VOLUME 14 ISSUE 150 n JUNE 2018
contents
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COVER FEATURE
Loving Seton Stylish, urban and affordable, buyers fall in love with Trico Homes’ laned homes in Seton FOCUS ON
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Get grillin’
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Flex power
Outdoor spaces come in all shapes and sizes, so should your grilling options
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SHOW HOME PROFILE
Jayman BUILT flexes design muscle with latest show home in Redstone
20 Addition by subtraction
Homes by Avi’s Rosewood and Larsson offer more lifestyle, less cost
COMMUNITIES
24 More to love
Midtown grows as new front-drive homes open
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30 A westside story
The Rise at West Grove Estates proves strong demand remains in west Calgary
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IN THE CITY
46 Splish-splash
Where to cool off in Calgary during summer
STYLE
35 Entertaining outdoors Making the most of Calgary’s short summers FEATURE PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 6109 — 6th Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
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Artistic inspiration
Homebuilders shine spotlight on Calgary’s artistic community
COLUMNS
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Around Town Real Estate Insider Hope at Large ITEMS
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Editor’s Message Advertiser Index JUNE 2018 NE W HOME LIVING
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editor’s message n
Driven life
275,582, those aren’t just magic numbers with which I one day hope to hit the lottery jackpot, that’s the current mileage in my 2008 Highlander. You might think those are pretty high numbers for a 10-year-old vehicle, and you’d be right. But my life is one long road trip, not the least of which is spent visiting new show homes and communities in and around Calgary. A lot of that mileage was piled on just this spring as new communities begin sprouting up all over the greater Calgary area, many of which you’ll be hearing about within these pages. We kick things off with our cover feature on Trico Homes’ new zero lot line laned homes in Seton. Many think that this new community coming up in south Calgary is all about townhomes and condos, but singlefamily homes were just added to the mix and Trico Homes is one of the first to open show homes here. We also have Jayman BUILT’s exciting new Karma 24, a chameleon of sorts of homes because of the flexibility it offers. The show home in Redstone shows the five -bedroom option with a main floor bedroom to attract multi-generation homebuyers. And it’s working, judging from the feedback it has received since its launch last month. Homes by Avi is also causing a stir with their family-friendly (and budget-friendly) zero lot line move-up homes in the newest phase in Walden that show an incredible range in style with built-in affordability Next we have the community profiles on Shane Communities’ exciting Airdrie development: Midtown. Located smack in the middle of the growing city, Midtown offers inner-city convenience and style. Then we have Bri-mor’s The Rise at West Grove Estates that has blossomed into the perfect community that balances affordability and style in Calgary’s sought-after west end. We also have a ton of special features that celebrate the return of warm weather. From designing your deck and planning a patio party and finding out the nearest outdoors pool in your community — get out and enjoy the sun. So, do you still wonder how I rack up all that mileage? Believe me, that’s only a fraction of the driving I have to do for a living. And I love every minute — and mile of it. The next round of show home parades that are opening, chances are you’ll see me there too.
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITOR
Pepper Rodriguez
pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Dave Macaulay
dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Vivian Zhang
vivian.zhang@sourcemediagroup.ca P R O D U C T I O N A D M I N I S T R AT O R
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Mel Ladner, Christina Loc, Brandi Holmes, Marty Hope, Mario Toneguzzi ADVERTISING
advertising@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
©2018 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. 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. New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area. New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the property of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289. Source Media Group, 6109 — 6th Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9. T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109, TF: 1.888.932.3101 E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
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focus on
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GET GRILLIN’
Outdoor spaces come in all shapes and sizes, so should your grilling options n BY
Mel Ladner
WHEN THE HOT sun is searing your skin, the last thing you want to do is turn on the indoor oven. Instead why not turn on an outdoor appliance. Whether you need a patio sized grill, a portable camping unit or a gas barbeque all your needs can be met by today’s market. To earn real respect as an outdoor chef, try out a pizza oven or for the ultimate impact turn to pellet grilling. I guarantee the pink pig pellet grill will transform your outdoor space and start easy conversations at backyard parties; don’t forget the bacon! NL
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[ 1 ] Traegar Lil’ Pig pellet grill smoker, $2,499, at BBQ Land. [ 2 ] Eureka Spire LX stove, $192, at MEC. [ 3 ] Tera Gear portable gas grill, $79, at Superstore. [ 4 ] Fontana pizza oven with stand, $4,300, at Canada Outdoor Kitchens. [ 5 ] Fire Magic 30-in. Echelon Diamond grill, $8,499, at BBQ Land. [ 6 ] Traegar Timberline 850 grill, $2,499, at BBQ Land. [ 7 ] BioLite Base Camp grill, $350, at MEC. [ 8 ] Napolean Built-in Prestige Pro 825, $6,699, at Diamond Fireplace & Stone. [ 9 ] Tera Gear 34-in gas smoker, $229, at Superstore. CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
LOVING SETON
Bellview
F
irst-time homebuyers want affordability and functionality, to live in style and to still save. Trico Homes has always been in the forefront when it comes to catering to these buyers’ needs. Trico’s new line of laned homes in some of the most popular communities in Calgary speak of their innovative approach. The renowned homebuilder has revamped their line of detached garage single-family homes to create floor plans that any first-time homebuyer or downsizer looking for space, style and affordability will love. The newly opened zero lot line show homes in the exciting new community of Seton speaks volumes about the acumen of Trico Homes. The Seton line-up of show homes are made up of the McKenzie (1,720 square-feet), the Rowan II (1,745 square-feet) and the Bellview (2,158 square-feet). The last is a three-storey home with a loft space that is quickly becoming a hit in Seton. “Our laned homes have everything a first-time home buyer would need; plans that take into account future growth, functionality and affordability,” says area sales manager Sharon Csabonas. “We’ve already
“Our laned homes have everything a first-time home buyer would need; plans that take into account future growth, functionality and affordability, most of all.” 10 | NE W HOME LIVING
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
Stylish, urban and affordable, buyers fall in love with Trico Homes’ laned homes in Seton
Bellview
sold four laned homes and the community hasn’t even had its grand opening yet.” Standard features already outfit the home in the most stylish yet economical way with laminate flooring through the main floor CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
Bellview
with carpet in the great room, nine foot ceilings on the main floor, 36-inch high kitchen cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and tile flooring in the second floor bathrooms and laundry. The upgraded show home designs display some of the amazing possibilities of the homes. The Bellview with its third floor loft space is quickly becoming a favourite. “There’s so much you can do with that extra living space,” Csabonas says. The show home has it done up as a master bedroom with ensuite with vaulted ceilings. “It just gives the owners that much more privacy and is perfect for multi-generational families.” The McKenzie is a quaint, open concept home, fitted with a modern “L” shaped kitchen, including a central island with breakfast bar. The Rowan features plenty of flexibility and can come with options like a spice kitchen, a four-piece ensuite, or a four-bedroom upper floor. Both the McKenzie and the Rowan also have bonus flex rooms on the second floor, which Csabonas says you don’t usually see in homes in this size and price range. Affordability is key — and these zero lot line homes allow homebuyers to save — not just on the cost of land during the initial purchase, but on property taxes down the line. With prices starting under $400,000, including house, lot and GST, Trico’s laned homes are definitely soughtafter. The community is equally outstanding. “People are falling in love
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE | McKenzie
List of Trico Homes’ upcoming laned home show homes: REDSTONE 665 & 669 Redstone Drive NE Rowan II & McKenzie – Now open D’ARCY 109 & 111 Sandstone Drive, Okotoks Rowan II & McKenzie – Now open EVANSTON 156 & 160 Evanscrest Park NW Rowan II & McKenzie – Now open HERITAGE HILLS 27 Heritage Rise McKenzie – June 9th, 2018 Rowan II
Rowan II
CORNERBROOK 24 Cornerbrook Way NE Bellview (3-Storey) – September 2018
FAST FACTS:
with Seton. It has this energetic vibe with plenty of amenities that are already in place and lots more planned in the future” Csabonas says. The world-class South Health Campus hospital anchors the community, making living here undeniably attractive to health industry professionals. But the amenities that make everyday life a breeze are also already in place. There are already two grocery stores, pubs, restaurants, cinemas and coffee shops for everyday entertainment. With more abound just beyond in the neighbouring communities of Mahogany and Cranston and Auburn Bay. The future holds even more in store, including the largest YMCA facility in the world, a library, a high school opening next school year and two LRT stations within the future Green Line. “The feedback we’re getting is that people want to live in Seton, many don’t even realize they can buy single-family homes here already. It’s very cool, modern urban community with the walkability and amenities of the downtown core in the southern suburbs,” Csabonas says. Trico’s enviable reputation in the industry has allowed it to build its homes in some of the most popular communities in the Calgary. Their
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BUILDER: Trico Homes MODELS: The Bellview, the McKenzie and the Rowan II laned homes COMMUNITY: Seton DEVELOPER: Brookfield Residential SIZE: The Bellview is 2,090 sq. ft.; The McKenzie is 1,640 sq. ft., The Rowan is at 1,730 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts under $400,000s including lot and GST ADDRESS: 45 & 49 & 53 Seton Manor S.E. DIRECTIONS: South on Deerfoot Tr., exit at Seton Blvd. and follow the signs WEBSITE: www.tricohomes.com
new laned homes are available (or soon will be) in Redstone in the northeast, Evanston in the northwest, D’ARCY in Okotoks and Heritage Hills in Cochrane. Trico will also be in the new community of Cornerbrook that will soon launch in the northeast. n
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show home profile
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Jayman BUILT
FLEX POWER Jayman BUILT flexes design muscle with latest show home in Redstone WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
T H E F L E X ROOM is nothing new, it’s extra living space on the main floor or second storey of a single-family home that can be fitted to suite the homeowners needs. But the extent of its possibilities has never been explored as much as Jayman BUILT has with its new Karma 24 model. This new Jayman BUILT show home in the popular northeast community of Redstone is specially outfitted to suit the needs of a big family, or even a multi-generational or extended one. The flex room on the main floor was turned into an optional fourth bedroom with a full bath where the half-bath usually is located. “This is the set-up those families with elderly parents choose,” says Chris Jones, Vice-President for Innovation, Product and Design at Jayman BUILT. “Having the bedroom on the main floor is great for people
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n show
with mobility issues, it’s also the perfect setup for an aging-in-place home. The Karma 24 has tons of flexibility.” Indeed. The 2,285-square-foot double attached garage move-up home can be built with up to eight bedrooms with three full baths — four bedrooms upstairs, one on the main floor and three in a developed basement. It’s almost a small hotel or an excellent AirBnB home. “There’s a incredible rental potential, great long term investment.” The Karma 24 with its ability to accommodate extra bedrooms makes it a perfect match for the new community of Redstone by Qualico Communities that
has attracted a multi-ethnic market who tend to have bigger households. But the innovative nature of the model makes it a fit for almost any community. “There’s lots of storage options that any busy family would need, the kitchen comes with two walls of cabinetry, plus more in the big centre island. There are so many features that will make any family fall in love with it.” Starting from $507,895, the Karma 24 displays all the innovations skill in home design that Jayman BUILT is known for. “Whether you build a Karma 24 as a normal three-bedroom home, or use all its possibilities for up to eight bedrooms, buyers know they will have a home that will fit any and all their needs,” Jones says.
home profile
ABOVE The seeming miles of cabinetry in the Karma 24 kitchen is an absolute showstopper. Not only do they lend an enormous amount of stylish elan to the main floor, the functionality it gives bigger families in terms of storage capacity is undeniable. “I challenge any family to fill them,” Jones says.
LEFT The nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows, plus the glass sliding door to the optional deck outside gives Karma 24 a bright, sunlit interior filled with entertaining possibilities. “It is an entertainers’ home. You can have the best parties with family and friends in the open concept main floor.”
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TOP LEFT The Karma 24 show home has a main floor bedroom that gives it a bungalow lifestyle perfect for families with senior parents living with them. Even if buyers choose to go without the extra bedroom, the main floor flex space can be used as a home office, den or formal dining room.
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show home profile
n Jayman
BUILT
fast facts BUILDER: Jayman BUILT MODEL: Karma 24 COMMUNITY: Redstone DEVELOPER: Qualico Communities
ABOVE Does the picture above look like a basement to you? The ingenious design capability of Jayman BUILT is in full force in Karma 24’s lower level development. “We try to show visitors the extent of possibilities available with all Jayman homes. The nine-foot ceiling of the basement with no bulkheads gives it a more spacious feel.”
SIZE: 2,285 sq. ft. PRICE: From the low $500,000s ADDRESS: 85 Red Embers Manor N.E. DIRECTIONS: Take Metis Trail to 128th Ave. N.E., left on Redstone Boulevard, left again on Red Embers Way, and follow the signs. WEBSITE: www.jayman.com
RIGHT The wonderful façade of the Karma 24 gives it such curb-side appeal that allows it to blend in well with the family-friendly orientation of Redstone. “The community itself has so much going for it — parks, pathways, easy access to everyday amenities — that’s why we chose to make Karma 24’s Calgary debut here,” Jones says.
RIGHT The master bedroom is so spacious and so full of light that getting up in the morning may be a problem. It has room enough to fit a king-size bed handily leaving more room for dressers and night tables. The walk-in closet nearby adds more than enough storage space.
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Jayman BUILT
n show
home profile
LEFT The Karma 24’s upstairs bonus room has a tray ceiling and a modern wallpaper design on the feature wall to give it an added aesthetic touch.
LEFT The upper floor laundry room is designed for big families. It has extra space and an extra linen closet. Efficiency is again utilized by having the laundry room connected to the master bedroom’s walk-in closet and attached ensuite.
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
ABOVE The master ensuite is as stylishly elegant as one might expect. The long double vanity stretches into a make-up desk (a standard feature), and the deep soaker tub is an inviting luxury to end the day. NL
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show home profile
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Homes by Avi
ABOVE The country cottage charm of The Rosewood is evident from its use of white cabinetry, tile backsplash and quartz countertops against a rustic oak hardwood floor. But more than just stylish appeal, it is quite functional with lots of space to work around the centre island with breakfast bar and plenty of cabinet and drawer storage options around. RIGHT Elegance and splendour mark The Rosewood’s great room, the panelling in the coffered ceiling matches the feature wall by the stone fireplace to give it a very memorable style. There’s plenty of room for entertaining and the oversized windows and standard main floor nine-foot ceiling enhances the feeling of spaciousness. “You can have as many guests and you’d never feel cramped,” Ferguson says. BELOW The ingenious flexibility of The Rosewood comes to life in the flex room in the main floor. Designers opted with the barn door entrance to heighten the use of space. “The flex room design allows for the inclusion of a walk-through pantry behind it. Leading from the mudroom garage access to the kitchen, it offers enormous functionality to homeowners,” Ferguson says.
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Homes by Avi n show home profile
ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION
Homes by Avi’s Rosewood and Larsson offer more lifestyle, less cost
WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
HOM E S B Y AV I has always been at the forefront of home innovation in Calgary and their latest effort to find the right balance of form and function has resulted in what could be their most cost-effective and stylish designs yet. The Rosewood and Larsson show homes in the southeast community of Walden have caused quite a stir among buyers since it opened in May, as the zero lot line front-
attached garage models bring a new sense of style and affordability to the family home. Area sales manager Cory Ferguson is particularly excited about the new Rosewood model. “It is a scaled down version of one of Homes by Avi’s most popular models, The Rosedale, and it has been by far the hit in this new show home parade in Walden.” The 2,144-square-foot Rosewood show home elicits oohs and ahhs regularly from visitors with its refined country mansion style. The coffered ceiling with the white plank detail over the great room matches the oak laminate hardwood flooring adding to the allure. The open-tobelow stairwell adorned with contemporary metal railing brings tons of character and drama to the home. The 2,012-square-foot Larsson show home next door is just as spectacular even though it presents less upgrades than the Rosewood. “The Larsson gives buyers a better idea of the kind of high-end standards that Homes by Avi offers, a living-in-style-without-breaking-the-bank vibe,” Ferguson says. And because they are on zero lot lines, Ferguson says buyers can save anywhere from $40,000 to $45,000 just on the cost of land alone. “It’s more house for lesser cost, essentially. The advent of zero lots lines is the best thing to happen to single-family homebuyers.” LEFT The deep soaker tub with tiled facing is flanked by separate vanities in the master ensuite. The Rosewood is very much a family home and the two other bedrooms are designed with an eye on growth and both have walk-in closets. The Rosewood starts from $506,000, including GST.
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show home profile n Homes by Avi
RIGHT Who says you can’t live in style affordably? The Larsson certainly brings a lot of function and flair. The open concept main floor is awash with contemporary stylishness heightened by full-height cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. The corner pantry is a must-have among the first-time homebuyers it attracts. BELOW A well-designed master ensuite is one of the most memorable features of The Larsson and shows the imaginative use of tile for the floors and walls. But if it doesn’t fit your style, Homes by Avi offers a wide range of single-family move up homes from 1,733 to 2,410 squarefeet in Walden starting from $439,900, including home, lot and GST, Ferguson says.
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Homes by Avi
n show
home profile
fast facts BUILDER: Homes by Avi MODELS: The Rosewood and The Larsson COMMUNITY: Walden DEVELOPER: Genstar Developments SIZE: Move-up homes in Walden are from 1,733 to 2,410 sq. ft. PRICE: Move-up homes in Walden start from $439,900, including GST ADDRESS: 313 Walgrove Terrace S.E. DIRECTIONS: South on Macleod Tr., east on 210 Ave. and follow the signs WEBSITE: www.homesbyavi.com
LEFT The engineered vinyl flooring used in The Larsson show home brings to bear the enormous style possibilities of the home, providing the base with which to let your own design inspirations take off. The huge mudroom off the garage also brings tons of functionality for the active, busy family. NL
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community profile n Midtown
MORE TO LOVE
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Midtown n community profile
Midtown grows as new front-drive homes open n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
T H E A L LU R E OF inner-city living has always been Midtown’s biggest edge; after all, living in style and convenience in the middle of an urban setting is what many homebuyers are looking for. Now, with the addition of new front-drive offerings, this young central Airdrie community is fulfilling its vision. During the launch of its new front-drive attached garage show homes in May, Midtown displayed its growing community spirit, and its excellent amenities to the fullest. The addition, of course, of new move-up homes from Excel Homes, Trico Homes and Shane Homes adds more than just a little lustre to the community’s rising popularity. “We’re home to some 200 families now, and they are already enjoying many of the amenities that are already in place,” says Shane Communities’ General Manager — Land Development, Brenden Montgomery. “Having the commercial centre, Midtown Plaza, right within the community has helped a lot, there’s already a Tim Hortons, a gas station, a pharmacy and a pizza parlour, all the onsite amenities that our residents need for an easy living lifestyle.”
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community profile n Midtown
The new commercial centre also helped pave the way in getting traffic lights installed at Midtown’s two entrances. “8th Avenue is a busy thoroughfare and getting across used to be a challenge, having the traffic lights there now allow for easier access,” says Shane Homes area manager Karen Kotchar. Residents even have more to look forward to when a roadway leading to the neighbouring community of Luxstone opens soon. “This will make it easier for kids living here to get to the school just across the way, it’ll be an even easier walk,” says Excel Homes area manager Cathy Tracey. “The biggest draw for Midtown is that it is the only new community in Airdrie that is surrounded by already existing amenities,” says Kotchar. “We’re the only community in Airdrie where you can build new homes in the middle of the city.”
Residents are already enjoying taking leisurely walks around the eight-acre central pond and along the many pathways in the community that lead to Airdrie’s regional pathway system. Here, residents can meet new friends at the tot lot park, get a work out at the open fields with a pickup game of soccer or relax at the promenade overlooking the pond. It is a totally idyllic picture of modern living in Airdrie. Midtown offers no-condo-fee street towns, laned and front-drive duplexes and move-up
HERE, RESIDENTS CAN MEET NEW FRIENDS AT THE TOT LOT PARK, GET A WORK OUT AT THE OPEN FIELDS WITH A PICKUP GAME OF SOCCER OR RELAX AT THE PROMENADE OVERLOOKING THE POND. 26 | NE W HOME LIVING
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Midtown
n community
profile
fast facts
MIDTOWN PROVIDES A RARE SENSE OF OPENNESS IN THE MIDST OF A CITY. single-family homes with front-drive garages. But some opportunities are quickly dwindling. “We’re down to three quick possession duplexes,” says Trico sales associate Jayce Rogers. Trico’s lakefront laned duplexes were among the first to be sold out in Midtown, he adds. Trico, currently, has eight front-drive move-up home models from the $440,000s, including the 2,303-square-foot Fairmont and the 2,092-square-foot The Bentley. There’s more to look forward to, though, as Shane Homes introduces park-front moveup homes this summer. “These will be some of the best lots in Midtown, your guests will never have problems where to park their cars when they come to visit you,” Kotchar says. “Buyers have responded well to our love-it-or-customize-it motto, which allows them to get the home that fits their budgets and lifestyle,” Kotchar says. Shane Homes move-up homes in Midtown start from the $420,000s. Excel Homes is also starting sales for their new townhome product. “These are freehold three-storey with garage townhomes that will be located right next to the Midtown commercial centre for that added convenience. They start from $324,900,” Tracey adds. This “boutique” community is a joint undertaking between Apex Developments and Shane homes’ land development division, Shane Communities, and its biggest strength is its location right in the middle of the growing city of Airdrie. At only 90 acres in size and a build-out of approximately 600 homes, it has an air of exclusivity with budget-friendly prices. Midtown is just off Airdrie’s downtown along 8th Street S.W. and is bordered by Iron Horse Park to the north and the established community of Luxstone to the south, and Main Street is just behind the community. And like Calgary’s upscale inner-city communities, Midtown features this same sophisticated urban style that today’s modern families, single professionals and
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COMMUNITY: Midtown DEVELOPERS: Shane Communities in partnership with Apex Developments BUILDERS: Excel Homes, Shane Homes and Trico Homes TYPES OF HOMES: Free-hold townhomes, duplexes and move-up homes PRICES: From the low $300,000s for townhomes, and from the low $400,000s for move-up homes. DIRECTIONS: North on QEII, west on Yankee Valley Blvd., and north on 8th St. S.W. Airdrie HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.midtowninairdrie.ca
active downsizing couples love. There are seven show homes now open in what Montgomery describes as a “hidden jewel” community. “We already have groceries, entertainment, schools and leisure centres and more surrounding us, all the conveniences of a modern lifestyle are already there for you to enjoy,” he says Midtown provides a rare sense of openness in the midst of a city. With plentiful outdoor conveniences interwoven amongst inspiring new homes with easy access to major thoroughfares and established amenities. NL
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community profile n The Rise at West Grove Estates
A WESTSIDE STORY
The Rise at West Grove Estates proves strong demand remains in west Calgary
n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
A N Y R E S I DE N T I A L DE V E LOPM E N T in the west side of Calgary is almost guaranteed to be real estate gold, and Bri-mor Developments knew it had something special in The Rise at West Grove Estates. But even this veteran and multi-awarded firm was surprised at how buyers have responded to this boutique community. Bri-mor managing director Aleem Dhanani says that he knew there was pent up demand for the right product at the right price in the southwest, but the pace of sales at The Rise has been a pleasant surprise. “Although we knew that home owners wanted affordability without having to sacrifice the most desirable lifestyle, the unprecedented pace of sales highlighted that many have been waiting for just this type of unique opportunity, unseen before on the west side,” he tells New Home Living. The Rise at West Grove Estates is located in Calgary’s most coveted residential area in the southwest. Bounded by the main thoroughfares of Bow Trail and 85th Street S.W., the community is minutes to downtown and a quick escape to a mountain resort getaway.
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The Rise at West Grove Estates
n community
profile
“We are living in a new economic reality in the City and consumers are now simply looking for ‘real value’ — that means great quality, lifestyle, appeal, amenities, greenspaces and all of this at an affordable price.”
It offers a range of double front-attached garage semi-estate homes starting from 2,000 square-feet, as well as smaller bungalow options. They are on lots ranging in size primarily from 34- to 38-feet wide. The offerings from The Rise’s builder group — Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential and Cedarglen Homes — have found a more than receptive market attracted to the stylish brand of semi-estate homes that start from the mid $700,000s. “There is nowhere on the Westside of Calgary where you can buy a home of comparable qual-
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ity, size and in a community with prices starting from the mid $700,000s,” Dhanani says. “Right in the sweet spot between affordability and luxury.” But it isn’t simply about the price point at The Rise. The importance of maintaining an estate feel and lifestyle amenities have also played a key role. “We are living in a new economic reality in the City and consumers are
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community profile n The Rise at West Grove Estates
now simply looking for ‘real value’ — that means great quality, lifestyle, appeal, amenities, greenspaces and all of this at an affordable price,” Dhanani says. “The Rise brings real value to active families, young professionals and empty nesters without having to trade-off important lifestyle choices. With the support and expertise of The Rise’s premier builders, homeowners can express their own taste and personality while designing their
home in the exterior themes of Craftsman, French Country, Arts and Crafts, Tudor and Prairie. “This is the first time we partnered with Bri-mor,” says Cedarglen Homes President Howard Tse. “We found them to be very professional and have deep knowledge and expertise. The Rise also gave us the opportunity to build again in West Calgary and we were able to bring new models here that make full use of the wider lots.” The Rise offers families a great lifestyle — healthy and active. The community is in an established part of town that has ample shopping and dining options right next door, and is only a quick trip to the mountains. With the seven acres of parks and greenspace, the Rise is ideal for playing, exploring or simply wandering. The community is well on its way to completion with Bri-mor finishing servicing of the entire development in 2017, a total of 200
fast facts
COMMUNITY: The Rise at West Grove Estates DEVELOPER: Bri-mor Developments BUILDERS: Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential, Cedarglen Homes STYLE: Two-storey attached garage semi-estate homes SIZE: Two-storey from 2,000 sq. ft. and 1,250 sq. ft. for a bungalow PRICE: Starts in the mid $700,000s DIRECTIONS: From Bow Trail going west, turn right on 85th Street, right on Wentworth Drive which becomes 11th Avenue and follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.risewestgroveestates.com
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The Rise at West Grove Estates
n community
profile
The Rise offers families a great lifestyle — healthy and active. The community is in an established apart of town that has ample shopping and dining options right next door, and is only a quick trip to the mountains. lots in under a year to meet market demand. Dhanani says all parks are expected to be complete this summer including the “activated park” which will be a focus point for the community. “It will have a junior soccer field, outdoor fitness equipment, gathering spaces, and even a raised grass area for community entertainment,” he says. In addition, the Rise has a “Reflective park” where residents can simply enjoy a nice walk and nature, and another “play park” with playground equipment for young children from the ages of 5 to 12. Home designs were squarely focused to reflect “the family” unit, he points out. Homes are designed to create a fully functional lifestyle and can cater to the needs of children, parents, grandparents, extended family and friends. “A family home must satisfy all that is important to a family — from the home design to the community within which it is built,” Dhanani says, reflecting that these same values are ingrained in their family-run enterprise.
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“That’s how we treat our residents, our partners — as part of our family. The Rise, together with our builders, can make all residents’ ideal home and community a reality.” Interested parties can go visit the four show homes to experience the level of detail that Bri-mor Developments, Cedarglen and Albi have taken into consideration on making the community and the homes the perfect choice for value-seeking families. NL
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Entertaining outdoors Making the most of Calgary’s short summers n WRITTEN BY
Christina Loc
B
uilding on last month’s pointers on beautifying your private outdoor space, we should now be primed for enjoying our labours. Outdoor lounging, barbecuing and entertaining are all hallmarks of a spectacular summer season. In this feature, we provide you with the “ingredients” and the “recipe” to planning your own outdoor party. This becomes one expensive assignment as I decide to take advantage of the warm weather to do “field research” visiting shops around town! Here is what I find:
INGREDIENTS
The Net series chair by Nardi Garden of Eden come in many colours and stack.
PHOTOS COURTESY BARBECUES GALORE
The grill – Who doesn’t love barbecue? Whether you’re a meat eater, vegan and anywhere in between, everything tastes better grilled. Barbecues Galore is your one-stop-shop to meet all barbecue needs. For city condo dwellers, the Napoleon Rogue is a great option. It is compact, has a single burner on one side and a foldable shelf on the other. Where space is not an issue, the Napoleon P500RSIB comes with all the bells and whistles including a rear infrared rotisserie burner and interior lighting for late night entertaining. Patio Furniture – Next stop: Maria Tomas for patio furniture. The spectrum of styles and sizes are now as broad as indoor furniture, and you don’t have to compromise on the chic factor. Maria Tomas carries everything from bistro tables and loungers to huge sectionals. The Net series by Nardi Garden of Eden is a stunning chair and is available in many colours. Made in Italy, I love that they are only $196 each and stack!
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PHOTO COURTESY MARIA TOMAS
ABOVE The Napoleon Rogue barbecue is compact, has a single burner on one side and a foldable shelf on the other. LEFT The Napoleon P500SRIB comes with all the bells and whistles including a rear infrared rotisserie burner and interior lighting.
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Lighting – Options for outdoor lighting are endless: from string lighting at Lowes to solar powered lanterns at Home Treasures and More. Lighting will keep your party going into the night, substitute for the stars on a cloudier evening and set a beautiful ambience for summer romancing. Kit also has an adorable LED lamp called Carrie that can be used both indoors and out. Pillows, Throws & Outdoor Rugs – Retailer Robert Sweep, has always been known for curating high quality and trending products in Calgary. Coming from someone who has seen many a throw cushions in her day, wow, can I ever attest to the spectacular range of toss cushions, throws, and rugs that are like art unto themselves. These items are essential in pulling your space together. Look for the very unique Swedish rug line called Pappelina. Beautiful colours and patterns are produced by weaving high quality thick plastic ribbon together. Robert’s wife, Evalina, has a stunning line of outdoor custom pillows. Artistry in the family, to bring some to yours. Fresh Flowers and Planters – All decks and patios feel dull and unwelcoming in the absence of flowers and plants. Place pots on the floor, hang baskets, use railing pots and create unique table centrepieces. Established nurseries like Sun-
PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT SWEEP
PHOTO COURTESY KIT INTERIOR OBJECTS
At Kit Interior Objects, the Carrie LED lamp is great for indoor and outdoor use. Available in black, white, burned red and olive.
Fire Tables – Preserve the time-honoured and mesmerising tradition of gathering around a fire, late into the evening, or season for that matter. You can delight your guests, big and small, by roasting marshmallows. Lowes has a large outdoor section with many fire tables to choose from.
nyside and Golden Acres offer a vast array for everyone. For a trendier Scandinavian look, Guildhall offers the Wire Base and Pot, available in various heights. Tabletops – Finally, a range of beautiful platters and bowls will show off the amazing delectables you are about to offer your guests. I found nicely weighted melamine platters
NOW WE'RE COOKING WITH FIRE!
BY BRANDI HOLMES
When the weather is hot it is hard to resist the outdoor living lifestyle, so
This is a quick and easy salsa that can be served with chips or
here are some of Condo Living’s favourite go to summertime recipes for
along side your main dish.
a backyard get together. First off let’s start with the drinks, here is a delicious punch sure to get the party going.
STRAWERRY KIWI SMASH (PUNCH)
PINEAPPLE MANGO SALSA 1 cup diced pineapple
1 cup diced mango
1 shallot, diced
1/2 cup diced red pepper
1/4 jalapeño, diced (use more depending on spice level)
1 liter Casamigos Blanco Tequila
Juice of one lime
17 oz. fresh lime juice
Green onions for garnish (optional)
Salt & Pepper
17 strawberries (not including strawberries for garnish) 8 whole Kiwis (not including kiwis for garnish) 10 oz. simple syrup
Method: combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime and add salt & pepper to taste. Refrigerate for a least 1-hour before serving.
Method: Peel and slice kiwis, slice strawberries and combine in blender. Blend strawberries and kiwis until liquefied then strain into punch bowl.
Moving on to the main dish, beer can chicken is sure to be a hit.
Add other ingredients and stir in 3 – 4 scoops of ice. Garnish with kiwi
This is the recipe for one chicken and don’t worry, its child friendly
wheels (with skin) and thin strawberry slices. Stir before each serving.
(the alcohol cooks out)
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PHOTO COURTESY GUILDHALL
PHOTO COURTESY LOWES
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that are dishwasher safe and BPA free at Robert Sweep. They also have high quality paper napkins that feel like cloth! Now that you have the essential “ingredients” for a fun patio party, it’s time to meal prep for feasting under the sun and stars. For ease and aesthetics, create stations. Barbecue the main proteins or grilled vegetables, then keep the rest simple. Opt for a buffet style that is easy for your guests to help themselves so you’re not serving all night.
TOP: Lowes has a variety of string lightS to choose from. LEFT: Retailer, Robert Sweep, has a great assortment of rugs, throws, toss cushions and table top for outdoor entertaining. ABOVE: The simple lines of the Wire Base & Pot, available at Guildhall, come in various heights and look great layered together.
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BEER CAN CHICKEN (Serves at least 4 hungry humans)
POTATO SALAD (serves 8)
1 whole chicken
1 can of beer of choice
8 medium, cooked, peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons chilli powder
5 hard boiled eggs
2 celery ribs – diced
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons paprika
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup onion – minced
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon mustard (yellow, preferably, but can substitute dijon for a kick)
Method: Preheat an outdoor grill to 375º F on medium heat. Mix dry ingredients together
1 teaspoon salt & pepper
in a bowl — this is your spice rub. Remove giblets from chicken and rinse under cold
paprika and green onions for garnish
1 teaspoon garlic powder
water — pat dry. Drink half a can of your favourite beer — be sure to leave at least half for the chicken. Position the chicken over the beer can, make sure it is standing up! Be
Method: Cool cooked potatoes to room temperature and place
sure to place the can on a beer can stand (found at most kitchen stores) or a baking sheet
in a large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients minus the eggs
as to not cause flare-ups on your grill. Rub your chicken down with the spice mixture —
and mix very well. Once combined, add in the eggs and fold until
the beer will foam up when the spices fall in the can, but don’t worry. Place your beer can
mixed. Sprinkle on paprika and green onions and that’s it.
chicken on the grill and cook for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes depending on the size of your chicken. Rotate chicken every once in a while to ensure even cooking. Let
Every backyard party is different, but these are some foolproof
sit, covered for 15 minutes before slicing.
outdoor recipes that your guests will be dreaming about. Get out there and enjoy the sunshine! NL
Alright, you now have your drinks, a yummy salsa, a drunk chicken, so what do you serve on the side? How about a classic potato salad, you can’t go wrong with that.
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A quick way to throw a BBQ together is to get help from our friends at Peasant Cheese, Community Natural Foods and many boutique bakeries around town!
RECEIPE:
Salad Station: keep it fresh with a hearty potato or pasta salad accompanied with a leafy mixed green salad. For a tasty and simple salad, start with a box of pre-washed greens, add a dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt and pepper and then toss. I then layer this salad with pre-made salads from Community Natural Foods, like chickpea salad, beet salad, couscous, quinoa salad, corn and bean salad. I literally pick all or at least two different packages. Your palette will thank you for all the great flavours and texture this salad has to offer! Include corn on the cob and a charcuterie board at your salad station. Peasant Cheese offers beautiful and rustic charcuterie boards catering to every taste. Dessert Station: create a platter of fruit and have easy bite-sized desserts. Let some of Calgary’s best bakeries help you do the job. Crave or Bliss makes pretty cupcakes; Jelly Modern Doughnuts or Pretty Sweet for fancy mini donuts; Ollia for macarons; and Sucre for eclairs. Mari in East Village has mastered the art of the choux and rolls. All of these are a must.
IT TAKES VERY LITTLE TO CREATE THE BEST MEMORIES: FRIENDS AND FAMILY, GATHERING IN A COSY, WARM PLACE, WHERE FOOD AND BEVERAGE FLOW FREELY… 38 | NE W HOME LIVING
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Beverage Station: speaking of musts, last but not least, you cannot forget libations, water and beverages. Offer flavoured water, with fresh mint and cucumbers, berries, or citrus fruits. Make one to three different punches in a beverage dispenser. Homesense has various glass beverage dispensers in all shapes and sizes. My flavour of punch will compliment the colour theme of my party. Finally, set up a mini-station of your preferred gins and vodkas, allowing people to personalise their favourite summer cocktails (or add to the punch you have already made). Have ready cut mint, lime, cucumbers and olives, and of course, plenty of ice. Don’t be afraid to upcycle or repurpose when it comes to ice containers. They’re great for keeping your favourite bottle of rosé chilled too. Summer is short — all the more reason to make it special. It takes very little to create the best memories: friends and family, gathering in a cosy, warm place, where food and beverage flow freely and where they feel they would rather be nowhere else than in your company, lounging amidst the beautiful details of your outdoor living room. NL
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n feature
Artistic inspiration Homebuilders shine spotlight on Calgary’s artistic community n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
T
ouring show homes in Calgary, one can expect a few things — inspirational design ideas, aspitrational lifestyle goals and maybe thoughts on where to build your next home. What many might not expect is seeing a painting or a sculpture done by a local artist. With the ton of foot traffic show homes tend to generate, show homes present the ideal environment to showcase emerging local artists and expose their creations to the public. “It’s not only a way of beautifying our show homes but also a way for us to give back to the community by supporting local artists,” says Baywest Homes’ marketing manager, Sandi Serr. Baywest’s recently opened show homes in Ranchers’ Rise in Okotoks and in Cranston’s Riverstone display
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paintings from their Emerging Artists Program. Homes by Avi has been involved in the local art scene for the last decade with their annual Dream Home Artist. The program gives a chosen local artist much needed exposure by introducing their art to the public in the yearly Stampede Dream Home grand prize. Many of their past winners have gone on to acclaim with this program as their launch pad. Remington Developments has also discovered the beauty of art in the show homes, not just because of the instant air of culture and sophistication they lend, but because this is their way of supporting the local artistic community. They also want to play matchmaker between their buyers and local artists for works they think will match their line of luxury condos and townhomes.
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THE EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM Art also has a way of retaining the viewer’s memory, which works in favour of the show homes, too. “Art makes our lives joyful and creates the atmosphere that we want to live in, which is personable to us,” says Baywest’s Sandi Serr. “Art is everywhere influencing us by having an impact on our mood and emotions.” Baywest Homes’ Emerging Artists Program helps local artists bridge the gap from emerging to established. “Our vision of this program allows our Show Home Designer to select artists paintings through blinded entries and then we sponsor and feature talented artist’s work in our show homes.” Currently, they have the works of Mindi Oaten and Marnie Joy Erickson gracing their show homes in Cranston’s Riverstone. Mindi is a self taught painter and paints in acrylic and occasionally draws in charcoal as portrayed in the Cranston’s Riverstone Showhome. Mindi’s art is more realistic and impressionistic in style. Marnie works in a variety of mixed mediums and has a love for capturing the beauty of wildlife. She believes a home should be filled with art that makes you happy. “Art matters — it makes a difference in life,” says Marnie. In their newly opened show homes in Ranchers Rise in Okotoks, Baywest chose to display the works of Terri Heinrichs and Doug Farris. Doug works primarily with oil paint on canvas or board, and his paintings depict nature through various compositions and landscapes. “The local landscape is just so rich in natural beauty that inspires my artwork,” he says. Terri is a self-taught artist who views every experience as an opportunity to learn and experiment with her artwork. Her art
Doug Farris
isn’t the only way she gives back to the community, as Terri had set up The Alberta Flood Rose Project in order to bring the Calgary visual arts community together to raise money for the victims of the 2013 floods in southern Alberta.
DREAM HOME ARTIST
Bringing art in show homes isn’t an entirely new concept. Homes by Avi pioneered the inclusion of works by local artists in a show home with their Dream Home Artist Project that has been around for 10 years. The Dream Home Artist Project is an opportunity to showcase the talent of local artists to the world. Every year, the Dream Home hosts visitors from around the world during the 10 day Calgary Stampede, and it presents an exciting opportunity for selected artist to get noticed. “This is our 10th year running the program. Giving back to the community has always been at the heart of our company,” says Christian Orme, Homes by Avi’s Corporate Marketing Manager. “We saw this as an opportunity to support the art community and emerging artists. To have their work seen by over 150,000 people is an exceptional opportunity that we’re proud to be a part of.” Products of the Homes by Avi program include such local art scene luminaries as Sheila Kernan, Brad Holt, and the Hoogveld sisters. “Sheila Kernan is doing exceptionally well, she is probably our most successful artist. Brad Holt (Holt Fine Art), David Zimmerman and Caroline Stanley have all seen success from the program as well. Michelle Hoogveld did an installation for the city after her and her sisted, Stephanie, won on 2015.” Terri Heinrichs This year’s winner of Homes by Avi’s Dream Home Proj-
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n
feature
…not only does the exposure help out unknown artists, but having the art pieces decorate the presentation centre further augments Remington Development’s brand of luxury condos and townhomes. ect is Tiffany Cuffley joins the esteemed ranks. Her body of work fit the mid-century chic design of this year’s Stampede Rotary Dream Home that is soon to be unveiled at the Stampede grounds. “The Dream Home is such an amazing opportunity for artists in Calgary to share their work with the public and I think it’s the perfect platform to advocate for the future of art in this city,” Cuffley says.
Tiffany Cuffley
QUARRY PARK ART Remington Developments has also got into the act and has converted the second floor of their presentation centre in Quarry Park as a de facto art gallery. Their art support program takes a much more direct approach as they actively search for artists whose works they believe buyers of their ultra-luxurious condos and townhomes will fall in love with. They use the help of ArtMatch, a local company that offers matchmaking service between local artists and people looking for affordable and original art. “We decide which artists work we liked the look of and that matched what our clients might be interested in,” says Adrienne McGarvey of Remington Developments’ residential sales team. “We then have a different artist’s work in every three months. We also have just a few pieces from Art Match around the gallery too.” It is a two way street, too, as not only does the exposure help out unknown artists, but having the art pieces decorate the presentation centre further augments Remington Developments’ brand of luxury condos and townhomes. “It helps us establish the image we want to portray to our clients,” McGarvey says. Remington Developments is currently displaying the works of Dawn Thrasher at the presentation centre. Dawn’s rich landscape paintings speak of her world. “Painting articulates my response to the tapestry of nature. Landscape is my muse,” Dawn says. “How the natural world presents itself to me is as much about how it feels as how it appears. Drawing helps me understand the geography and geometry of things through building a personal connection with the subject.” Next time you’re at one of these show homes open your eyes to the possibility of design and how much art can give your home its own personality. NL
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From left: Julie Punter, Show home Manager of Selections and Presentation; Tiffany Cuffl ey; and Jennifer Madsen, Jr. Show home decorator.
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in the city n
SPLISHSPLASH
Where to cool off in Calgary during summer n STORY BY
Brandi Holmes
S
ince we are finally moving into the summer months with the with your closest pool for operating hours before planning your day. sun shining, it’s time to start thinking about how and where to have some summer fun. Highwood pool will not be open for the 2018 A great way to cool off when the temperatures are rising is season because it is getting a much needed jumping into a pool! Now if you are lucky enough to have an outdoor new basin — but there are still two other pools pool, or know someone who does — good for you. But, for the rest of us, luckily there THESE POOLS ARE LOCATED ALL OVER THE CITY AT: are seven outdoor pools that are run by the Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools AsBowview 1910 6 Avenue N.W. sociation (COSPA) on behalf of the City Forest Lawn 1706 39 Street S.E. of Calgary. Highwood 25 Holmwood Avenue N.W. This year the season starts June 16th Millican Ogden 2094 69 Avenue S.E. and typically runs for approximately 80 Mount Pleasant 2310 6 Street N.W. days — weather permitting. Each pool is South Calgary 3130 16 Street S.W. different and may open at a later date or Stanley Park 4100 1a Street S.W. stay open longer than others. Always check
Spray parks are fun and don’t involve the skill of swimming to be able to cool off — parents also aren’t obligated to frolic in the water either. 46 | NE W HOME LIVING
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n in the city
in the northwest that you can visit. These outdoor facilities have tons to offer pool-goers other than just a family-friendly place to cool off in the summer heat. Some pools offer swimming lessons — for those who are just starting out or swimmers who need a bit of a refresher. Again, lessons are pool specific so make sure to contact your closest pool for more information. There are also large pool decks that parents or relatives are able to lounge on while the kids play in the pool. Also most pools are near green spaces, which can accommodate other outdoor activities such as soccer and basketball. Other than the seven outdoor public pools, there are also six spray parks around town that are run by the city, if you are looking for a more wet n’ wild experience for your kids. Spray parks are fun and don’t involve the skill of swimming to be able to cool off — parents also aren’t obligated to frolic in the water either. Thankfully, all pools are heated to 27 degrees Celsius to ensure all participants have a wonderful time — there is nothing worse than a freezing cold pool. Don’t forget there are also other swimming holes to feed your need for open water. For example, Sikome Lake in Fish Creek Provincial Park is quite a popular spot for an all out beach day. They now charge admission fees from $2 to $10, but have on-site washrooms/ change rooms and concession stands. And being located in Fish Creek Park, there are tons of great places for picnics and activities. If you and your family are looking for some-
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thing a little more exclusive, nine communities in Calgary have lake access. These communities usually require some sort of community membership — or a really cool friend that can get you in. Most have on-site bathrooms, spray parks, jungle gyms, tennis courts, or anything you could possibly want for a day outing to the lake. There are a lot of options when considering a day in the water during the summer, but always remember to bring sunscreen. NL
SPRAY PARKS AND WADING POOLS LOCATED AT:
Bowness Park Canmore Park Eau Claire Plaza / Barclay Mall Prairie Winds Park Riley Park Rotary Park South Glenmore Park Valleyview Park
8900 48 Avenue N.W. 2020 Chicoutimi Drive N.W. 105 Barclay Parade S.W. 223 Castleridge Boulevard N.E. 800 12 Street N.W. 614 1 Street N.E. 90th Avenue and 24 Street S.W. 28 Street and 30 Avenue S.E.
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around town n
By Pepper Rodriguez
Belmont D’ARCY open IT WAS A party for the ages to celebrate the opening of the south’s newest community, Belmont. Despite the unpaved road leading to the new community at the end of Sherrif King Road in the southeast, droves of families still came down to see the opening of 12 new show homes from some of Calgary’s most trusted builders. Jayman BUILT and Morrison Homes are offering laned single-family homes as well as single front-drive homes. Cedarglen Homes, Homes by Avi, Shane Homes and Trico Homes are offering two-car front attached garage move-up homes. Located west of Macleod Trail and south of Silverado on Sheriff King Road, Belmont by Anthem United promises to shine the spotlight on this nature filled area on the southern tip of the city that will be a big draw for families for years to come. Homes start from the $350,000s. Visit ww.belmontcalgary.com for more information. This wasn’t the only new community Anthem
United has launched recently, as they also opened the new community of D’ARCY in Okotoks. It will have product types for all budgets and lifestyles, from street towns, townhomes, semi-detached and other multi-family styles, to single-family homes with rear-detached and
Chinook Gate launches SPENDING SATURDAYS IN the park never sounded so inviting than in Airdrie’s newest community, Chinook Gate — Brookfield Residential’s first residential development in the city. Backing onto Airdrie’s Chinook Winds Park, Chinook Gate and offers the kind of enviable four-season parkside living that families dream of. Homebuyers will get a chance to see this for themselves when the community holds its grand opening celebrations on May 26. “Residents will have access to over 55 acres of developed parkland space, three playgrounds, a kid-friendly water park, and over two kilometres of paved pathways,” says Dejan Savic, Brookfield’s Community Manager at Chinook Gate. “There’s a whole lot more, and living in this community is just perfect for families looking for a healthy, active lifestyle.” Chinook Gate brings Brookfield Residential’s vaunted experience and acumen in developing family-friendly, connected communities to Airdrie. “We’re one of the only communities with this kind of access to Chinook Winds Park, and it provides a natural common space where neighbours can gather. You don’t even have to wait years for the amenity to be built, everything in the park is already in place to be enjoyed,” Savic says. Chinook Gate will have duplexes, laned homes and front drive homes from Brookfield Residential and Excel Homes. Prices start from the low $300,000s.
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front attached garages, and move-up and estate homes. First up will be Morrison Homes’ paired homes from the $340,000s, and laned homes from Pacesetter by Sterling Homes and Trico Homes from the $370,000s. For more information, visit www.darcyokotoks.com
Children’s Hospital Lottery Home open in Harmony HOMES BY AVI recently opened its grand prize home for the Children’s Hospital Lottery in the award-winning community of Harmony. “We build a lot of homes. On average about 300 a year, but there are a few that feel just a little more exciting than the rest,” says Homes by Avi’s Christian Orme.” Some houses we build are the biggest yet, or first in a community, but one house in particular helps support the vital work and ground-breaking initiatives of the Alberta Children’s Hospital. That’s the Children’s Hospital Lottery house!” The Wakefield is designed for living — both inside and out. This two story, 3,357-square-foot home comes fully landscaped and backs south onto a green space, giving you privacy and a view! The main floor has entry points from the front porch, oversized-double garage, and back deck, all leading into the lux living space that’s centered around an elegant great room and chef inspired kitchen. And did we mention this year’s lottery home comes furnished? Yep, right down to the accessories! NL JUNE 2018 NE W HOME LIVING
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real estate insider n
By Mario Toneguzzi
MARKET ACHIEVING BALANCE Market research points the way for housing preferences
N
avigating the world of real estate is one fraught with confusion and complexity. To put it simply, there is so much information out there to sort through, which can be very time-consuming for consumers and anyone else involved in the real estate industry — from realtors to homebuilders. Thankfully the RBC Economic Research team in a recent report, called Canadian Housing Check, accumulated all the current data and knowledge about the local housing market into one comprehensive and informative survey so wherever you are in the real estate world it can help you make informed decisions. So what’s happening in the Calgary market these days? “The market recovery process is uneven. The mortgage stress test generated substantial market volatility lately, raising near-term risks. High condo inventories remain an issue, as is slower population growth. On a positive note, rising oil prices should boost sentiment and return the market on a upward trajectory,” says RBC’s report. The following categories in Calgary were described as being “within historical norms or not posing any immediate threat”: Affordability; Resale market balance; Interest rates; Labour market; New home inventory — singles; Homes under construction — singles; and Homes under construction — multiples. These categories were described as being “significantly outside historical norms and posing much higher risk than usual”: Rental market balance; Demographics; and New home inventory — multiples. The biggest factor in the marketplace is
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affordability. How much can someone in Calgary afford to buy a home? The good news is that when compared with major centres like Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary does very well. RBC says “housing affordability continues to be a generally constructive factor for the Calgary market despite deteriorating slightly since early 2015.” On a regular basis, the financial institution puts out a report on housing affordability looking at the percentage of homeownership costs, including mortgage payments, utilities and property taxes to a household’s monthly pre-tax income. In Calgary that measure was 42.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2017, which “remains well within the safe zone,” explains RBC. “The Calgary market still faces a number of issues; however, affordability is unlikely to be one of them.” The price of a home and its affordability is always the key element in whether a consumer will buy. But numerous factors play a role in determining what housing prices are like in a marketplace. It’s here where RBC has obviously done its homework. And it’s those different aspects
of the overall housing market and general economy that determine where prices are going to land. The report says home resale activity surged late last year ahead of the new stress test for uninsured mortgages and then dropped significantly in the early months of 2018. “The post-stress test cooling contributed to loosen demand-supply conditions, though they remained balanced. But early in the year the inventory of homes for sale rose, especially for condo apartments. “Price pressures continue to be largely muted at this juncture, although some downside risks persist — primarily in the condo segment,” says RBC. The report says Calgary’s rental market appears to be over-supplied as well. The good news for the real estate industry is that the economy has rebounded. After two severe years of a recession in 2015 and 2016, that resulted from the collapse in oil prices in the latter half of 2014, the economy turned around starting in 2017. Overall, it’s been a slow and sluggish rebound but at least the economy is headed in a positive direction. A significant improvement in the city’s labour market is positive for the housing industry as employment has risen from the depths of the recession and the unemployment rate has dipped. When jobs go because of a recession that also tends to slow population growth which is what happened in Calgary. Fewer people want to move here and more people who find themselves out of jobs tend to leave for other places. When times were good, Calgary’s adult population grew by four per cent in early CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
2014 but that was followed by a 23-year low of 1.4 per cent in September 2017. “Population has since picked up slightly to 1.6 per cent by March 2018. While demographics-related risks remain high in the Calgary area, the labour market’s strengthening in the past year bodes well for a further improvement in demographic trends,” says RBC. There are few signs of overbuilding in the single-detached segment in Calgary, says the financial institution, adding that the number of unsold single-detached and semi-detached homes remains historically low on a per 1,000 population basis. There was a slight increase in the past year because single-family home starts partially rebounded after two years of dramatic declines. “The situation is very different in the multi-unit segment where the number of unabsorbed units surged since the spring of 2015 (when Calgary arguably had a supply shortage) to record-high levels throughout most of 2017 and early 2018,” says the RBC report. “The stock of unsold units was driven higher by sharp increases in condo apartment completions in 2015 and 2016 at a time when demand turned cold. The completed and unsold inventory rocketed past the long-term average (on a per 1,000 population basis) for the area and deep into the high risk zone. There is strong evidence of surplus in this segment of the Calgary market.” But there’s nothing to be alarmed here. RBC says the risks associated with current levels of multi-unit dwelling construction are contained. These risks, in fact, diminished very slightly so far this year. This marked a significant change from two CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
to three years ago when the number of multi-unit dwelling construction reached very high levels following the starts of several condo projects initiated during boom in 2013 and 2014. The wave of condo units started in 2014 has now exited the construction ‘pipeline’, it explains. So all in all the RBC report paints a pretty solid and healthy housing market for Calgary going forward. So does the recent Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Market Assessment report. The report tends to identify places in Canada where there are “heightened vulnerabilities to housing market instability from the level of house prices and/or from factors that are known to influence house prices.” Overall, Calgary’s degree of vulnerability was described as “moderate”. The categories of overheating, price acceleration and overvaluation were described as “weak” but the category of overbuilding was “high”. The CMHC describes the categories this way: Overheating is when sales greatly outpace new listings in the market for existing homes. Sustained acceleration in house prices show that fast-rising prices often indicate that expectations of future house-price appreciation may be excessive. Overvaluation is when house prices are higher than levels supported by personal disposable income, population, interest rates, and other fundamentals. And overbuilding is when apartment rental vacancy rates and/or inventory of newlybuilt and unsold housing units are higher than normal.
“The HMA framework detected a moderate degree of vulnerability in Calgary’s housing market, due to the high evidence of overbuilding. The number of completed and unsold units per capita reached a new high in the fourth quarter of 2017, and the rental apartment vacancy rate was also well above historical averages. New home inventories are particularly elevated in the multiple segment of the market. For overheating, price acceleration and overvaluation, the evidence continued to remain low,” says CMHC. Those two positive reports, by RBC and CMHC, bode well for the real estate industry in the coming months and that bears out in another RBC report on homebuying intentions. It says resurging confidence in the economy and employment is boosting homebuying intentions in Canada to the highest levels since 2010 with 32 per cent of those surveyed saying they are very or somewhat likely to buy a home in the next two years, up seven percentage points from last year. Alberta had the highest percentage at 37 per cent, which was up by 11 per cent. NL
Mario Toneguzzi Based in Calgary, Mario Toneguzzi has 37 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, city and breaking news, and business. For 12 years as a business writer, his main beats were commercial and residential real estate, retail, small business and general economic news. He nows works on his own as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Email mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com
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advertisers index n Alberta Health Services page 44 Anthem United Belmont page 2
Apex Developments Heartland page 48
Genstar Walden page 53
Jayman BUILT Tamani-Riviera page 18
Baywest Homes page 4
Qualico Communities Evanston page 51
Jayman BUILT Cornerstone page 34
Qualico Communities Crestmont page 39
Mattamy Homes back cover
Anthem United Cornerstone page 45
Brookfield Residential Livingston page 52
Anthem United D’ARCY page 7
Brookfield Residential Riverstone page 13
Apex Developments Hillcrest page 3
Cedarglen Homes The Parks of Harvest Hills page 55
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
Qualico Communities Redstone page 53 Homes by Avi page 19
RNDSQR page 40 ShaneHomes Midtown page 28 Trico Homes front cover, pages 10-12
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hope at large n
By Marty Hope
D’ARCY OPENS Newest Okotoks community opens its doors WITH THE MEMORY of a miserably long winter melting rapidly, activity in the developing community of D’ARCY, within the Okotoks town boundary, has picked up considerably. Although crews and equipment maintained a construction presence during the winter, there were just times when it was almost impossible to make much leeway. Ok, that was then, this is now. Show homes are sprouting from the north-side prairie land 20 minutes south of Calgary, infrastructure is being installed, and sales interest is gaining momentum now that show homes are open for business. “We will be servicing and beginning construction in D’ARCY’s second phase in order to build D’ARCY Ranch Boulevard to the golf course and will bring on villa bungalows, front- and rear-drive single-family lots, and two-storey duplex lots on a lane,” says Steve LePan, marketing director for Anthem United, which is developing the master-planned community. And for those shopping or considering shopping the new-home market, D’ARCY has a trio of top-line builders have opened their show home doors and are taking deposits and lot holds for a varied selection of laned homes. Pacesetter Homes and Trico Homes products start from the $370,000s while Morrison Homes has paired-home laned homes priced from the $300,000s. “These product types will offer great affordability and choice for buyers looking to get into the Okotoks market,” says LePan. “Close proximity to Calgary, future school
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sites, neighbourhood retail, and vast open spaces make D’ARCY a perfect spot for a young family to lay down roots.” Eventually, D’ARCY will have housing styles for all budgets and lifestyles, — everything from street towns and other townhouse types, to single-family homes with rear-detached or front-attached garages, moveup, and estate homes, according to LePan. Anthem United has projected there will be approximately 2,000 homes in D’ARCY spread over several phases in the coming five to seven years of construction. In addition, D’ARCY will have its own retail area, Gateway Village, that will offer residents a wide range of retail in a High Street setting, as well as office space and a couple of K-9 schools. D’ARCY is located on 280 acres of land bounded on the north by the town boundary, on the south by Sandstone Gate, on the east by Northridge Drive, and on the west by the D’ARCY Ranch golf course — which is not part of the D’ARCY development.
D’ARCY will offer affordability, along with high construction specs and unique designs to attract buyers from Okotoks and other centres throughout the Foothills MD, as well as Calgary, LePan says. “There is a pent-up demand for this type of product in Okotoks and these homes will appeal to first-time buyers and downsizers from Okotoks who want to get out of rental housing or condo ownership and into their own home. We also see these homes catching the eye of young families from Calgary wanting a lifestyle change, as well as families moving into town from elsewhere in the MD looking to move up into a new home,” he adds. NL
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. CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM