Edmonton New Home & Condo Living - August 2014 by Source Media Group

contents A u g u s t 2014

Features

8 A question of style

Just what is a mid-century modern home anyways?

volume 6 issue 53

15 Tools of the trade

Women moving onto the front lines of the home building industry

Condo Profile

12 Cool condos Jasper House set to rise in the heart of Edmonton Show home Profile

18 Proven performers

Landmark builds quality into every home

Community profile

Walton’s McConachie offers home styles for every taste and budget in an established community

Cover photo by Joy Van Marck

20 Northeast passage

What’s New?

22 Colour me Paisley Tales from the condo zone

30 Whack! #%&*! items

6 Editor’s Message 25 Around Town 26 Maps

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editor’s message

Call me, maybe I must confess, I have a very limited architectural background. Oh sure, I’ve probably been through literally more than 1,000 show homes in my time, so I know a thing or two about construction, about design, about finishings and so on. But no formal education of any kind. Really, I’m more of an expert on the overall industry, the local market and sales and marketing of new homes. Not so much a design guy. That being said, I know a tudor or a ranch bungalow when I see one. After that, however, I’m a little ‘iffy’. That’s why I usually take the wife with me to show homes. She knows all that stuff. Most people don’t know and, as you’ll read in our feature article, even some people who think they know … don’t. From Frank Lloyd Wright to our own local expert, Hopewell Residential’s Brad Wright (no relation), we try to shed some light on how to recognize some of the more common architectural styles. A topic I’m a lot clearer on is women in the trades. More and more women are choosing to train for careers in the construction industry, and that’s a good thing. We had our former editor, Ann Sutherland, speak with several women about what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and how it’s going. Move over Tim the Toolman and Bob the Builder, here comes Cathy the Carpenter! When Toronto’s Brad Lamb, one of the country’s most respected real estate developers, chooses your city to build in, it means something. It means you’ve hit the big time. Because Lamb doesn’t fool around. His company is known for developing high-rise condos in places with high potential and, with the new arena approved, right now that’s Edmonton’s downtown. At 35 stories, Jasper House will be one of the city’s tallest condo projects. Back at ground level, we check in on a few new show home opening, including a whole bunch out at Paisley. It’s kind of a funny name for a community, I know, so read the story on page 22 and see where it came from. We drop in on a couple of Landmark Homes show homes in Glenridding, and update progress on Walton Development’s new community of McConachie. Of course I leave that all up to our expert writers like Joy Van Marck and Shelley Williamson (also a former editor of this very publication!). Meanwhile, I’m busy checking in with the folks at CMHC and CHBA and such, looking for all the latest housing start data and economic impact reports. Well, that and writing my tongue-in-cheek Condo Tales column. Whether you’re a numbers and trends person, like me, just like to look at the photos, or use the ads to plan your preliminary web search or Saturday afternoon, there’s something in New Home & Condo Living for you. If not, call me and we’ll talk about it.

@EdmHomeandCondo 6 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A u g u s t 2 01 4

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Feature

A question of style

By Aaliya Essa

n a recent episode of the HGTV show House Hunters, one half of a same-sex couple looking for a home in Palm Springs asked the realtor to find them a ‘mid-century modern’ home. The realtor had no trouble finding them one, Palm Springs is the capital of classic ‘mid-century modern’. However, when they stepped inside the home the partner who had asked for that style was taken aback. It wasn’t what he was looking for at all. Turns out he had heard the words ‘mid-century modern’ and thought it sounded neat, but he really didn’t know what it meant in terms of home design. Probably not a lot of people do. In fact, probably quite a few folks who throw around phrases like “it’s a Craftsman style home,” like the fellow on TV, wouldn’t know one if they saw it. In the purest sense, a Craftsman house is one constructed from house plans published in Gustav Stickley’s magazine The Craftsman, published from 1901 – 1916. Today, however, there exists a wide variety of homes which can be identified as being Crafstman style, including bungalows, cottages, and farm houses. Someone who does recognize different home styles from their architecture is Brad Wright, VicePresident, Urban Design and Architecture for Hopewell Residential. Here’s what he had to say.

What is a craftsman, or arts and crafts, style home? What are the key design features?

Brad Wright Photo courtesy Hopewell Residential

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“The hallmarks of the Craftsman and the Arts & Crafts home styles are distinctly different. The Craftsman style is defined by its low-pitched gable roofs with broad eaves, large front porches and exposed wooden structural elements. The Arts and Crafts style is an asymmetrical, irregular form, with steep primary hipped or gable roof forms with small eave overhangs, and the overall form is a clear simple shape. The upper floor appears to be built into the roof with upper floor windows being incorporated into dormers which may be in shed or gable form.”

Feature

Just what is a mid-century modern home anyways?

What is mid-century modern home design? What are the key features/elements?

