyond that,” says Kulawik. “For our projects, you’re not surrounded by buildings where it can feel dense or congested. Instead, it’s very open and airy so you’re not going to see your neighbours.” Adding to the openness, every townhome comes complete with a private patio and terrace including a communal courtyard. The shared outdoor space in each of the phases will feature motifs from Alberta’s diverse landscapes. The first phase, Kulawik says, will incorporate a Rocky Mountain theme with Grasslands, Parklands and Foothills to follow in the next phases. “There’s going to be lot of large stones, shrubs and paved stone pathways to give it that rich mountain feel to it along with strategic lights and seating areas.” The exterior of The Loop adds another distinct quality to the project. Known as a Salt Box architectural design, the townhomes have pitched roofs and large front-facing windows that give off a relaxed, East Coast vibe. Rounding out the modern and innovative curb appeal are the earthy and monochromatic tones mixed with pops of colour that add to the handsome streetscape of Evanston. On the inside, there are seven different floorplans to choose from with two- or three-bedroom options. Each two-storey townhome ranges in size from 1,099 to 1,314 square-feet and prices start from the $270,000s, plus GST. Depending on the floorplan, buyers will have either a tandem or single over-sized garage.

Kitchens are fully equipped with an eating bar, full-size pantry and stainless steel appliances including a Whirlpool fridge, smooth top range, dishwasher and an over-the-range microwave.

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Right off the bat, Kulawik highlights each floorplan design is extremely open-concept with nine-foot ceilings and great spaces for entertaining. “Other townhome developments may have different levels so the kitchen is physically separated from the living space, making the atmosphere less engaging when guests are over,” he says. “But The Loop is going to feel that much more like a single-family home while still maintaining a level of privacy.” All the benefits of low maintenance living awaits at The Loop along with plenty of storage space and functional essentials. Kitchens are fully equipped with an eating bar, full-size pantry and stainless steel appliances including a Whirlpool fridge, smooth top range, dishwasher and an over-the-range microwave. Potential buyers also have the freedom to customize their home by mixing and matching different colour boards or adding details such as tiles, partial carpeting, or opting for luxury vinyl planking throughout the entire home. With an amenity-rich community paired with quality design, it’s no surprise The Loop is attracting a lot of young professionals

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and first-time homebuyers as Kulawik describes. “We’re seeing people who are trying to move-up from an apartment-style condo or those who don’t want to rent anymore and are thinking of buying,” he adds. “We’re also getting people who are thinking of downsizing, or those who may not need tons of space anymore and desire a more maintenance-free lifestyle.” Situated in an established community with ample choices in all directions, The Loop is within walking distance to many of Evanston’s major amenities and recreational activities. Both a CBE elementary school and a K-9 Montessori school recently opened in the area and the Evanston Towne Centre is a quick five minute walk away. Navigating to and from Evanston is also easy with nearby access to Stoney Trail, 14th Street, and the extension of Shaganappi Trail. “Evanston is really well grounded and it’s got a good foundation going on,” says Kulawik. “You’re literally a two minute walk from a massive playground and park with soccer fields and just down the street from Sobeys, medical offices, banks, restaurants and yoga studios.”

With over 30 years of experience building multi-family homes, Streetside Developments goes the extra mile for each one of its projects. Since interest rates are still currently low, investing in a home now is a smart move, Kulawik says. “As a buyer, the ball is in your court.” For more information on special promotions or upgrades, contact the sales centre or visit the website at www.liveintheloop.ca. CL

FA S T FAC T S COMMUNITY: Evanston DEVELOPER: StreetSide Developments PROJECT: The Loop in Evanston STYLE: Row townhomes with single and tandem garages SIZE: 1,099 to 1,314 sq. ft. PRICE: Starting at the $270,000s SALES CENTRE: 150 Evanscrest Manor N.W. HOURS: Monday to Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.liveintheloop.ca

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COCHRANE CALLING

Stepper Homes brings new no-condo-fee Heritage Hills Street Towns BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

he Big Sky living that Cochrane offers in abundance is even more attainable now with Stepper Homes’ Heritage Hills Street Towns. These homes open new opportunities to own stylish, affordable townhomes in this picturesque western pioneer town. What makes Heritage Hills Street Towns so special is that it sits on a quiet hillside in this charming community along the western edge of Cochrane, surrounded by green space and an environmental reserve. And, of course, unmatched views of the nearby Rockies. These are freehold townhomes with no condo fees, which makes it even more attractive to firsttime homebuyers, downsizers, young families, and anyone who wants to get out of the renting cycle. Apart from some duplex products, Heritage Hills Street Towns also marks Stepper Homes’ reentry in the multi-family development market. “We built some duplexes a few years ago, but Heritage Hills Street Towns is Stepper’s first step back into multi family since the 1980s,” says Mary Anderson, who along with Maureen Harrison, are the co-area managers for this development. It will have 51 street towns in total in nine buildings that will be built in three phases. Three floor plans will be offered: the 1,405-square-foot Andover, the 1,338-square-foot Baker, and the 1,369-square-foot Collins.

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“[Buyers] like that the plans are two storey, as opposed to three levels, with basement development options. They also like that it comes with a front attached garage…”

They are all three-bedroom with two-and-a-half bath street towns that feel like a single-family home with their effective use of space and practical design. All homes include an oversized 12-by-24-feet front attached single garage and a generously sized driveway that effectively allows owners to park two vehicles. With prices ranging from $308,900 to $339,900 including GST, they are undoubtedly some of the most affordable townhomes in this size in Cochrane. “The homes are freehold, no condo fees to ever worry about,” Harrison says. “There are still two 60th Anniversary special pricing homes available for immediate possessions. One is a Baker at $309,900 the other an Andover at $314,900,” she adds. Stepper Homes celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2016 with a batch of discounted pricing for some of their best-selling models. Anderson feels that it was important for Stepper Homes to return to the multi-family market. “We feel we need to diversify our product based on the needs of customers. The landscape of the homebuilding industry is changing, and we need to be more diverse in our product line to better serve our customers,” she says.

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Heritage Hills presented the perfect opportunity for the renowned, multi-awarded builder to step back in the game. “Heritage Hills is a family oriented community, and this product line allows young families along with empty nesters to round out this great area and have families be able to grow their families and stay in the community,” Anderson says. Giving buyers more of an incentive is the top-notch standard features that are included with each purchase. These include tile, luxury vinyl plank or hardwood flooring, nine-foot ceilings along the main floor, and quartz or granite countertops in kitchens. “Buyers also like that the plans are two storey, as opposed to three levels, with basement development options. They also like that it comes with a front attached garage, are fully landscaped and fenced, and almost all of the homes back onto green spaces,” Harrison says. The energy-saving specifications each home comes with is also very welcome, Anderson points out, and includes a two-stage 95 per cent high efficiency furnace and a high performance water heater.

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Sales have already started and show homes will be opening on February 11, but Harrison and Anderson say that buyers should act now to take advantage of the low interest rates. “The best pricing is on the first two buildings and possessions are available now and in April, so purchasers can take advantage of today’s low interest rates,” Anderson says. “Now is when you can get the most selection of homes and locations, too,” Harrison adds. The exterior vinyl with Hardieshingle and stone accents of Heritage Hills Street Towns also perfectly complement the countryside setting of the community just off Highway 1A. “Heritage Hills has quick, easy access to skiing, hiking, camping, fishing. There is a large storm pond amenity and a local commercial plaza that makes it quite inviting to families, and the neighbours are all welcoming and friendly,” says Harrison who lives in the community. There is also an environmental reserve with walking paths on the west side with a park including an off-leash dog park at the north end of the townhome site. “These new homes are built on an exquisite site surrounded by parks and environmental reserve with great access to everything you need. Come early for the best selection and prices,” Anderson says. CL

FA S T FAC T S BUILDER: Stepper Homes COMMUNITY: Heritage Hills, Cochrane DEVELOPER: Harmony Parks Development Corp. STYLE: Freehold street towns PRICE: From $308,900 including GST ADDRESS: 3F Heritage Drive, Cochrane (opening Feb. 11) DIRECTIONS: Head west on Highway 1A from Calgary, past the traffic lights on Hwy 22 and follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.stepperhomes.com

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Face of the

NEW WEST Heartland offers new homebuyers family-oriented community with lasting value BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

or the avid home seeker who thinks they’ll never be able to afford to buy their own home, take heart in Heartland where beautiful, well-made singlefamily homes and townhomes are still available at very attainable prices. Take for example, Claudette, she had moved to the Calgary area from Vancouver. While living in Vancouver, she and her husband did not think they would ever be able to own their own home due to the high market prices. But when they

visited Heartland in Cochrane they quickly fell in love with the community, and with home prices starting from the $350,000s, she knew living here would be well within their budget. “We loved the feel of the community (it’s like the Alpines meets the Prairies), the great use of green space, the family friendly atmosphere, and the proximity to town and easy access to the mountains off the 1A.” says Claudette. “Now is the time to buy in Heartland, with introductory pricing and amenities coming our way you can get in and ride the wave while building equity in a home you love as the community becomes more established,” says Charla Power, Excel Homes’ area manager. Excel Homes is one of three homebuilders in this popular community from APEX Development just off Highway 1A in the west side of Cochrane. The others are Jayman BUILT and Birchwood Properties. “Heartland is a 250-acre community,” says Susan Henderson, Senior Development Manager for APEX Developments. “When it is complete it will have approximately 1,500 homes that are a mix of single-family, duplex and freehold townhomes. There are also six

The Brand townhomes by Birchwood Properties

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“heartland offers such a wide selection of products that it’s able to welcome first time buyers, empty nesters, and move ups.”

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multi-family sites, a local commercial site, lots of parks and a great pathway system to get around the community safely. Heartland offers such a wide selection of product that it’s able to welcome first time buyers, empty nesters, and move-ups,” she adds. “Sales volume in Heartland has been great this year! We launched a new phase to accommodate various price point/timeline needs for our homebuyers,” Power adds. Excel Homes has 11 models to choose from ranging from 1,756 to 2,534 square feet. Prices range from $350,000 to $475,000. Power says families make up a huge portion of the buyers in Heartland, and upcoming amenities like a future school site, and planned commercial and public service in the community will prove to be very beneficial to them. Jayman BUILT offers double front-attached garage two-storey homes, and their best-selling Nitro and the new Dakota show homes are open. “Heartland is an affordable and growing community, and a great opportunity for Jayman BUILT to keep with the momentum of Cochrane’s growth,” says Jayman BUILT area manager, Kym Daigle. “We are looking forward to showing off our newly renovated Dakota floor plan at a price point that really makes sense.”

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Jayman BUILT, meanwhile, offers double front-attached garage two-storey homes, ranging from 1,674 to 2,405 square-feet, “with our Best Price First policy pricing starting at $377,116 to $439,444 (lot and GST included)” Daigle says. Our Nitro, Reunite and Emerge have proven to be our best-selling floorplans so far. As for multi-family offerings, Birchwood Properties’ The Brand townhomes are available. Inspired by Cochrane’s spirited Western heritage, Brand Townhomes offer the best opportunity to enjoy active living, comfort, and convenience in Heartland. Brand offers three townhome styles: the Galloway, Highland, and the Devon. With a mix of two-and three-storey townhomes, each with a choice of two or three bedrooms and a single or double attached garage. Sizes range from 1,055 to 1,372 square-feet and start at $239,900 before tax. For information visit www.heartlandcochrane.com. CL

FA S T FAC T S COMMUNITY: Heartland, Cochrane DEVELOPER: APEX Developments BUILDERS: Excel Homes, Jayman BUILT, Birchwood Properties STYLE: Townhomes, laned homes, front-drive single-family PRICE: Townhomes from the low $200,000s, single-family homes from the mid $300,000s DIRECTIONS: Exit off Trans Canada to Cochrane, left on 1A, first left. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.heartlandcochrane.com

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THEME BUILDING

F Plan G Plan

Back stories inform show suite designs at My Legacy Park BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

ignettes of life — that is the ultimate purpose of a show suite. Showing the possibilities of what can be, sparking Leanne the imagination of the prospective buyers in seeing Wilkie themselves living in a particular home. The design team at Brad Remington Homes has mastered this exacting art. Their eight beautiful show suites in My Legacy Park condos dreamily capture a wide variety of lifestyles in such thorough detail that not many condo show suites — or even single-family show homes — have been able to achieve. Single professionals, couples, downsizers — they all can find representation in the imaginative designs of these one- and two-bedroom suites in what could be the most popular multi-family development in south Calgary. Bryan Logel “People respond to a story, and we make sure that each of our show suites has a good back story, one that can spark a buyer’s imagination,” says Bryan Logel, Brad Remington Homes’ vice president of sales and marketing. My Legacy Park has “stories” for the dashing, debonair single professional with its F plan, styled in the suave, sophisticated way of James Bond; then there’s the wistful delight of the G plan that speaks to the grown up tastes of strong, independent women with its textured wall paper and soft colours; then there’s relaxed atmosphere created by a mix of antique lighting fixtures and ornate decorative accents that tell the story of a retired couple enjoying life in the A2 plan. “Our show suites present a slice of life that gives our buyers an understanding of what it would be like to live here,” says Brad Remington Homes marketing manager Leanne Wilkie. Logel, Wilkie, and interior designer Anna Cummings, meticulously pore over every detail of the “story” to come up with a definitive look for each show suite; a look that is not only stylish but instantly memorable. And they work. Not only in complementing the award-winning floor plans that are designed with maximum comfort and ease-of-use in mind, but also in continuing a brand of stylish sophistication that Brad Remington Homes has made a name for with their previous Copperfield Park series of developments.

G Plan

A2 Plan

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DESIGNER SERIES â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

The E Plan show suite has a comfy, bohemian flavour with its weatheredlook hardwood floor, contemporary style wood furniture, pouf ottomans and fabric L-shaped sectional sofa. Round metallic coffee table provides a modern contrast.

Refined urban comfort at its finest but with a hint of Mad Max. The B2b show suite has a playful, archeological motif. The engineblock glass coffee table, masculine plush leather sofa and armchair give it an edgy touch, softened by the fabric, storage ottoman.

B2b Plan

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F Plan

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The H Plan has an interesting mixture of shapes with its stunning floral pattern wallpaper, circular hanging mirror and curved loveseat. The wrought iron and wood stands bring an Old World charm too. Logel says one of the things buyers have loved about My Legacy Park is that they have no set colour palettes, everyone is free to mix-andmatch the colours, appliances and materials that can fit their own unique tastes and budget.

There are two F Plan show suites, and this one in Suite 1107 has that Agent 007 aura and the suave décor — including kitschy stools, wall mounted fireplace and shag area rug that makes you want to have a Vesper Martini — shaken, not stirred. The sliding barn doors to the master bedroom are a brilliant space saver and quite an elegant aesthetic touch, as well.

The other F Plan (Suite 1108) shows why this one-bedroom suite is an undeniable best seller at My Legacy Park. The trendy lime green theme of the room brings a cosmic chic vibe with the eye-catching light fixtures and wall art, not to mention the geometric pattern wall paper and area rug.

H Plan

There are many more stories to tell than can fit in these pages, and it would be best to check them all out in person at 215 Legacy Boulevard S.E., or at www.mylegacypark.com. CL

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| LIFESTYLE

Sunny days ahead

ZEN Cranston Solar’s energy-saving features key in buying decision

STORY BY DARLENE CASTEN PHOTOS BY DON MOLYNEAUX

here is another reason to live in sunny south Calgary. Two words — solar panels. A 66-townhome project that perfectly balances life and its many demands is taking advantage of Calgary’s status as the sunniest major Canadian city. Avalon Master Builders are building on the popularity of their ZEN-series townhomes, with the philosophy of providing affordable homes with a modern style and practical green efficiencies. At ZEN Cranston the addition of solar panels has elevated the company’s commitment to environmental balance. Avalon’s latest ZEN project caught the eye of Gina, a 30-something IT professional, who was looking to move from

an apartment condo to a townhome. Early this year, Gina found a listing for ZEN in Cranston and says it caught her interest right away. “I came across it when I was just curious to see what was on MLS,” Gina says. “The Zen sounded very calming and I was like I could use a lot more of that in my life. I liked the philosophy of what the builder was trying to do.” Improving prices in the real-estate market had Gina wondering if she could afford a slightly larger home with more privacy. As she continued to research, she liked what she found. Each ZEN townhome in Cranston comes with two solar panels, enough to power her kitchen appliances, with the ability to add more. Gina says she opted for six solar panels, the maximum available.

“The Zen sounded very calming and I was like I could use a lot more of that in my life. I liked the philosophy of what the builder was trying to do.” Gina CO N D O L I V I N G FEB RUARY 2017

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LIFESTYLE |

Since moving in this November, Gina says life has been completely zen. There has been no neighbour noise, due to the well-built and insulated building envelope.

Lowering her personal impact on the environment is important to her, Gina explains. “When I’m here no lights are on,” she says, adding she will change the lights from CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) to even more energy efficient lights in the future. “I used to work for a non-profit environmental organization. I realize there are little things we can do that make a big impact.” Not only will she see a reduced electricity bill, any unused power from her panels will go back on the grid and she receives a rebate. “I haven’t been here long enough to receive a full bill, my first bill was only for seven days so I’m really excited to see what that looks like,” she says. The energy efficiency ratings that come with each ZEN townhome and the solid construction of the buildings were also important to Gina. “When I came to see the show home the construction was solid,” she says.

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“You have to be careful because sometimes (the construction) is not the best quality.” Since moving in this November, Gina says life has been completely zen. There has been no neighbour noise, due to the well-built and insulated building envelope. She also loves that she doesn’t have to worry about common areas, but still has the benefit of snow removal and landscaping that is taken cared of for her. The 1,100 square foot, two-story suite was exactly what she was looking for, Gina says. “I’m not looking for more space to take care of,” she said. “This is probably the max I’d like to take care of.” Another attractive feature was the double master bedroom layout with dual ensuites. She claimed the larger of the two bedrooms, at a generous 157 square-feet. “It fits a king bed and there is still lots of room,” she says.

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Gina says when she purchased in April she was still able to choose all her interior finishes, which was made easy by Avalon’s design staff. “The designer is fabulous for giving advice on what goes well together,” she says. Another plus was there are so many highend standard finishes at ZEN in Cranston that there was very little that needed to be upgraded. “The laminate floor was standard, the pot lights, the 9-foot ceiling, the quartz countertops in the kitchen,” Gina lists. To achieve a light, bright, but cozy look, Gina says she simply upgraded to white cabinets in the kitchen and added metal spindles in the railings. She says the kitchen was already well laid out, with an eat-up island that seats four. The long-quartz topped island also provides extra

counter space and has the microwave tucked away underneath. A second eat-in space, where Gina has an expandable kitchen table, defines the kitchen from the living space on the open-concept main floor. Gina says she was impressed at her housewarming to see her new digs could easily accommodate 15 of her closest family and friends. She says she is loving her new home and community, which can best be simply described as totally zen. “I really like the energy in the southeast,” she says. “The weather is a little more mild and it just feels less busy, less stressful.” The only thing Gina is missing from her old place is her brother, who was her neighbour in her last apartment building, but she says she is working on that. “I’m trying to convince him to buy here, too,” she says, smiling. ZEN Cranston Solar is priced starting from the $260,000s and show homes and sales centre are located at 69 & 71 Cranford Way S.E. CL

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FEATURE |

t seems everyday for the past month or so there have been one or more articles on my Twitter or Flipboard feeds dealing with how car ownership in North America is declining and the impact this will have on cities in the future. It started in mid September with a Flipboard headline that read “Lyft’s President Says Car Ownership will ‘All But End’ in U.S. Cities by 2025.” While it is hard to believe car ownership will end by 2025, it does make one think — what if car ownership was to shrink by 15 per cent by 2025 and by 30 per cent by 2050 from the current level of approximately million vehicles. A 2016 GasBuddy Calgary poll (22,044 voters) indicated 16 per cent of Calgary households have four or more vehicles, 20 per cent three or more, 40 per cent two vehicles, 21 per cent one vehicle and only 1 per cent no vehicle. What if some Calgarians were to decide they could live with one less car and use car-sharing to replace it? Could this already be happening?

CAR-LESS IN CALGARY Car-sharing economy = big impact on Calgary’s future

P H OTO BY M I RCO R A ZO N

BY RICHARD WHITE

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RESEARCH SAYS… In July 2016, Elliot Martin and Susan Shaheen, of the University of California, Berkeley Transportation Sustainability Resource Center published, “Impacts of car2go on vehicle ownership, modal shift, vehicle miles travelled, and greenhouse gas emissions: An analysis of five North American cities. ” Calgary was one of those cities. The Calgary findings for 2015 were enlightening: • Car2go removed an estimated 6,058 vehicles from Calgary roads (existing car owners who sold their car or individuals who were plan-

ning on buying a car but decided against doing so. • Car2go reduced overall vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by up to an estimated 52.9 kilometres for the year or 6 per cent reduction in VMT traveled per car2go household. • Car2go prevented up to an estimated 8,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from polluting Calgary’s air. That’s an estimated 4 per cent reduction. • Car2go resulted in a slight increase in walking and bicycle ridership frequencies (10 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively). These findings are based on a sample of 1,498 Calgary car2go users. Similar results were found in the other four cities studied — San Diego, Seattle, Vancouver and Washington DC.

P H OTO CO U RTE S Y C A R 2GO

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THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN’ Obviously some Calgarians have already or are now making the decision to live with one less car — or without a car at all. This number is going to increase as car-sharing programs expand the geographic area they operate in. As well, new competition will result in more cars and better pricing, which will make car-sharing even more attractive to more Calgarians. In addition, services like Uber and Lyft are sure to become commonplace over the next five years in Calgary and Calgary will probably have a bike-sharing program in the near future (over 500 cities world-wide already have programs), making living without two cars, more feasible especially in the inner city. And then there is Calgary’s multi-billion dollar transit expansion plans like the Green-Line and several cross-town Bus Rapid Transit routes designed to make transit a more viable option for Calgarians’ everyday transportation needs. In addition, the Calgary Regional Partnership is piloting (October 2016 to October 2018) a regional transit system for Black Diamond, High River, Okotoks and Turner Valley, which may be expanded to Strathmore and Chestermere in 2018. Little by little, Calgarians are being offered more options for commuting to work and other activities. I suspect many Calgary households would be willing to give up one of their cars if offered a viable alternative — especially for their Monday to Friday commute. Who wouldn’t want to save some of

Little by little, Calgarians are being offered more options for commuting to work and other activities.

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FEATURE |

P H OTO CO U RTE S Y U B ER

Services like Uber and Lyft are sure to become commonplace over the next five years in Calgary and Calgary will probably have a bike-sharing program in the near future.

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y LY F T

the $10,000 plus per year it costs to drive a car in Calgary, not counting parking fees and hassles if going downtown? Money that could be used to buy a bigger home, take a vacation or save for a child’s education.

LOOKING AHEAD… Is it possible that we could return to building houses with just a single garage? What impact would that have on how we build new suburbs? Could we see more condos and apartment buildings with no parking (like N3 in East Village)? Will the next generation rather spend $50,000 (the cost of an underground parking space) on a bigger condo than a parking stall for a car that sits idle 95 per cent of the time? Could we see downtown, hospital, post-secondary and airport parkades being converted to new uses? Could driving around looking for a parking spot at Chinook Centre, Market Mall and Southcentre at Christmas all but disappear? With fewer cars on the road, could gridlock on Deerfoot, Glenmore and Crowchild Trails become a thing of the past? And heaven forbid we might even see lower downtown parking rates as supply exceeds demand? Fewer cars and less demand for parking would also make it easier to create wider sidewalks and more bike lanes where appropriate.

SOURCE:

www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/Pages/Planning/Transportation-Data/Central-Business-District-Cordon-Count.aspx www.globalwebindex.net/blog/the-demographics-of-ubers-us-users www.govugo.com/rideshare-passenger-demographics/

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NEVER SAY NEVER… I remember in the early ‘90s when the City of Calgary’s GO Plan set a goal of a 50/50 modal split for downtown commuters by 2020 i.e. 50 per cent would use transit and 50 per cent would drive many said it would never happen. Today the Downtown modal split is 49 per cent transit, 10 per cent walk/cycle and 41 per cent drive (City of Calgary, 2016 Calgary Downtown Cordon Count). While Calgarians love their cars, they are also young and highly educated, the ideal demographics for car and bike sharing programs, as well as services like Uber and Lyft (90 per cent of Uber users are 16 to 44 years of age and 80 per cent have a post-secondary degree). Indeed, Calgarians have already demonstrated they love car-sharing with 99,000 car2go members, second only to Vancouver (118,000 members in North America. Perhaps we don’t need to spend billions on Crowchild Trail, but rather fast track bigger and better car-sharing programs and private transportation services like Uber and Lyft? Maybe it is high time to think outside the car! CL

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A DAY IN ROMANTIC CALGARY | River Café

Calgary Valentine

Love is in the air, here’s a list of options for a Valentine to remember

BY SHELLEY BOETTCHER

’m not the world’s most romantic person, but I do love February. It’s an excuse to celebrate love at its finest, with lots of good things: schmaltzy Valentine’s Day cards, cutie-pie Cupids, tons of chocolate, pretty flowers and, of course, fine food and wine. With that in mind, here are a few special ways to show your sweetheart how much you care this month — or any time of the year, to be honest. Whether you go big on February 14 or you celebrate on another day of the month or year, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for romance (and chocolate) in February and beyond.

DINNER Many of Calgary’s restaurants excel at creating a romantic vibe. A few to consider? Bridgette Bar (bridgettebar.com, 739 10th Avenue S.W.) is the spot in town for anyone looking for mid-century modern style, plus good

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eats and drinks. The lounge area to the right of the entrance is especially “hygge” (the Danish word for all things cozy.) Hang out and sip cocktails with your honey here for a while, by the cool vintage fireplace. Then move to a table for dinner. A glass of wine and a bite to eat at Cucina (eatcucina.com, 525 8th Avenue S.W.) is a lovely way to leave behind all your workday worries, and the bistro-style charm will make you feel like you’re on a patio in France or Italy, even in the height of a Canadian winter. There are plenty of share plates — calamari, charcuterie, arancini, bruschetta and more — and, best, you can get your parking at 8th Avenue Place

The Nash’s Off Cut Bar

Cilantro Bridgette Bar

validated at the restaurant after 5 p.m. (Ask when you’re at the restaurant.) Dress up and go for a drink (or several) at The Nash’s Off Cut Bar (thenashyyc.com, 925 11th Street S.E.) in Inglewood. The dim lights and cozy seats make it a great stop, and should you run out of sweet nothings to whisper to your date, you can watch the always-entertaining bartenders in action. The menu isn’t as big as at the attached restaurant, but if you’re a meat-eater or a bourbon fan, you’ll find plenty of satisfying options. The sky’s the limit at Sky 360 Restaurant and Lounge (sky360.ca, 101 9th Avenue S.W.), atop the Calgary Tower. With the purchase of an entrée, you’ll get a free lift to the top, plus access to the observation deck one floor above the restaurant. Check out the magic of the city lights when you dine at night; or admire the expansive views on a clear morning for brunch.

Sky 360 Restaurant

Cucina

River Café (river-café.com) has long epitomized romantic dining in Calgary for many reasons, including the seasonally inspired menu, the lodge-like ambiance, charming staff and the fantastic wine list. Park at Eau Claire Market and then stroll, arm in arm, across the bridge to Prince’s Island. In summer, the patio is one of the prettiest in the city, and in winter, you can sit by the fire and watch the snow fall outside. Another perennial favourite is Rouge Restaurant (rougecalgary.com, 1240 8th Avenue S.E.), a popular place for long lunches, special dinners and even small weddings and garden parties. Splurge on the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings for a culinary experience that can’t be beat.

FLOWERS

Aly Velji designs

Interior designer extraordinaire Alykhan Velji is renowned for his beautiful work on local restaurants. (Foreign Concept is one of his most recent projects.) But he also offers big fresh bouquets of flowers at his northeast Calgary office. Pick up a bunch yourself and save the delivery fee, or pay a little extra for delivery and put a smile on your sweetheart’s face this month. Order at alyveljidesigns.com.

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A DAY IN ROMANTIC CALGARY |

And Amborella Floral Studio (amborella.ca, 2515 90th Avenue S.W.) offers gorgeous one-off bouquets, as well as floral subscriptions; sign up to send your sweetie weekly or monthly deliveries. Three-month, six-month and yearly packages are available.

CHOCOLATE Coppeneur Artisan Chocolate (coppeneurchocolate.com, 805 1st Street S.W.) started in Germany in 1993 and opened a Calgary location a few years later. It’s still a charming spot to stop for excellent chocolate made with some of the world’s finest cacao beans. Pick up a few of the single-origin bars, so your favourite chocoholic can taste-test their way through the world’s best cacao-producing regions: Ecuador, Ghana, Madagascar. Sweet, satisfying and a learning experience, too. The man behind Bernard and Sons Master Chocolat is a legend amongst Canuck chocolate fans. You can’t go wrong with these fresh, delicious treats (a box of hearts, natch), now available online at masterchocolat.com and at select Calgary Co-op locations. And, of course, Cococo Chocolatiers/Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut (cococochocolatiers.com) can be found at various locations throughout the city. The copper foil-lined boxes have long been a favourite for Calgarians looking for sweet romance on Valentine’s Day and beyond. CL

Rouge Restaurant

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River Café

Cucina

Bridgette Bar

STYLE |

GREAT WALLS OF DESIRE

If you want to lend a bit of oomph to a room, a distinctive wallcovering is the way to go — especially since today’s products require so much less commitment than their ‘ancestors’.

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Feature walls create visual impact with contrasts STORY BY DAVID CROSSON

have to admit when it comes to painted feature walls I firmly align with the late, great Ray Staples, who said “If a colour’s good enough for one wall then it’s good enough for all the others.” I also used to think there was something decidedly ‘90s about them, too, although I have softened on that position somewhat. Looking at them objectively, painted feature walls can be a great way to adjust the proportions of a room without creating a single spec of drywall dust. For example, a long space with darker walls at either end can feel cozier, particularly if the hues you choose create strong visual contrast. Likewise, a too-high ceiling can be ‘dropped’ to create a sense of intimacy and better human scale when painted in a richer colour. They are also wonderful for calling attention to architectural elements such as fireplaces and other features, especially if you are creating a focal point in a room. With these trompe l’oeil techniques, colour selection does become extremely important, as the wrong combination (feature vs. ‘standard’) can fail miserably. There are, of course, a couple of good rules of thumb to consider. First off, warmer colours (red, yellow, orange) tend to ‘advance’ on our eyes while cooler ones (blue, green, purple) tend to ‘recede’. This is helpful to consider when making your choices as ultimately they will contribute to the success of your efforts. Secondly, contrast keeps our eyes from moving around a space as it stops the flow of your gaze at every intersection of lighter and darker colours. Oftentimes, people are reluctant to paint smaller rooms in deeper colours, thinking that they will make them appear smaller. Nothing could be further from the truth. Whether pale or bold, consistent colour on walls and ceilings will help your eye travel, effectively erasing all edges and corners. Remember the power of contrast the next time you need to raise or lower a ceiling — or pull some far-flung walls closer together in your home. As far as colour selection goes, to be fair there are a few that could be considered a bit much if splashed across all four (or more) walls, but that is largely a matter of saturation than application. In many cases, this can be remedied

» LEFT Forget palm trees or an autumn path; contemporary murals are bold, beautiful and full of inspiration. CENTRE A wallcovering is a great way to add depth and create a sense of architectural interest in a space, much like the way this nail-head “quilted” vinyl in soft vanilla tones does. RIGHT Even in a neutral colourway, the correct wallpaper can enliven the most staid and traditional of panelling.

P H OTOS CO U RT E S Y C ROW N WA L L PA P ER A N D FA B R I C S

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ABOVE LEFT Sometimes the right print is all it takes to create the colour palettes or thematic jumpingoff points that make rooms sing. ABOVE RIGHT Far from being the exclusive domain of “feminine” motifs, contemporary wallpaper offers a wide range of looks, like this manly, moody wave formation. FAR RIGHT Subtle can still make a statement when done right, as epitomized in this exquisite Phillip Jeffries watercolour selection.

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by choosing a richer or more greyed-down version of a bold colour as it will still appear bright but feel more livable once you complete the space. In some instances, though, going bold on every wall is definitely the right option. This is particularly effective in temporary use spaces such as dining or powder rooms, which are purpose-specific and cry out for increased drama. Deep saturated reds are perfect for the former (especially since they psychologically increase appetite) while the latter offers major latitude for exquisite folly and self-expression. Touching on powder rooms is a great pivot-point for this discussion as the best ones boast a certain jewel-box quality — which is almost always deliv- in their specifications so you can check to see how often ered through wallcovering. This is one area where the motif occurs, especially if you are only looking at a I heartily endorse feature walls, be that a matter of small sample or ordering online. visual punch or budget practicality. Unlike mere Some still approach wallcoverings with trepidation but paint, wallcovering (paper, vinyl, fabric, grasscloth, really shouldn’t in this day and age. Although they require etc.) has greater depth to it, either in visual or actual more skill to install (always hire a professional), they texture. An interesting print can play the role of come off with much less effort than their ancestors of the over-scale art on one wall, whether it’s a pattern ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s and represent less of a commitment. repeat or a stunning mural — which are back, by The purpose of a feature wall — aside from the functhe way, and better than ever. tional aspects I outlined earlier — is always to delight When selecting a product for a feature wall rendered the eye. Be it paper or paint, if you choose to do one (or in wallcovering, always bear in mind the scale of several) in your home make sure it speaks to you and the print you’re choosing and the context in which makes you feel like you’re living in the best place in it will be seen. For example, a massive mural will the world. After all, that’s what a well-decorated house be more successful in an open space where you is all about. CL can stand back and enjoy it rather than in, say, a confined hallway. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Crosson is a Conversely, smaller prints can make freelance design writer and principal of the David more compact spaces sing and can Crosson Design Collective. He is a frequent media be great backgrounds for art or mircommentator on matters of life and style as well rors that may otherwise ‘fight’ with as a regular guest on CTV Morning Live. For more a larger print. Manufacturers will of his design ideas, visit www.dc-dc.ca always provide the pattern repeat

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Smaller prints can make more compact spaces sing and can be great backgrounds for art or mirrors that may otherwise ‘fight’ with a larger print.

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FLUFF AND STUFF

BY KATHY MCCORMICK

Decorating the bed with pillows

t’s a fact that people spend one-third of their lives sleeping, so it’s no surprise that the bed has always had a critical function in the home, but it’s aesthetic value cannot be overlooked. People spend a lot of time making sure that centrepiece of the master suite is as cozy, as comfortable and as beautiful as it can be — and today’s emphasis is all about pillows. People put so many pillows on a bed these days, it’s often hard to find the actual mattress. So are there any rules to pillow placement? Not really, say design experts — but you might want to take this advice. “Pillows are good for back support, cozying up, lying down on, or even putting underneath your feet,” says Sebastien Fauteux, Urban Barn’s creative director. “Keep this in mind when selecting pillows as some may be more durable or comfier than others.” For HomeSense’s design expert Tamara Robbins Griffith, “my approach to layering pillows on a bed is that less is more.” And you can do a lot with simple toss cushions found in most stores anywhere from $40 to $100, depending on material and design. In fact, many stores offer slip covers for the cushions so you can change them up whenever you want to freshen the look of the room. “Try placing two Euro shams in front of your everyday bed pillows,” says Griffith. “Euro shams make a statement because they offer height and create a beautiful foundation for one or two decorative throw cushions layered in front.” It’s all about layering, agrees Fauteux.

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“Instead of focusing on a number when selecting pillows, remember that different sizes allow for layering” — and that includes your living room furniture as well. “Create depth on your sofa and bed by experimenting with a range of pillow sizes (for example, 24-by-24 inches, 20-by-20 inches or 12-by22 inches).” Rectangular accent cushions are a great way to add a small hit of pattern and texture, says Griffith. “Try one in front of each bed pillow, or a single rectangle in the centre of the bed.” And it’s all about colours and patterns. Today’s hottest colour is blue, says Fauteux. “2017 is definitely the year of blue, blue and more blue. Blue is a colour that is vibrant and relaxing, and it is a versatile accent colour in any space.” When choosing pillows, “coordinate colours, materials and patterns,” Fauteux says. “Choose a larger size (24-by-24 inches) in a solid textured material and pair with smaller pillows in bolder colours or intricate patterns.” Then just adding one toss cushion on an accent chair “is just enough to create a focal point in your space.” What’s hot in runway shows across the fashion industry is bound to show up in homes soon after.

ABOVE Morning Toss 20-by-20inch white/teal, $46 at Urban Barn.

“Following the fashion industry, velvet is a hot trend in home décor for fall and winter,” Griffith says. “We’re seeing velvet in practically every colour, especially jewel tones like sapphire blue and emerald green. Styles range from more casual cotton velvets to embossed designs with a silky glam sheen.” Texture is another key, says Griffith. “At your local HomeSense store, you’ll see a lot of burnout and cut velvet, texture and faux fur. Faux fur is everywhere, from rugs to cushions and throws. You’ll find furry accessories in all colours and textures, ranging from naturalistic to bright pop hues and demure pastels. “We’ve also seen a recent trend in embellishments, whether a pom-pom trim or metallic foil details.” Mongolian Pillows are an Urban Barn classic, says Fauteux. “They are a timeless piece with shades ranging from our simple whites and creams to last season’s Berry, Saffron and Skyfall. I particularly love our Rose Ombre pillow coming up in Spring 2017.” And what about choosing the pillows you rest your head on every night? There are many styles, materials and designs today that make choosing the right one a difficult choice — but it’s an important step in assuring you get the rest you need every night. In fact, sleeping on the wrong pillow can lead to moderate to severe joint pain, body stiffness and back pain, says a Sleep Boutique blog written by Calgary’s Colin Crump.

LEFT Lorimers Toss 12-by-12-inch white/teal, $39 at Urban Barn.

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| SHOPPING HomeSense suggest a mix and match of decorative pillows in different shapes and sizes as finishing touches to your bed. Prices vary wildly, check stores for pricing.

“2017 IS DEFINITELY THE YEAR OF BLUE, BLUE AND MORE BLUE. BLUE IS A COLOUR THAT IS VIBRANT AND RELAXING, AND IT IS A VERSATILE ACCENT COLOUR IN ANY SPACE.”

BELOW Kew Toss 16-by16-inch white/turquoise, $42 at Urban Barn.

Three factors should be used to determine the best pillow for your ultimate resting experience, says Crump. • Material of the pillow: “A good pillow should be made of breathable cotton or fabric,” Crump says in his blog. “Choose a pillow that is made with all natural materials to create the perfect sleeping environment.” Such pillows can be made from 100 per cent bamboo, green cotton or eco-friendly luxury memory foam. • Pillow filling: “The support of the pillow is determined based on the pillow filling,” he says. “If you love a soft and plush pillow, then go for a feather pillow. However, memory foam and latex pillows offer a more firm base” and are denser — a good choice for those looking for better neck support. • Support the pillow provides: “Contouring pillows provide better support while sleeping. The modern contouring pillows made with bamboo fibers, gel memory foam and 100 per cent natural latex provide better support, too. Plus the cooling gel layer gives you a soothing feel while sleeping.” Test a pillow before buying, says Crump. “Don’t hesitate to try the sample pillow before buying it. A good quality pillow can last for more than a decade without shredding.” And here’s another tip from Fauteux if you’re looking at decorative pillows to liven up your bed space. “If you know you’re going to rest your head on a pillow, choose your material wisely or you may wake up with an embossed pattern on your face!” CL RIGHT Mongolian Toss 20-by-20-inch Rose Ombre, $99 (regular price) at Urban Barn.

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CO N D O L I V I N G FEB RUARY 2017

CONDO BOARD BULLIES Dealing with condo board bullies

Dear Maria; Help. I’ve had it as a Board member with the endless hassle I get from overbearing members. If something does not change on this Board, I’m stepping down. How can I go about effecting this change?

First and most importantly, Board members have an obligation to follow a standard of conduct in running the Condominium Corporation. There can be consequences, including personal liability, if Board members choose not to. It bears repeating but, being a member of a Board can sometimes be a thankless task, and its only reward is the thought of doing good, while in good company. But even that can turn into a burden, when one of the board members turns out to be someone with control issues, and consequently bullies everyone else to get his or her way. The bully turns a nonprofit board into a corporation of one, and can deprive the directors and the management company the benefit of using the expertise and skills of other board members and residents that contribute to running the Condominium Corporation. It is sad, but as a condo director you wear several hats and must  have leathery-tough skin because that’s what is required in dealing with diverse personalities, including bullies. As managers, we know this very well. If not handled appropriately the “bully on the board” will have a far-reaching effect

on your board’s productivity and can be an added hurdle to getting directives completed for your condo. Here are some tips to help you deal with this type of situation. • Stay calm: most individuals, who feel they are being attacked, automatically get their defenses up and want to attack back. When addressing the situation, it’s always best to keep your cool; believe it or not, it does act as a diffuser between you and the bully. As a condo manager, I’ll admit, it’s not easy and I have lost my temper a time or two or three but it sure does make a difference if you can be the rational one in the situation. Most times, the “bully on the board” is dealing with an issue at work or home, try not to take it personally. Confront the situation in a diplomatic manner and hopefully the individual will acknowledge and apologize for their behavior. • If you feel comfortable, you may want to have a face-to-face with the bully outside the board meeting to discuss their behavior. Address the issue immediately in a non-confrontational manner. Ignoring the situation does not make it go away, it may make it worse. Be willing to accommodate, if possible. Agree to disagree. If you cannot establish some common ground, move on, no need to argue about it endlessly. • Boards can establish codes of conducts for their board meetings, which could

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

curtail bullying behavior. • Limit the length of time for each speaker; this will give board members an opportunity to voice their opinions. No abusive language or insulting remarks against anyone. No personal attacks. No yelling or interruptions when someone is speaking during the meeting. It is important to put the code of conduct in writing and circulate a copy to each board member. • Focus on facts. Facts divert the discussion from opinions and feelings, making it easier to stay on track. Don’t let poor behavior divert your intentions for the good of the corporation. Stay focused. As a director, you know that words can easily be misunderstood, personalities clash, and not all individuals will see reason in what you say. Taking the following steps may help alleviate some of the stress and pressure that might come from having to deal with difficult people. Remember — a good leader puts their energy towards a solution that will move the board forward not backwards. Until Next time… CL

Maria Bartolotti

ACCI, FCCI is the ownermanager of New Concept Management Inc. She has developed a strong reputation for rendering timely and efficient services to the condominium industry. Maria believes that her company’s success hinges on her hands-on approach to condominium management as well as maintaining open lines of communications with her clientele. Maria is actively involved in her industry. For more information, visit www.newconceptmanagement.com CO N D O L I V I N G FEB RUARY 2017

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TIME TO GET STRATEGIC?

CONDOSCAPES

(Part 2)

By Richard White

It’s time for Calgary to reconsider outdated ARPs to foster growth

reg Morrow, Richard Parker Professor at the University of Calgary thinks it is time to rethink Calgary’s approach to planning. Instead of city planners and politicians spending 90 per cent of their time on city-wide planning, he things the City needs to be more strategic and spend 90 per cent of their time focusing on 10 per cent of the City where growth should occur.

LET’S STOP THE INSANITY

Some urbanists like Morrow are now arguing comprehensive local area plans are largely unnecessary anyway because the majority of most communities (most large swaths of single family) are not going to radically change. So we put 90 per cent of the planning energy into protecting 90 per cent of the land. Let’s reverse the math — let’s spend our planning energy on areas we think will or want to see change. In other words, let’s do “strategic planning.” Morrow likes to point to Los Angeles where they have adopted something called “specific plans.” These plans focus on areas of each community where we think growth is most likely to happen and/or most desired. This starts with the process of asking communities where and how they’d like to accommodate the growth anticipated for their community. Doug Roberts, Killarney Community Association activist agrees, “it would be interesting if the City were to take its overall population growth target, allocate it

across the various communities on some rational basis consistent with the objectives of the Municipal Development Plan and Calgary Transportation Plan, and then put it to each community where they would like to see their community accommodate its share of growth.” How much growth each community is expected to absorb will necessarily be uneven. Some communities are better placed than others to absorb growth i.e. some have LRT stations or main streets or large tracts of under-utilized land. Morrow’s postdocs are building a complex model that explores the factors that are shaping where growth occurs in Calgary. Ideally he’d like to take the politics out of it growth and make it more of a rationale and strategic process.

NOT ALL CA’S EQUAL

Unfortunately not all Community Association have the capacity to do the kind of planning/visioning required to exercise you suggest. Those that don’t (which is most CAs) would need some help and then it becomes both a city resource allocation and political question just like ARPs — who gets help and when, and the city will likely focus (as they do with ARPs) on the areas seeing the most development (the areas that need capacity help the least). So we end up back in the same place,

Editor’s note: Here’s the second part of Richard White’s thoughts on the impact of strategic planning in charting the city’s future growth. Part 1 is featured in the January issue of Condo Living, and can be seen here: http://digital.sourcemediagroup.ca/ CondoLiving/january2017/html5/

although with a much faster/narrower scope of strategic plans vs. longer community-wide comprehensive planning in ARPs. Still a big improvement, but not within difficulty.

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES?

A key question will also be how to avoid the natural inclination to push back against any and all change. Most communities don’t want to change, even if change could improve conditions. Consequently, proactive strategic planning could quickly devolve into a “why are you picking on our community? why does our community have to absorb more growth than theirs? “ Of course, there are good reasons for this (as noted above, proximity to transit, main streets, large under-utilized tracts), but these rarely convince communities opposed to change from suddenly welcoming it. The differing CA capacities could also result in a “planning by resistance” regime.

LAST WORD

When it comes to strategic vs. comprehensive urban planning “are we damned if we do and damned if we don’t?” CL

Richard White has been writing about Calgary urban living for over 20 years. Follow him on twitter @everydaytourist, read his blogs at everydaytourist.ca or contact him at richardlw@shaw.ca CO N D O L I V I N G FEB RUARY 2017

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INNER-CITY TOWNHOMES Grosvenor includes townhomes in their Beltline condos

ownhomes, according to Robert Duteau, are filling in the “missing middle” of residential options. The Calgary-based senior vice-president of development for Grosvenor Americas, says many who go the condo route due to budget, lifestyle, or location reasons, often miss the staircases, private entries, and outdoor space that are integral parts of a home. Townhome designs like those Grosvenor has included in the 18-storey Smith building at 15th Avenue and 6th Street S.W. and the 318-unit Avenue building at 5th Avenue and 10th Street S.W., being developed by Grosvenor and its partner Cressey Development Group, he adds, typically contain all of these features while eliminating the maintenance needs that come with a detached home. “A string of townhouse projects are filling in the missing middle of housing options, between high-maintenance detached homes and the amenity-rich but communal living associated with condo product,” says Duteau. Townhomes located this near to the

Smith

downtown core are also rare to come by, and that attracts a very specific market too. In comparison to detached homes, townhomes require less maintenance, are typically built of concrete, offer amenities such as concierge service and a gym or fitness centre, are located more centrally, and are lower-priced. Recent figures from the Calgary Real Estate Board show that prices for townhomes on the resale market tend to be lower than detached homes. Late last fall, the average selling price of a detached home came in at $876,898. At the same time, a luxury townhouse in Avenue was priced at $703,900. In Smith, prices start at $598,900. When looking at the differences between condo units and townhouses, one of the big factors is that owners have their own doors to the street and their own address, and outdoor spaces. Townhomes tend to be larger, many with two floors that allow both privacy and space. Grosvenor Americas has focused its construction in the Beltline area of the city, a hot spot for those looking to leave the suburban commute behind for a more walkable lifestyle. “A long time ago we recognized the trend to urbanization that is happening in Calgary and believe nowhere is this trend happening faster than in the Beltline,” Duteau says, adding that townhomes in both Smith and Avenue offer “unbeatable” locations, along with spacious floor plans — and their own address and front door.

HOPE AT LARGE

By Marty Hope

And the townhouse market continues to grow — and to spread out, he says. Because land prices slip back the further out from the city centre it is, affordability is a key element in the buying decision there. “For these reasons there is a growing interest for townhomes in the suburban marketplace, with the benefit of a lower land cost,” says Duteau. There is no doubt living downtown or on the shoulder of the city core is a lifestyle decision, although price and location are considerations, as well. From the lifestyle perspective, says Duteau, a growing number of Calgarians are reducing their dependence on cars, wanting to avoid long suburban commutes and soak up the vibrancy urban centres create. “This new trend is re-energizing the city’s downtown and creating demand for denser urban living options where residents can walk, bike, or take public transit to work or social events. And this trend of urbanization won’t be going to go away anytime soon. Matter of fact, growth is most definitely in the cards, according to Duteau. “We see this as a trend that will increase steadily over time,” he says. “And the demand for both condos and townhouses will continue to increase as Calgarians continue to urbanize and the city densifies.” CL

Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry. CO N D O L I V I N G FEB RUARY 2017

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

High Volume Roads Main Roads

Parks

Bodies of Water

36 4 8

38 35

27 10

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

NOSE CREEK PARKWAY

NOSE HILL PARK

CANADA OLYMPIC PARK

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

25 PRINCE'S ISLAND

19 20

5 31 22 STAMPEDE PARK

Read… Discuss… Join In… follow condo living on: Condolivingcalgary

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@Condolivingyyc

North West, North East and Inner City | CALGARY

MAP

1 3

7 20

13 14

9 8 10 19

11 12 13 14

CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

23 15

16 17

INNER CITY INNER CITY PROJECTS Kensington INK 3 EZRA on Riley Park 4 Avenue West End 5 Vogue 6 The Concord 7 Waterfront 8 FIRST 9 Evolution 10 Verve 1

11 6th and Tenth

12 The Guardian South 13 The Orchard

14 The Park 15 The Block

21 Duke at Mission

22 Park Point

23 The Royal

16 Drake 17 Smith

18 The District 19 N3

20 Riverfront Pointe

NORTH WEST | NORTH EAST PROJECTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ZOO

9 10 11 12 13

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

14 ARRIVE at Skyview 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Ranch Arbours Groves of Varsity University City Synergy of Sky Pointe IVY LiFTT 43 Park Victory and Venture Bridgeland Crossings Killarney Townes ARRIVE at Evanston Bridgeland Hill

26 Ezra on Riley Park 27 Carnaby Heights

28 Vivace at West 85th

29 Ashbury at Saddlestone 30 The Link at Evanston 31 RADIUS

32 Diseño 33 Cityscape Townhomes

34 The Henry 35 The Loop in Evanston 36 Link at Symons Gate 37 Verona

38 Maverick at Livingston

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CALGARY MAP | South West, South East and Calgary Area

11 7 41

8 11 7

4 6

AIRDRIE

50 5

10 51

MAP LEGEND

High Volume Roads Main Roads

Parks

Bodies of Water

10 11

See Advertiser Index for Project Page Reference

3 2 9 4

8 13

COCHRANE 2

2 3

14 19 1

CHESTERMERE

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OKOTOKS/DE WINTON

South West, South East and Calgary Area | CALGARY

MAP

SOUTH WEST | SOUTH EAST PROJECTS 1 Valmont at Aspen

18 MidCity

35 Stonecroft at Copperfield

19 Hunter House 20 Origins at Cranston

36 Copperfield Park III

3 4 5 6

7 8

34 26

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Stone Morena West Overture Axess Armory Juno at Currie The Alex GLAS Brooklyn Condominiums Altadore 36 Avli on Atlantic Mission34 SoBow Buffalo at Silverado Champagne The Gates Killarney Townes

37 Mahogany Street Towns

21 Legacy Gate 22 Harvest Mosaic

38 Legacy Street Towns

23 Villas of Riverstone 24 Cranston Ridge

40 Elements

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

39 Livingstone Townes 41 MAX 42 My 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

51 The Ashford

52 Westman Village

CALGARY AREA PROJECTS AIRDRIE

1 Riviera Riversong

2 Windsong 3 Creekside Village 4 Waterscape at

2 Jumping Pound

Cooper’s Crossing

5 Stone Keep at 6 7

COCHRANE

1 The Edge

9 10 11 12

King’s Heights Ravenswood Townhomes Brookside at Baysprings ZEN Ravenswood Newport at Canals Landing Hillcrest Townhomes Midtown Gates at Hillcrest

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

40 18

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

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

36 32 26 28 47 31 29 30 22

44 52

48 21 38 49 39 42

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CO N D O L I V I N G FEB RUARY 2017

STREETSIDE MAKES BIG STRIDES IN 2017

treetSide Developments has always been at the forefront of Calgary’s multi-family market. With such hit condo and townhome developments like Hunter House, Killarney Townes and Vivace, the multi-family arm of Qualico Communities has managed to stay ahead of the game even in these trying economic times. And they are at it again in 2017 with a slew of new developments. StreetSide kicks things off with Redstone Townes, which begins selling on March 18. It is the much-anticipated sequel to their popular Kintalla townhomes in the northeast community of Redstone. Redstone Townes are 50 two-storey, open concept, townhomes with yard and detached garage with no condo fees. These modern street townes are fee simple and

have the ability to have up to five bedrooms. With prices starting from the low $300,000s and an unbeatable location in this amenity-rich community, Restone Townes is a sure-fire hit. Buyers can already register at www.liveinredstone.ca. That’s not all that StreeSide has in store for March, as their vividly vibrant condo development, Vivace on West 85th, is

AROUND TOWN

By Pepper Rodriguez

opening three new show homes that affirm the developer’s expertise in creating stylishly modern, hip yet functional living spaces. Vivace has been operating out of their sales centre at the heart of the West 85th commercial centre in this thriving area in the southwest, and having these new one-, and two-bedroom and two-level condos to show will mark a new beginning for the development. For more information on these developments and to see what else StreetSide has going in 2017, visit www.streesidecalgary. com. See also the story on Streetside’s The Loop in Evanston feature in this issue.

AVI URBAN BREAKS GROUND AT BUFFALO AT SILVERADO

vi Urban broke ground on their newest multi-family development, Buffalo at Silverado. The four-acre development is the soon to be home of 88 colonial built townhomes in this rapidly developing southwest community. Attendees participating in the event included Buffalo at Silverado homeowners, Avi Urban staff and trades, who wrote their well wishes for the development on white sky lanterns, which were released during the ceremony. “The ability to see the vision for Buffalo transition from paper to production is a huge milestone for Avi Urban and our purchasers” says Charron Ungar, president of Avi Urban. “With over half the development already spoken for we know that the market response to our product has been successful and the design has achieved our goal of meeting a value statement previ-

ously missing in the market.” Ungar continues, “with full basements and private back yards, we are getting significant traction on the idea that it is possible to own an amenity rich home for an affordable price point. Now that shovels are finally going into the ground we will be able to show a physical representation of our vision and I believe the result will be extraordinary.” Townhomes in the highly sought after development boast two and three-bedroom floor plan options, reaching up to 1,392 squarefeet. Intricate detailing is found through-

out the open concept main floors, including matte black finishes to cabinet hardware, oversized floor tiles, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Buffalo at Silverado reflects the abundance of natural beauty that surrounds it. The prairies, wetlands and mountains afford homeowners the opportunity to experience connectivity with the outdoors. Landscaping and private backyards pay homage to nature, creating an integrated neighbourhood, within the already established community of Silverado. For additional information on Buffalo at Silverado visit aviurban.com/ Buffalo.

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AROUND TOWN |

SHOW SUITE OPENS AT NICHE ONE

good investment, it’s very rare to find this class of concrete condo in the inner city.” Niche One is located on 1629 38 St. S.W., just off 17th Avenue and walking distance to the Westbrook Mall and LRT Station. Prices start at $382,500 plus GST. “In fact, our price-point is on average approximately $40 per square-foot less than market rates for comparable new

wood-frame product. The real value is gained by combining the features of non-combustible concrete and steel construction, geothermal heating and cooling, and superior insulation value that all contribute to ensuring that the buyer owns one of the best condos available in market, and I can proudly stand behind that,” Purewal says. CL

ARRIVE Partners page 6

My Legacy Park Brad Remington Homes page 67, back cover

The Loop StreeetSide Developments page 22

Avenue West End Grosvenor page 4

Origins StreetSide Developments page 42

Verve Fram/Slokker Developments page 43

Carnaby Heights Jayman BUILT FC, pages 14-17

Park Point Qualex-Landmark page 11

Victory and Venture Providence Group page 30

Cove Properties page 5

Quarry Park Remington Developments page 71

Walden Place Cardel Lifestyles page 3

Rise Jayman Modus page 68

Westman Village Jayman BUILT page 2

Smith Grosvenor page 38

Zen Ravenwood Avalon Master Builder page 60

Stonecroft page 58

Zen Redstone Avalon Master Builder page 9

iche One recently opened their show suite that effectively displays the stylish luxury and comfort available at this all-concrete centrally located condo. This hit 18-unit development from Niche Development Corp. has captured the imagination of buyers with the low-density and functional two-bedroom floorplans. But its concrete construction is its best feature. Finding your niche is like finding yourself, and with Niche One, you will find yourself in one of the most comfortably luxurious inner-city condominiums around. Niche One condos possesses all of the inherent superior features of a concrete building, but the low price does not reflect the true value,” says Peter Purewal of Niche Development Corp. Seven of the 18 suites have already been sold, according to Frozan Liaqat, who is handling sales at Niche One. “It’s a really

ADVERTISERS INDEX |

Emerald Sky Carlisle Group page 62 Heritage Hills Stepper Homes page 26 Hunter House StreetSide Developments page 51 Legacy Gate Carlisle Group page 21

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The Guardian Hon Developments page 34