“There are many variations of the modern home design. The ‘Minimal Traditional’ is one example, with a simple, loose form based on the Tudor Style. Generally this style will have a dominating front gable and massive chimney, but with the steep Tudor roof pitch lowered and the façade simplified by omitting most of the traditional detailing. Other styles that fit under the midcentury modern design umbrella are the Ranch-Style bungalow, which has Prairie Style roots, along with the Split-Level, Contemporary and Shed Styles. These homes generally have some traditional decorative detailing but their unusual form clearly marks them as modern homes.”

What is a prairie style elevation? What are the key features? “Prairie-style homes are simplistic in their square design. Boxed shapes at varying heights and depths give the home a unique shape. One of the characteristics that are most obvious with the Prairie-style form is the shallow pitched hip roofs with large overhangs.

At a glance Craftsman • low pitched gable roofs • broad eaves • large front porches • exposed wooden structural elements

Arts & /Crafts • asymmetrical • steep primary hipped or gable roof • small eave overhangs • upper floor windows may have dormers • half height stone or brick columns

Prairie • square design • shallow pitched hip roofs • large overhangs, wide eaves • horizontal emphasis • large chimneys and/or masonry • large inviting entrances often with full

or partial verandas

Mid-century Modern • minimalist Tudor with front gable • ranch-style bungalows and split levels • noted for unusual angles • ample windows and open floor plans

Tudor

Craftsman style

The Craftsman style is defined by its lowpitched gable roofs with broad eaves, large front porches and exposed wooden structural elements.

• steep pitched roof lines • decorative half-timbering • massive chimneys • prominent cross gables • tall, narrow windows

French Country • often square in shape • decorative gables & louvers • steep hip roofs, flared eaves • dormers, shutters • wrought iron work

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Feature Photos courtesy Sabal Homes

Shingle style

Prairie-style homes are designed to blend with the flat prairie landscape with an emphasis on horizontality. They also offer banding of windows, massive chimneys and a strong overall masonry baseline.” Editor’s note: The infamous Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most important and prolific architects of houses in the U.S., was one of the originators of the Prairie School style, which was an outgrowth of both the American Craftsman style aesthetics and its philosophy for quality middle-class home design. See below.

Any other traditional design styles that we see?

French Country style

Classical style

Would you say most homes these days are not any particular style, but borrow elements from several styles? “Many of the homes being built in new communities today do embrace the traditional roots of many of the historical styles found in Alberta. That said, the styles of today are more of an inspiration of the past, rather than replications. Borrowing detailing elements from different styles can be done successfully, however, the form and window patterns on the home itself should be true to the style that is being expressed.” n

“Shingle, French Country and Classical are three other traditional styles currently found.”

Frank Lloyd Wright The Godfather of Prairie Style Architecture Frank Lloyd Wright (born Frank Lincoln Wright, June 8, 1867 – April 9, 1959) was an American architect, interior designer, writer and educator, who designed more than 1000 structures and completed 532 works. Wright believed in designing structures which were in harmony with Fallingw Western P ater. Photo courte s ennsylva humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture. This nia Conse y The rvancy. philosophy was best exemplified by his design for Fallingwater (1935), which has been called “the best all-time work of American architecture.” Wright was an early leader in the Prairie School style of architecture, before having a huge influence on Mid-century Modern design. Prairie style is generally acknowledged to be the first original American architectural style. Houses in this period were described as “bungalows of the Middle-Western type.” Its recognizable characteristics include strong horizontal lines and harmonious interaction with its natural landscape. The best examples exemplify the sensitivity to the surrounding environment to the point that makes it appear that the structure is a natural part of the scenery. However remarkable the exterior character was, though, it was the unique — at the time even radical — interior reorganization that set the Prairie style apart. Instead of the Victorian plan with its small, compartmentalized rooms, this modern innovation opened up interior spaces by creating a more natural flow between rooms. In even relatively small houses, spaciousness was achieved by removing doors and walls and increasing the line of sight from room to room. From this the Mid-century Modern style evolved, with an emphasis on creating structures with ample windows and open floor plans, with the intention of opening up interior spaces and bringing the outdoors in. Many Mid-century houses utilized then-groundbreaking post and beam architectural design that eliminated bulky support walls in favor of walls seemingly made of glass. n

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condo profile

Cool condos Jasper House set to rise in the heart of Edmonton

By Pamela Roth

esidents of Edmonton, prepare to be amazed. A new condominium tower like no other is getting set to emerge from the city skyline. When Brad Lamb, president and CEO of Lamb Development Corp., came to Edmonton from Toronto looking for a location to build his next condominium project, he looked no further than the heart of the city. The approval of a new arena and sports complex was the catalyst for the location of the 35-storey Jasper House, set for construction along 106 Street, just north of Jasper Avenue. If you’re 30 years old and want to live in style downtown, Lamb has no doubt Jasper House is the place to be. “It’s absolutely centre ice,” says Lamb. “We’ve turned our view to Edmonton believing that it is probably the next growth story for high rise housing.” The units at Jasper House range from one bedroom and one bedroom plus den, to two bedrooms and sky penthouses. The top floor is where you’ll find the sky penthouses — two large luxury units complete with terraces. The five floors below that house four suites per floor, then eight suites per floor throughout the rest of the building for a total of 240 suites. Inside, the building boasts some of the best floor plans Lamb says he has ever done. Due to 25,000 feet of land, the building is designed the way Lamb wants it to be, rather than how it has to be due to space restrictions. Ranging in size from 500 square-feet to 2,500 square-feet, the units have nine-foot ceilings and lofty finishes like exposed concrete with exotic hardwood floors. All units also come with gas cooking, large windows to soak in city views, and gas barbecue nozzles on large balconies, adding more living space. Prices range from $239,000 to the millions. “It’s very very hard to achieve good floor plans,” says Lamb. “People are going to be very excited about this. We managed to get a lot of living in small spaces and nobody has yet seen this in Edmonton.” To top it all off, the building will have an incredible private club, exclusive to residents and their invited guests. A specially designed pool will be at the top of the podium, complete with lounges, barbecue areas, a private dining facility and outdoor fireplaces.

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“This is a resort setting in heart of the city,” says Lamb. In order to make his project stand out from the rest, Lamb has hired one of the top high rise architects in Canada, Architects Alliance, to take care of the design, and Design Agency to take care of the interior design. Lamb says the design of the building is something Edmonton has never seen before. It’s all about location, style and design at a great price. His vision is to have the average person surrounded by beauty. “We try to build cool housing in any city we work in. It is unlikely that another project in Edmonton will compete with us in that area,” says Lamb. “Every single part of this building is going to be beautiful and affordable, and that’s hard to accomplish.” A sales office is slated for construction in late fall. Construction on the actual tower isn’t anticipated for another year and a half. n

Fast Facts Community: Downtown Developer: Lamb Development Corp. Project: Jasper House Style: High rise apartments Size: 500-2,500 sq. ft. Price: From $239,000 to over $1 million Location: Jasper Avenue & 106 Street N.W. Web: www.lambdevcorp.com A u g u s t 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 1 3

COVER feature

Tools of the trade Women moving onto the front lines of the home building industry

By Ann Sutherland

Editor’s Note: Move over Tim the Toolman, make way for Cathy the Carpenter! Gone are the days when new home construction sites were the sole realm of testosterone-driven men; belching, farting, sweating, swearing and doing all things manly. Now women are getting in on the act too. Well, the home construction part anyways, although we’re sure there’s a few who can hold up their end in some of the above categories also. The demand for skilled labour in the new home building industry has never been greater, and females are helping fill the void. We spoke to some of the people on the front lines, and what we found was just the tip of the iceberg, as women flock to the trades in record numbers.

Lori Pittman

ori Pittman is at her worksite by 6:30 a.m., starts work by 7, and puts in a long day as a carpenter. The 44-year old mother of two is a third year carpentry apprentice who loves her career — the security, the challenges and the money. She is one of an increasing number of women who have entered the predominately male sector, and, like other women, is finding it to be a rewarding career. “I was a single mom with two kids and at a turning point in my life. I’d always been a do-it-yourselfer and had an interest in carpentry,” she says. Five years ago she took the plunge and with pre-apprenticeship training from Women Building Futures, an organization that supports women in the trades, she started her new career in carpentry.

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COVER feature

It is organizations like Women Building Futures and NAIT’s Women in the Trades & Technology (WITT), that encourage women to go into JudyLynn Archer trades and provide support for them once they are there. JudyLynn Archer, president and CEO of Women Building Futures, says women are an untapped resource in an area that is going to have a shortage of skilled trades workers in the next few years. It’s still a male-dominated field, but one goal of Women Building Futures is to attract and retain more women. “It’s safe to say that right now about 96 per cent of people working in trades are men, and only four to six per cent are women,” says Archer. “Our goal in the next five years is to see a 300 per cent increase in women in the construction workforce. That translates to 1900 women per year.” It is organizations like Women Building Futures and NAIT’s Women in the Trades & Technology (WITT), that encourage women to go into trades and provide support for them once they are there.

While there have always been females in the trades, Stephenie Fuhrer, WITT coordinator and Apprentice Facilitator at NAIT, would like to see more. The number of women entering trades over the past 10 years has stalled at about 10 per cent. “One reason is that younger girls don’t know the options for careers that are out there. We need to get out there and recruit, go out to junior high schools to let girls know that a career in the trades is an option.” Rose Naqvi-Parasynchuk, vice-president of Cameron Homes, welcomes female trades workers. She sees a few women on their sub-trade crews. Like Fuhrer, she would like to see more women in the trades. “Women bring different qualities, a different mindset and skillset,” she says. “It’s a totally different dynamic in a positive way and brings a cohesiveness to the crew when you have men and women working together.” Naqvi-Parasynchuk believes women are better at multi-tasking on the job because they are used to doing it — juggling work, family, kids — and adjusting to different tasks. “They also have a great attention to detail so women bring a real synergy that complements the men’s skillsets.” Stephenie Fuhrer 16 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A u g u s t 2 01 4

COVER feature

“It’s never been a better time for women to go in to the trades... and the doors are opening for them.”

Jaenelle Cardinal Jaenelle Cardinal is one of those women who had never thought of going into trades. “I was thinking of nursing, but that turned out not to be a good fit,” says the fourth-year carpentry apprentice at NAIT. “I took some temp work in carpentry and realized this is what I wanted to do, so I kind of fell into it by accident.” And it’s turned out to be a good accident that gives her good security and good pay. She has worked on residential projects and is currently working in commercial carpentry. The hours are long — 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week — and she can’t wait to get her journeywoman ticket. “I’d love to be in a leadership role teaching others and mentoring other women.” Women working in trades doesn’t come without challenges. Smaller companies might not have a separate bathroom. There are physical demands, especially when pregnant. And there is the challenge of working in a male-dominated field.

“Women have to prove themselves over and over again,” says Naqvi-Paransynchuk. “Overtime can be an issue. Usually she is a single mom and the breadwinner with obligations to her family. Companies have to be more accommodating.” For Pittman, attitude and perceptions are her biggest challenges, but she believes those can be easily changed. “It’s all how you present yourself. You have to establish boundaries. What I do is find a mutual common ground. For me it’s topics we can talk about like food and family that keeps the conversation on good terms.” Both NAIT’s WITT and Women Building Futures offer support to women in the trades and prepares them for the challenges they may face. JudyLynn Archer believes that the better prepared you are, the better your chances of success. “Working in the trades is different from what most women know,” she says. “We prepare them not just with trades skills but also the skills outside the toolbox. It’s understanding what the expectations are so they will succeed and earn that credibility.” What does the future hold for women entering the trades? It is looking brighter and brighter. There is an increasing demand for skilled trades workers, and women are more than capable of filling that need. Women Building Futures is seeing an increase in women interested in the trades. They take in 50 to 60 women at any given time. Last year 3,000 women contacted the organization and this year they are anticipating 4,000 interested women. “It’s never been a better time for women to go in to the trades,” says Archer. “And the doors are opening for them. Industry is now much more accepting and keen. They want the best and brightest regardless of gender. We have companies coming to us to looking for tradeswomen and investing in them.” For Cardinal and Pittman, working in the trades has opened doors and is leading them toward rewarding careers with opportunities to branch into related fields. Cardinal is combining carpentry with a two-year business management diploma with the goal of someday running her own company. Pittman has completed her National Construction Safety Officer training and sees her future in the area of workplace safety. Earning power aside, what Archer is hearing is that women are blown away that they can do this work. “They are earning good money, but also confidence and respect. It can be very empowering for them.” n A u g u s t 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 17

show home profile

proven performers Landmark builds quality into every home

By Stephanie Dubois

pen, spacious, luxurious living are some of the words that first come to mind when stepping into The Glenabbey show home by Landmark Group of Builders at 2135 Glenridding Way S.W. in southwest Edmonton. According to Landmark area sales representative Caitlin Kanizaj, the home building company really listened to what future homebuyers wanted and incorporated many of those elements in this 2,400-squarefoot $585,000 home. The Franklin show home — which recently opened across the street, at 2140 Glenridding Way S.W. — is a great first step for young professionals, says marketing specialist Casey Moulton. The 1,610-square-foot home — which features a detached garage — is a great starter house for an individual or a young couple looking to grow with their home. Pricing starts at $424,000. n

...the home building company really listened to what future homebuyers wanted and incorporated many of those elements... Fast Facts Community: Glenridding Builder: Landmark Homes Project: The Glenabbey and The Franklin Size: Glenabbey 2,400 sq. ft Franklin 1,610 sq. ft. Price: Glenabbey from $585,000 Franklin from $424,000 Location: 2135 (Glenabbey) and 2140 (Franklin) Glenridding Way S.W. Web: www.landmarkgroup.ca

Photos are of The Glenabbey show home

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community profile

Northeast Passage

Walton’s McConachie offers home styles for every taste and budget in an established community By Shelley Williamson

ome buyers looking to get into a new address in a community that already has creature comforts in place will want to take a stroll through Walton’s McConachie. “McConachie is one of the more established, yet new communities in the northeast,” says Jill Curtis, marketing coordinator for Walton Development and Management of the community that’s now selling into Stage 5 after six years of busy development. In addition to existing pond, park and pathways and about 700 of its future 1,700 homes already complete, the northeast neighbourhood also has plenty of green space in the works to offer families to spread out in close to front doors. “Something we are really excited about in Stage 5 is the development of two parks, one of which includes a playground,” notes Curtis. “Families from all over McConachie will enjoy the playground only a short walk away and the other park is a great spot to fly a kite, play Frisbee or just have a picnic.” Jayman MasterBUILT, Sabal Homes, Morrison Homes, and Royal West Homes are crafting homes with front-attached garages, while

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Innovations by Jayman, Sabal Homes, Morrison Homes, and Royal West Homes are also offering homes with convenient rear lanes and detached garage options. And for buyers looking to get into the coveted community, Innovations by Jayman has begun pre-selling semidetached front garage styles in Stage 5A. And for those who prefer to leave the yard work to someone else, Royal West Homes has adult bungalow and townhome options, while Carlisle Homes and Seymour Pacific have condominiums up for grabs. “The homebuilders are one of the main draws of Walton’s McConachie. They’re builders buyers know and can trust,” says Curtis. But buyers can view for themselves the selection and value that abounds in the community off 167 Avenue, just west of Manning Drive. With 15 show homes to view daily (except Fridays), there truly is a home style for everyone in McConachie. “There are so many

community profile

“There are so many home options, McConachie is attracting everyone from singles to families.” home options, McConachie is attracting everyone from singles to families,” says Curtis. “And we are also seeing people moving up within the community. The fact that it is a new community that is already built up and established, really appeals to people.” The tried and true architectural styles of Arts and Crafts mandated for McConachie make for an attractive, cohesive and stylish neighbourhood that is sure to hold its home values longterm. With several stages already complete, there’s no guessing needed as to the neighbourhoods look and feel. “The architectural styling is another difference between Walton’s McConachie and some of the other neighbourhoods,” says Curtis. “Home buyers can meander through the streets of the community and to get the look and feel of what it is like to live there.” Meanwhile, access to anywhere in the city is a breeze, thanks to the neighbourhood’s close proximity to the Anthony Henday and Manning Drive. And shopping is nearby to Walton’s McConachie as well at Hollick Kenyon Landing Shopping Centre or Manning Town Centre. “McConachie offers connected living because it’s so well connected to recreation, shopping and transportation both within and outside the community,” says Curtis. n

Fast Facts Community: McConachie by Walton Development and Management in northeast Edmonton Builders: Jayman MasterBUILT, Innovations by Jayman Sabal Homes, Morrison Homes, Royal West Homes, The Carlisle Group and Seymour Pacific Development Styles: Single-family front-attached garage and rear-detached lane homes; semi-detached Prices: Front garage homes from the $440,000s, rear-laned homes from the $330,000s, condominiums from the $130,000s, semidetached front garage homes from $399,000, townhomes from the $270,000s and adult villas from the $370,000s Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m. Web: www.mcconachie.ca

what’s new? with Joy Van Marck

Colour me Paisley Brookfield Residential cuts the ribbon on their newest community Brookfield Residential, one of Edmonton’s most respected community and home builders, celebrated the opening of Edmonton’s newest community, Paisley at Heritage Valley, on June 26. Guests enjoyed an official ribbon cutting and speeches by Louise Gibson, VP Edmonton Communities of Brookfield Residential, artist Dan Corson, and the guest of honour, Brian Paisley himself, in a special virtual address. Named after one of Edmonton’s most famous and innovative citizens, Brian Paisley, founder of Edmonton’s Fringe Festival, Paisley is a community that celebrates the energy and diversity that makes Edmonton an exceptional place to call home. Like the community’s namesake, Paisley will be unique and original without compromising the quality associated with Brookfield communities. With more than 55 years of experience creating communities in Alberta, Brookfield Residential is known for delivering outstanding homes and communities and Paisley will be no exception. “Brookfield Residential chose to name this community after Mr. Paisley because we wanted to create something unique and honour the creativity and diversity of Edmontonians in a new way,” says Louise Gibson, VP Edmonton Communities with Brookfield Residential Alberta. “We believe that Paisley truly embodies his winning formula: Never bland. Never boring. Always original.” In a video addressing the audience, Paisley explained his surprise and honour at being chosen for the inspiration behind one of Edmonton’s most innovative Innovations by Jayman show homes

L to R: Trent Edwards, Rich Westren, Dylan Hunchak and Louise Gibson

communities. “Having a neighbourhood named after you is, I have to admit, a peculiar honour,” explains Brian Paisley. “And it’s especially odd when you’re still around to witness the ground breaking and start of construction, and there’s a good chance that you will actually get to see the place in its full, occupied glory.” Creativity and culture are at the heart of Paisley, and Brookfield Residential has donated four magnificent public art sculptures by renowned artist Dan Corson for the community to enjoy. These wonderful works of art stand in stately black and white during the day then as evening comes they burst into an amazing display of vibrant colours. It is not only public art that has Edmonton excited for Paisley, the community also features an interesting aesthetic blend of traditional and modern architecture that embraces a true mix of housing options, where townhomes and condos are nestled seamlessly among single detached homes. The result is an inviting community that promotes interaction and connectivity among residents. Coventry Homes show homes

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Community art

A large parkland corridor that intersects the neighbourhood injects a natural connection into the heart of Paisley, linking the community to adjoining natural spaces. Plenty of green space, parks and playgrounds are all welcomed features. Paisley is a great place to be where services are all close by. Conveniently located at 141st Street and Paisley Road SW, just north of 28th Avenue, the community is pedestrian-friendly with transit stops no more than 400 metres from any home. The residents of Paisley enjoy a wide variety of amenities, including: The Currents at Windermere, Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre, Jagare Ridge Golf Club and so much more. Easy access to Ellerslie Road, Anthony Henday and Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) makes getting anywhere convenient. Paisley has been specifically designed to provide the most affordable choice for home-buyers in southwest Edmonton. Architecture and landscaping in the community have been

planned with the average family’s budget in mind. The community of Paisley offers four distinctive architectural home styles including hearthstone, panache, carriage house and urbane designs, creating the perfect blend of modern aesthetics and tasteful tradition. The combination of front driveway and rear lane homes create streetscapes that encourage interaction. •Coventry Homes and Homes by Avi present front double attached garage, single-family homes with innovative floor plans and exciting special features. •Laned single-family homes by Daytona Homes Master Builder and Innovations by Jayman offers spacious two-storey designs with creative options to suit your lifestyle needs. •Innovations by Jayman also offer townhomes with a variety of floor plans and unique designs. •Brookfield Residential features both laned and front drive duplex homes. With all the housing choices available and 13 show homes to view you will be sure to find your new home in Paisley. Visit the show homes today to discover why Paisley will be the next community of choice in sought-after south Edmonton. Just turn south off the Henday onto Rabbit Hill Road, then left onto Ellerslie Road and right on 141 Street. Go south until you see Paisley on your left. You can also discover more at paisleycommunity.com. n Daytona Homes Master Builder show homes

Joy Van Marck has been a fixture on the local new housing scene for more than 25 years, working for both industry publications and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region. When it comes to knowing who is developing or building what, and where, nobody knows more than Joy. A u g u s t 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 2 3

AROUND TOWN By Jim Zang

Alberta residential construction generates $17.9 billion Alberta’s residential construction economic impact hit $17.9 billion last year as investment in home building and renovation climbed, according to a new study for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta (CHBA – Alberta). Investment rose more than 17 per cent or $2.7 billion in 2013 over the previous year. The work produced more than 100,000 jobs for Albertans and nearly 25,000 jobs elsewhere in Canada. Wages totaled $7.9 billion. The value of new home construction reached $9.7 billion while renovation work totaled $6.7 billion. Expenditures such as realty and legal fees added $1.5 billion. “Builders broke ground on almost 100 new homes a day last year and construction is forecast to rise again in 2014. Buying a new home or starting a major renovation is a giant vote of confidence in Alberta’s future and the strength of the housing market,” said Stephen Amonson, President, CHBA – Alberta. The new economic impact report for Alberta was prepared by Will Dunning Inc., a consult-

Walton plans new industrial park Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), WAM Development Group (WAM) and Walton Group of Companies (Walton) have formed a joint venture to develop a 250-acre industrial site in northwest Edmonton. The project will transform the Henday Industrial Park into approximately 4,000,000 square-feet of distribution and logistics warehousing. Ground breaking will occur this summer. “We look forward to a very productive and successful partnership with CPPIB and WAM Development Group,” said Bill Doherty, CEO of the Walton Group of Companies. “The property is strategically located within an existing full-service industrial development and in close proximity to major transportation corridors servicing Edmonton’s growing industrial market.”

ing firm that specializes in housing market analysis, and is based on actual results for 2013, and includes investment, direct and indirect employment, and wages paid. The report shows almost a fifth of all new homes built in Canada were in Alberta — well above the province’s 11.5 per cent share of the national population — and the highest proportion since 2007. Edmonton Facts

• 14,689 new home starts in 2013 • 49,700 jobs in hew home construction and related fields • $3.1 billion in wages — that show up as purchases across the local economy • $6.5 billion in investment value — the largest single wealth-builder for most families

Stephen Amonson

June housing starts Housing starts in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 13,045 units in June compared to 12,831 in May, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR)1 of total housing starts. “The trend in total housing starts moved higher in June as the pace of both single-detached and multi-family starts increased. Although new home construction in Edmonton gained momentum in June, total housing starts remain lower than 2013 levels, particularly in the multi-family segment,” said Christina Butchart, CM-

HC’s Senior Market Analyst for Edmonton. CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. As far as the actual numbers go — see chart below — June 2014 starts were down slightly from last year’s levels, for both single and multi-family homes. Overall, on a year-to-date basis, however, 2014 is still lagging way behind last year’s totals mainly due to a couple of large multi-family projects that inflated 2013 numbers. Single family home starts, on the other hand, are actually up. n

June 2013

June 2014

January – June 2013

January – June 2014

Single-family detached

589

580

2,800

2,937

Multi-family

1,161

924

5,166

3,353

Total

1,750

1,504

7,966

6,290

A u g u s t 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 25

CITY OF EDMONTON MAP

HOME PROPERTIES 1. Ambleside in Windermere 2. Langdale in Windermere 3. Glenridding 4. Upper Windermere 5. Keswick on the River 6. Windermere Ridge 7. Windermere Grande 8. Creekwood Chapelle 9. Windermere South 10. Chappelle Gardens 11. One at Windermere 12. Ambleside South 13. Ellerslie Heights 14. Lake Summerside 15. Callaghan 16. Rutherford Heights 17. Walker Lakes North 18. Willow Haven 19. Walker Lakes Station 20. Allard 21. Ravines of Richford 22. Callaghan in Heritage Valley 23. The Orchards at Ellerslie 24. Royal Oaks 25. Charlesworth 26. Mapleridge & Oakridge 27. Tamarack 28. Laurel 29. Laurel Crossing 30. Maple Crest 31. Willow Haven 32. Tamarack Common 33. Lakeview 34. McConachie 35. McConachie Landing 36. Cy Becker 37. Village at Schonsee 38. College Woods at Lakeview 39. Terraces at Schonsee 40. Vita Crystallina Nera 41. Manning Village 42. Fraser River Park 43. Castlebrook 44. Hawks Ridge at Big Lake 45. Village at Griesbach 46. Trumpeter by Big Lake 47. Newcastle 48. Morningside 49. Tuscany Hills 50. Palisades 51. Legacy Pointe 52. Starling at Big Lake 53. Hudson Park 54. Woodhaven-Edgemont 55. Wedgewood 56. Properties of Donsdale 57. River Pointe at Cameron Heights 58. Hampton Terrace 59. Edgemont 60. Copperwood 61. Cameron Heights 62. Hampton Pointe 63. Granville 64. Secord

2 6 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A u g u s t 2 01 4

CONDO PROPERTIES 1. Elements Glenridding 2. Ion in Ambleside 3. Village at Langdale 4. L’attitude Studios 5. The Signature 6. Windermere Mansions/Waters 7. Elements at Windermere 8. The Leger 9. South Terwillegar 10. Ravine Point at Mactaggart Ridge 11. Magrath Green 12. Waterstone in Mactaggart Mains 13. Sparrow Landing at Larch Park 14. Rutherford Landing 15. Callaghan Ravines 16. South Callaghan Townhomes 17. Creekwood Chappelle/Landing 18. Callaghan Landing 19. Elan 20. E’scapes 21. Regency at Windermere 22. Charlesworth 23. Southwinds 24. Walker Lake Landing 25. Elements Hamptons 26. Elements at Laurel Crossing 27. Trails of Millcreek Estates 28. Urban Village on Whyte 29. Aspen Meadows 30. Southern Springs 31. The Edge in Ellerslie 32. Mirra 33. Shorewinds 34. Station Pointe 35. Northshore 36. Brintnell Summit 37. Clareview Vistas 38. The Avenue at Hermitage 39. Air Harbour 40. Lakeview Terrace 41. Elements at McConachie 42. Elements at Hermitage 43. Village at Griesbach

44. Albany Trails 45. Aviva 46. Victory Lane/Point/Park 47. Upper Carlton 48. Bellwether Park 49. Silhouette at Carlton 50. McCrae Estates 51. Village at Trumpeter 52. Legacy Pointe 53. Starling at Big Lake 54. Elements at Albany 55. Caernarvon Keep 56. Juno 57. Californian Parkland 58. Jasper Gates 59. Secord Corner 60. South Hamptons 61. Jade 62. Glastonbury Estates 63. The Vanier 64. Glenora Skyline 65. Stafford Greens 66. Mill Creek Park 67. Bentley 68. Urban Village 69. The University Brownstones 70. Studio off Whyte 71. Vistas Estates 72. Fox 73. Symphony 74. Alta Vista 75. Icon 76. Encore 77. Serenity 78. Studio ED 79. Meridian Plaza 80. Pearl 81. Quest 82. High Street District Properties 83. Edmontonian Sky Garden 84. Ultima 85. Jasper House 86. Azure

46 51

53 52

44 48

59 64

57 63 65 62 58 59 62 60

54 82

78 81 77 80

76 72 84 75

74 79

86 73 5

INNER CITY

CITY OF EDMONTON MAP 49 43

51 52

40 38

54 45

40 33

35 39

41 39 34

50 47 49

41 37

50 45 56 46 43

55 53

42 38

58 63

66 70

69 26 56 57 27 30

5 61

32 28

11 7

29 6

4 2

1 3

13 31 25 18

21 10 8

15 16 22 20

14 17 23

19 24 A u g u s t 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 27

EDMONTON AND AREA MAP

NEW HOMES 6

1. Regency Heights Estates in Kingswood 2. Lacombe Park Estates 3. North Ridge 4. Erin Ridge 5. Upper Manor Pointe 6. The Club & Residences of River’s Gate 7. Tuscany Hills/Upper Tuscany 8. Pinnacle Ridge Estates

2 3

3 2 1

CONDOS 1. Sage Gardens 2. Citadel Village 3. Botanica 4. Tenor on the River

1 ST. ALBERT

CONDOS 1. Maple Brooke Villas

2 MORINVILLE 4

9 10

2 1

12 7

5 6 1

1. Hilldowns 2. Vanderbuilt Common 3. Spruce Village 4. Parkland Village 5. Hawthrone at Heatherglen 6. Springate at Sprice Ridge 7. Greenbury 8. Hills of Twin Lakes 9. Deer Park Estates 10. Kenton Village 11. The Woods at Kenton 12. Prescott

NEW HOMES

5 7

CONDOS

1. Windsor Estates 2. King Street on Park 3. Century Gates

5 SPRUCE GROVE 7

NEW HOMES

5 4

1 6

7 STONY PLAIN 2 8 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A u g u s t 2 01 4

2 3

CONDOS 1. Barth & Gosset Manor 2. Willows End 3. Westerra Manor

9 2

1. The Brickyard at Old Town 2. Genesis on the Lakes 3. Lake Westerra 4. Silverstone 5. Spring Lake Ranch 6. Southcreek 7. The Estates at Waters Edge 8. Hills of Twin Lakes 9. Willows End

8 LEDUC

EDMONTON AND AREA MAP 6

NEW HOMES 1. Southpointe 2. Southfort Ridge 3. Southfort Meadows 4. Southfort Estates 5. Forest Ridge in West Park 6. West Woodlands 7. Sienna

CONDOS

1. Walnut Grove

CONDOS

1. Riverside Point

3 GIBBONS

5 2

4 FORT SASKATCHEWAN

NEW HOMES

8 1

1 6

1. Aspen Trails/Emerald Hills 2. Foxboro 3. Ardrosson Heights 4. Lakeland Ridge 5. Summerwood

10 7 3 2

4 9

6 2

6 SHERWOOD PARK

9 NEW HOMES 1. Meadowview 2. Tribute 3. Windrose 4. Suntree 5. Southfork 6. Robinson

CONDOS

6 2

CONDOS 1. Princeton Court 2. Creekside Village in Summerwood 3. Element Lofts & Flats 4. Lakeland Ridge 5. Centre in the Park 6. Evolve Lakeland Ridge 7. Elements Summerwood Park 8. Eton Park Villas 9. Windsor Park 10. Estates at Sunview Lane

1. Windrose 2. The Springs at Bridgeport 3. Royal West Homes 4. Suntree Pointe 5. The Rushes of Southfork 6. Southfork Street Towns

NEW HOMES

1. Coloniale Estates 2. Place Chaleureuse 3. Triomphe Estates 4. Dansereau Meadows 5. Ruisseau 6. Royal Oaks

CONDOS

1 3 2

1. Goudreau Heights 2. Montrose Estates

9 BEAUMONT A u g u s t 2 01 4 NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G • 2 9

Feature | Tales from the condo zone

Whack! #%&*! Story by Jim Zang Illustration by Lama Azhari

hack! #%&*! It’s a sound immediately recognizable to any golfer. The mating call of the male duffer. But it’s not something you’d expect to hear when you’re on the 32nd floor of the 42-storey high-rise Swissotel in downtown Chicago. So imagine my surprise when, while in town on business many years ago, I awaken, at 6 a.m. not to my alarm, but to the sounds of someone clearly getting in an early morning round. To the east, there is a nine hole executive golf course right below the building, between it and Lake Michigan. Literally right across the street to the north is the Chicago River and the North Pier, where I was introduced to Dick’s Last Resort. But that’s another story altogether, for another magazine. The building is built in the shape of a tall, skinny triangle, and I can see both east and west from the angle of my room. I go to my window, part the curtains, and look down at the course. There’s nobody on it. Nobody. I’m not sure they’re even open yet. But, gosh, the sunrise sure does look nice over the lake, I think, as I climb back into bed. Whack! #%&*! There it goes again. Eyes wide open now, and probably unable to get back to sleep anyways, I fling off the covers, revealing my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle boxer shorts, and tromp to the window again. Hmm. This time there’s a ball on one of the greens. And, sure, isn’t that a couple in the bunker? I look up and down the fairway from tee box to green and there still isn’t a person in sight, although I can hear the sound of a lawnmower starting up. Whack! Louder this time. And no #%&*! And, as I’m watching, another ball lands on the green. As if out of nowhere. Again I look for golfers. Again I see no one. Whack! Another one hits the green. Closer to the pin this time. Again, no #%&*! This time, though, I saw the ball hit the green, watched which way it rolled and was able to trace its trajectory backwards to its origin. Just like they would do with a shooting on CSI: Miami. Who says watching TV isn’t educational? Turns out, the balls are actually coming from somewhere above me. From one of the private condos on the top floors. One with a balcony would be a safe guess. Talk about your elevated tee boxes! n

3 0 • NE W H O ME & C O ND O L I V IN G A u g u s t 2 01 4

Got an interesting Condo Tale to tell? Email us at jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca