VOLUME 15 ISSUE 158 n FEBRUARY 2019
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COVER FEATURE
Homegrown superstar McKee Homes builds on trust that has made them Airdrie’s top homebuilder
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FOCUS ON
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Tea for two
…or three, or four, with these popular tea set options SHOW HOME PROFILES
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The final piece of the puzzle
Vesta Properties’ Copperstone completes Copperfield
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FEATURE
Options a-plenty
Trico Homes’ most popular model sets the stage in Evanston
22 Continuing resolve
RESOLVE Campaign opens The Maple, as fight to end homelessness continues
COMMUNITY
20 More to choose
Walden widens choices, adds three more builders to its roster
STYLE
25 Stylish sanctuary
Creative bedroom design goes a long way in enhancing relaxation
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COLUMNS
27 29 30 PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 6109 — 6th Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9
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Around Town Real Estate Insider Hope at Large ITEMS
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Editor’s Message Advertisers Index FEBRUARY 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
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Out-of-town opportunities
New Home Living has always been all about finding new, and varied single-family home-owning opportunities for our readers. As those opportunities continue to grow, we strive to grow along with it, and to this end, let me introduce the newest Source Media publication: Townsizing. This new quarterly book will take a look at all the home-owning options in communities around Calgary, including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Strathmore, Canmore and all stops in between. All these small towns have enjoyed exponential growth and continue to do so, especially as land costs here for the most part are much lower compared to Calgary’s. You can get more home for much less is the constant refrain, sometimes as much as $30,000 to $40,000 less. The best thing is these small towns aren’t the little rural communities most city folks picture anymore, almost all of them have the big city amenities that make life easier, yet many still maintain the quaint tight-knit community feel that many moving there look for. Townsizing editor Brandi Holmes will shine a light on all aspects of life as it pertains to small town living. The initial issue (out February 14) will focus on Airdrie and everything that has made Calgary’s sister city to the north a favourite for new homebuyers. Our cover feature this month in New Home living offers a little taste of this as we turn the spotlight on Airdrie’s McKee Homes. The homegrown, family-run builder has been synonymous with the growth of this city just north of Calgary, and it continues to bring new opportunities to own new homes affordably in some of Airdrie’s best new communities. Our two show home profiles, meanwhile, bring attention to two established communities in Calgary. Many may think that the communities of Evanston and Copperfield are already done, but Trico Homes and Vesta Properties, respectively, still have much to offer there. Our community feature on Walden also shows the amazing progress that this popular southeastern community has made over the past few years. We can look forward to colder months ahead, but we can help you stay warm with these tea suggestions we have in our Focus On photo feature from Portia Yip; and the bedroom design from STYLE writer Christina Loc. We also have an update on whate the latest RESOLVE Campaign development to battle homelessness in Calgary. As we have always maintained, New Home Living is your source for finding new home opportunities, whether they be in-town or out-of-town. You can also follow us on www. calgaryhomeliving.com and on our Facebook and Twitter accounts to find out the latest.
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITOR
Pepper Rodriguez pepper@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR
Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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
Marty Hope, Christina Loc, Mario Toneguzzi, Portia Yip PHOTOGRAPHY
Christina Loc, Sue Moodie Photography, Pepper Rodriguez ADVERTISING
Andrew Best andrew.best@sourcemediagroup.ca
Brandi Holmes brandi.holmes@sourcemediagroup.ca
Jennifer Mills jennifer.mills@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
©2019 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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Tea for two …or three, or four, with these popular tea set options n BY
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Portia Yip
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WITH COUNTLESS FLAVOURS and variations, tea has been a staple in our world for centuries. Aside from the health benefits, a cup of matcha tea will energize you for a busy day ahead while a pot of chamomile will calm and soothe the soul. Whether it’s tea for one or tea for two, spruce up your tea time with quality local teas and eye-catching teaware so you can sip and savour your favourite cuppa all year long. NL
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[ 1 ] Eric Au’s RINGS Teapot, $299 at Naked Leaf. [ 2 ] Assorted Loose Leaf Tea (Baked Apple, Morning Miracle, Mangosteen Green), $7.50 – $8 at TotaliTea. [ 3 ] Yixing Tripod Pot, $68 at Naked Leaf. [ 4 ] Hikifune Cast Iron Pot, $248 at Naked Leaf. [ 5 ] Japanese Tea Tin Set Haruki, $48 at Tea Trader. [ 6 ] Blue Eyes Fruit Infusion Loose Leaf Tea, $7.50 at TotaliTea. [ 7 ] Anhui Cast Iron Teapot, $92 at Tea Trader. [ 8 ] Yixing Dragon Set, $98 at Naked Leaf. [ 9 ] Flower Power Teapot, $48 at Naked Leaf. [ 10 ] Handmade Japanese Matcha Bowl, $65 at TotaliTea. [ 11 ] Stainless Steel Tea Infuser, $15 at TotaliTea. CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
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HOMEGROWN
McKee Homes builds on trust that has
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hen McKee Homes started some three decades ago, Airdrie had just over 10,000 residents, but now the city just north of Calgary is approaching the 65,000 mark. The growth this young city has enjoyed has been nothing short of astonishing, and McKee Homes has grown right alongside to become the face of new home building in Airdrie. The McKee Homes name has been synonymous with Airdrie since Martin McKee started the company in 1987. Today, more than 30 years later, it remains a tight, family-run firm that has gained the trust of Airdrie’s new home buyers, as the family-run builder continues to craft top quality, highly customized homes in some of the city’s most desirable communities. Martin McKee’s daughters, Elaine and Grace, along with Elaine’s husband, Rob Doel, now run the company and they continue to be involved in the day-to-day tasks of the business and ensure that Martin’s legacy is honoured.
And honoured it has been, as McKee Homes has been voted Airdrie’s favourite home builder by the Airdrie City View’s readers’ choice awards for 10 straight years. But McKee Homes is not resting on its laurels and has ambitious plans to carry its vision forward in 2019. “We are very optimistic for what 2019 is sure to become. We have lots of projects on the go and are positioned to be able to offer our clients a complete range of choices,” says Elaine Doel, President, McKee Homes. “We excel at being able to completely customize homes to suit individual needs, this is the norm for us and not the exception
CHINOOK GATE DEVELOPER: Brookfield Residential SHOW HOME ADDRESS: 408 Chinook Gate Square PRICES: Single family homes with double attached garages start in the $390,000s WHAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY SPECIAL: Here, neighbours naturally become friends and leave the chaos of city life behind without sacrificing amenities, recreation or convenience. Enjoy park side living with Chinook Winds’ 55 acre park a mere 250 steps away. Complete with a splash park, covered patio area, skate park, playground, ice skating rinks, volleyball nets, baseball diamonds, ponds and pathways you have a daily invitation to enjoy the great outdoors.
BAYSIDE ESTATES DEVELOPER: Genesis Land Development SHOW HOME ADDRESS: 1347 Bayside Drive PRICES: Single family homes with double front attached garages starting in the $470,000s WHAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY SPECIAL: In Bayside Estates, community is more than a collection of street names — it is about connections. Whether it’s playing ice hockey on the canal, or cruising around the connected pathways and bridges by foot or bike, Bayside is a neighbourhood with just the right amount of action. It also has five different schools in close proximity or within the community itself.
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SUPERSTAR
made them Airdrie’s top homebuilder so we are able to succeed in this area. We are all about customer satisfaction and being able to meet the needs of our clients not the other way around.” McKee Homes has built exclusively in Airdrie through those three decades and have recently expanded to Crossfield. “We are currently building in Bayside, Coopers Crossing, Chinook Gate, Hillcrest, Ravenswood, King’s Heights in Airdrie, and Vista Crossing in Crossfield,” she adds. “We have new product lines just starting to be unveiled in Ravenswood — under our Emerald New Homes brand — and Cooper’s
Crossings, and two new show homes opening in Bayside later this year.” McKee Homes’ line of laned homes, bungalows and two-storey frontattached garage homes encompass the whole range from starters, move-ups and estate-style homes, and start from as low as the $360,000s. A custom home builder, McKee’s ability to adjust floor plans to fit the buyers’ needs and lifestyle is one of its biggest advantage. “We are a custom builder, so we have lots of options in different developments throughout the city.” But more important to Doel is their commitment to community-building in Airdrie. “We work here, we live here, and we support this City as it supports us,” she tells New Home Living. The following are the communities where McKee Homes builds currently, and what makes these communities special.
KING’S HEIGHTS DEVELOPER: Melcor Developments Ltd SHOW HOME ADDRESS: 99 and 103 Kingfisher Crescent PRICES: Single family homes with double front attached garages starting in the $400,000s WHAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY SPECIAL: Diverse home styles and abundant amenities is the King’s Heights advantage. A community in South East Airdrie that boasts gorgeous natural scenery and countless amenities and activities King’s Heights is a popular choice for families. Kingsview Market is a real advantage to this community with shopping, restaurants, and medical services within walking distances. Additionally the two large reflection ponds are surrounded by over five kilometres of paved pathways making this a popular space to enjoy a morning run or relaxing stroll.
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COOPER’S CROSSING DEVELOPER: Westmark SHOW HOME ADDRESS: 1225 Coopers Drive PRICES: Single family homes with double attached garages starting in the $460,000s WHAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY SPECIAL: Cooper’s Crossing is big on greenspace and traditional appeal. Offering scenic ponds, lush parks, cozy picnic area, active playgrounds, and 44 acres of greenspace weaving it all together Cooper’s is a safe place for kids to grow and play. Cooper’sTown Promenade opened in 2017 and allows residents to follow one of the many paved walking paths from their home to access a grocery store, pharmacy and many restaurant and shopping opinions. CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
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HILLCREST DEVELOPER: Apex Land PRICES: Final quick possession homes now selling starting at $485,000 WHAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY SPECIAL: Where nature is nurtured. Perched on Airdrie’s picturesque southwest hillside, Hillcrest was designed to preserve and compliment the natural landscape around it. Architecture defined by classic woodwork and masonry reflects the unique palette of the prairies, while a community plan that’s built around natural areas and viewpoints instead of over them preserves this incredible setting. From blueprints to backyards, every aspect of Hillcrest is built to strengthen the connection between you, your home and your habitat. Whatever you’re day holds, Hillcrest gives you the space, style and simplicity to make the most of it.
RAVENSWOOD DEVELOPER: Qualico Communities SHOW HOME ADDRESS: 365 Raventern Link and 1551 Ravensmoor Way PRICES: Single family homes with double front attached garages starting in the $440,000s; Single family laned homes starting in the $350,000s; Duplex homes with double front attached garages starting in the $380,000s WHAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY SPECIAL: Ravenswood’s many parks, green corridors and playgrounds have been placed throughout the community, creating an idyllic setting that invites residents to stroll, cycle or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Ravenswood has two schools directly in the community one of which is Airdrie’s only Francophone school. Located on the South East corner of Airdrie you have quick access to QE2 and all the necessary amenities close by.
VISTA CROSSING DEVELOPER: Dream Developments SHOW HOME ADDRESS: 14 Amery Cres, Crossfield PRICES: Single family homes with double front attached garages starting in the $390,000s WHAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY SPECIAL: Imagine a beautiful streetscape with winding lanes, diverse architectural styles and inviting front porches. This is the concept behind the homes in Vista Crossing, a fusion of historic charm and modern technology. A place where the pace is gentler and life revolves around family and community. A place where kids can be kids and everyone looks out for one another. n
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THE FINAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE Vesta Properties’ Copperstone completes Copperfield WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
FOR ALL INTENTS and purposes, the community of Copperfield is finished. All its schools are open, commercial areas are thriving, the pretty ponds and pathways are alive with joggers and dog-walkers no matter the weather. But unknown to many, there is still a piece of this popular southeast neighbourhood where they can still get a new home and live the perfect suburban dream. Vesta Properties recently opened Copperstone in the southeastern edge of the community, the final piece of undeveloped residential land in Copperfield where buyers can still buy a laned home, a move-up home or townhome. “We are the land developer and exclusive home builder in Copperstone, so we have the ability to offer the product that the market wants,” says A.J. van der Linden, sales manager at Vesta Properties. “Whether they’re a downsizer, a young couple looking to start homeownership, or people already living in the neighbourhood and looking to move-up from their townhome or condo, we have the products they want.” Copperstone will have around 450 homes when finished, including 150 townwhomes. “The single-family homes sit on traditional lots, instead of the narrow Zero Lot Line ones found in many newer communities. We felt it was important to maintain the original vision for Copperfield,” he tells New Home Living.
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Vesta was still able to keep prices affordable with their classic singlefamily homes starting from the low $400,000s. They have six models of their two-storey, front double-attached garage homes available in the first phase. “We have three- and fourbedroom models and they range in size from 1,830 to over 2,600 square-feet,” van der Linden says. “We will have more when the next phase opens, including walk-outs that back onto green space.” The most popular is The Barclay, a three-bedroom-plus-flex home with three bathrooms. “There is so much flexibility in this model, and the best thing is most of the features seen in the show home are standard features so people know exactly what they’ll get when they buy with us,” he adds. CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
ABOVE The 1,851-square-foot Barclay is Vesta’s most popular model in Copperstone. The ingenious use of all available space, the wide and inviting open concept main floor that was made to entertain, and the eye-catching style all combine to make it one of their most family-friendly designs yet. “It has a lot of flexibility, we can have a walk-in pantry. Most of what you see in the show home are also our standard features and people just love the fact they don’t need to spend more for upgrades,” van der Linden says. LEFT The Barclay’s contemporary main floor includes nine-foot ceilings, plenty of oversized windows that adds to the splendour, and designer laminate flooring that give it a style and sturdiness while still staying affordable. “The Barclay starts from $439,000, including GST, and the show home itself is around the $470,000 mark, which makes it really attainable,” he says. OPPOSITE PAGE The cozy gas fireplace is a standard that lends The Barclay plenty of its warmth and glamour, but the functionality of the entire home cannot be understated. The front-attached double car garage gives plenty of storage space for bikes and sporting gear, seasonal items, even a workbench or potting table. “There is bonus parking on the driveway for visitors or your recreational vehicle too,” he points out.
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show home profile n Vesta Properties
RIGHT As the land developer and exclusive home builder in Copperstone, Vesta is able to maintain the family-friendly curb appeal that all their communities are famous for. “We’re lucky to have this final piece of land in Copperfield. It’s such a mature community with all the amenities ready for buyers to enjoy.”
ABOVE Bathrooms are spa-inspired with a deep soaker tub and handset tile surround, quartz countertops along the double vanity and the full-length mirror bring a sexy vibe to the proceedings. “There is also a spacious walk-in closet and extra linen closet as part of the standard plan included with the master ensuite,” van der Linden says.
ABOVE The spectacular master bedroom is roomy with lots of space for bureaus and night stands and a king-size bed, the two other spare bedrooms are just as spacious that takes into account the future growth of kids.
fast facts BUILDER/DEVELOPER: Vesta Properties COMMUNITY: Copperstone MODEL: The Barclay
LEFT The deluxe glass shower in the master ensuite speaks to the daily functionality of The Barclay. “We were able to pack a lot of practical, everyday features that growing families appreciate in this plan. The vaulted ceiling bonus room is a favourite of buyers, the roomy upstairs laundry provides plenty of convenience to the busy family, and the rough in for a three-piece bathroom in the basement is also provided. In fact, visitors can see just how this will look in the fully developed 744-square-feet basement in the show home,” he says. NL
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SIZE: 1,851 sq. ft. PRICE: From $439,900, including GST ADDRESS: 1205 Copperfield Blvd S.E. DIRECTIONS: From 52nd St. S.E., head east on 114 Ave., turn right on McIvor Blvd., and left on Copperfield Blvd. and follow the signs. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 – 8 p.m., Friday 2 – 6 p.m., Satuary, Sunday and Holidays 12 – 5 p.m. WEB: www.copperstoneliving.com
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RIGHT The Winston show home in Evanston doesn’t have a lot of upgrades in it, so families can really appreciate the kind of standards they are getting. The fireplace is standard although how it’s finished in the show home is an upgrade, Luong says. But the solid core plank flooring on the main floor, the airy, nine-foot ceilings and the numerous windows that adorn the entire home are all standard. “You don’t even have to be on a corner lot to get the windows on the side of the home, these are all included.”
OPTIONS ABOVE The Winston’s L-shaped kitchen with a huge centre island is designed to inspire the pursuit of the culinary arts. There is ample space for all your gadgets and a fabulous eating bar for guests to sit and marvel at your food prep game. “There’s plenty of drawers and cabinets, too, as there’s never too much storage space for growing families,” Luong says. RIGHT The great room, dining nook, and kitchen all flow beautifully along The Winston’s main floor, making it an ideal entertaining room. “Big families or extended families love the space that The Winston offers. The ability to offer a spice kitchen, or a fifth bedroom on the main floor is important to many of our buyers,” he adds.
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BELOW The Winston can be built with a side entrance to provide private access to the basement. “It opens up a lot of possibilities for the owners, they can have the basement developed for extended family members — or if their older kids just want their own space in the home.” Trico Homes will have walk-out lots in the final phase of Evanston backing onto green space.
A-PLENTY Trico Homes’ most popular model sets the stage in Evanston WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
W I T H AT L E A S T 1 2 design options to choose from, no wonder The Winston by Trico Homes is one of this awardwinning builder’s best-selling plans; and the latest show home of this model in Evanston explains further why. The Winston can seemingly fit all the wants and needs of families or couples looking for a move-up or forever home, and the four-bedroom, 2,555-square-foot show home in this established northwest community brilliantly details all its possibilities. “The spacious, open concept floor plan, the enormous amount of storage space, the tremendous entertainment and wow factor it gives makes The Winston the ideal family home,” says area manager Henry Luong. “People also love how the home flows, and the numerous options it has to personalize their home to fit their families or lifestyle.” Pleasing to the senses and the wallet, The Winston is as affordable as it is stylish and starts from $588,000, including GST. “A lot of young, growing families or families with CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
extended members living with them find The Winston to be the best home for what they need,” Luong says. Among the options The Winston offers are side entrances for private access to the basement, space for a spice kitchen, a fifth bedroom on the main floor, and a three-car tandem front-attached garage. Luong says The Winston is available in most of the communities Trico Homes builds in, and only needs a minimum 34-foot lot to build. “But the wonderful thing about building in Evanston is that the community is well established with all of the amenities already in place — like schools and groceries and shopping malls — and we’re in the last phase before the whole community is built out. So, really this is your final chance to build The Winston in this amazing community.” Trico also offers laned homes in Evanston starting from $415,000, including GST. Front attached garage homes are from $488,000.
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LEFT The master ensuite is luxuriously refined with enough style to satisfy even the most meticulous buyer, but its every-day utility makes it one of the most important parts of home life. “There are double sinks along the vanity and a lot of space around it so you don’t trip over your partner when you both are getting ready in the morning,” Luong says.
fast facts BUILDER: Trico Homes COMMUNITY: Evanston STYLE: The Winston is a two-storey, four-bedroom model with frontattached garage SIZE: The show home is at 2,555 sq. ft., but can start from 2,515 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts from $488,000, including GST ADDRESS: 24 Evansfield Cres. N.W. DIRECTIONS: South on Stoney Tr., north on 14 St. N.W., right on Symons Valley Pkwy, left on Evanston Link and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.tricohomes.com LEFT The walk-through pantry on the main floor is just what most families need. “It leads directly to the garage so unloading groceries will be easy. The spacious mudroom it is connected to is also a favourite for families as it is a great spot to shed outer clothing or to stash sports equipment before going to the main living area.”
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ABOVE The bonus room at the top of the stairs is the perfect spot at the centre of the home where family members can gather for movie nights or video game parties. It also serves as a buffer area separating the parents’ room from the kids’ rooms. “Everything about the upstairs plan is spacious. The bedrooms are big, the bonus room has all that space, even the laundry room has more than enough room to answer all the needs of a growing family,” he points out. NL
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community profile n Walden
MORE TO CHOOSE
Walden widens choices, adds three more builders to its roster
Pepper Rodriguez n PHOTOS BY Sue Moodie Photography n WRITTEN BY
WALDEN HAS ALREADY been one of the most successful communities in Calgary and one of the strongest performing in terms of sales. It continues to attract buyers of every stripe with its perfect combination of varied home styles and plentiful amenities that seem to be getting better everyday. The addition last year of Arcuri Homes, Daytona Homes and Prominent Homes to their stable of single-family homebuilders cast an even wider net for choice. Now with the latest addition of Baywest Homes, Walden looks even more promising to an even wider audience. “2018 was a busy year, we brought on three new builders to the area: Prominent Homes, Daytona Homes, and Arcuri Homes. This has given people more to choose from so they can truly find a home that fits their needs,” says Genstar Development project manager, Travis Putnam. “So far in 2019, Baywest Homes has started building in Walden. They will be selling homes on our ridge that looks over the Bow River and has views of the city.”
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He adds that Baywest will also be selling something that has never been seen before in Walden — a product that fronts directly onto park space. “These homes will be a bungalow villa duplex product type.” Putnam says Walden remains as one of Genstar’s strongest performing communities. “There seems to be a real draw here as a new community in Calgary with already established amenities. We are also seeing people move within the community because one, it is so desirable here and they want to stay and two, there is opportunity for people to move into something that fits their lifestyle, whatever that might be. There is something for everyone, whether your looking to buy your first home or condo or you want to move up on the ridge.” About 75 per cent of the 411-acre community is built out, he says, with approximately 600 more homes to
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go. Walden will total to about 4,000 homes with an estimated population of 12,000. “It was launched in 2008, allowing Walden to provide already established amenities that surrounding newer areas can’t,” Putnam says. But there is even more to look forward to, including a 65-acre, 700,000-square-foot regional commercial centre that is about to start construction on 210 Avenue S.E. and due to be completed in 2021. It will include some of the most popular big box stores in the city and provide a ton of convenience to residents. “There was also the completion of our feature park last year, so new residents can enjoy two kilometres of walking trails that wrap around a pond and connect to the regional pathway system in Fish Creek Park. We will also have a soccer field and a baseball diamond ready for use in 2019.” Walden’s location on the southern edge of the city just off Macleod Trail has always been one of its biggest advantages with the accessibility it offers residents. “Walden residents enjoy having quick access to Macleod and Stoney Trails, as well as to Deerfoot Trail; being close to a variety of amenities on Macleod Trail and in Shawnessy; and being just five minutes from the Somerset LRT,” Putnam says. But the sense of place that Walden has makes it different. “Walden was designed with winding streets without your typical block patterns. This slows traffic down and has a real small-town family orientated feel. When I drive through the community, I see first hand people coming home from work, parking their car and walking to get groceries and enjoying the one of many park spaces throughout Walden. This setting sets Walden apart.” Walden’s 122-acres of green space also makes a difference in their residents’ lives, providing a sense of connection to nature that is hard to find in the city. The figure is well above the 10 per cent of total land coverage the city requires of community developers to set aside held for municipal and environmental reserves. “We are especially excited to offer another first for Walden, one-of-a-kind ridge lots that present stunning views of downtown and the Bow River valley. These lots will back onto a pathway system that connects to the
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fast facts COMMUNITY: Walden DEVELOPER: Genstar Development Company SINGLE-FAMILY: Duplex from the $300,000s – Homes by Avi, Excel Homes, Cardel Homes, Laned from $400,000s – Homes by Avi, Excel Homes, Cardel Homes, Front drive from $500,000s – Daytona Homes Homes by Avi, Excel Homes, Cardel Homes Bungalows from $500,000s – Prominent homes, Baywest Homes Move up- semi estate from $600,000s On the ridge: California Homes, Arcuri Homes, Baywest Homes, Cardel Homes from the $700,000s MULTI-FAMILY: Cardel Lifestyles’ Walden Place – condos from the $130,000s and townhomes from $300,000s Excel Homes’ Holland Park – townhomes from the $290,000s Avi Urban’s Jackson and Winston – townhomes from the $290,000s Rockford Developments’ Axis – townhomes from the $290,000s All new showhomes can be conveniently accessed from 210th Avenue (keep left into Walden onto Walgrove Boulevard. S.E. or Walcrest Gate S.E. for the ridge homes) WEBSITE: waldenliving.ca
river valley and to Fish Creek Park that is about a 15-minute walk or five-minute bike ride away,” Putnam says. He adds the lots are “efficiently laid out” to encourage affordable housing options on the ridge, something that will simply add to the opportunity to enjoy more leisure time. Walden offers everything from apartment condos, townhomes, duplexes, laned homes, move-up homes and now estate homes on the ridge. “There is not one set of select buyer group that has been consistently buying in Walden,” Putnam says. “I think this is due to all the different products available. If I had to pick, we see a lot of firsttime buyers and new families starting out here in Walden” NL FEBRUARY 2019 NE W HOME LIVING
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Continuing resolve RESOLVE Campaign opens The Maple, as fight to end homelessness continues
n STORY AND PHOTOS BY
Pepper Rodriguez
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he RESOLVE Campaign in Calgary may have officially ended in March last year, but the home builder-initiated effort to end homelessness in the city continues to bear fruit. RESOLVE, along with the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF), and HomeSpace Society, opened last December their newest building, The Maple. Built by Homes by Avi as part of its commitment to the RESOLVE Campaign, The Maple offers 25-units of permanent supportive housing for women experiencing chronic homelessness. The Maple, located in the northeast community of Renfrew, marks the sixth new permanent supportive housing building to be completed for CHF and its housing collaborator, HomeSpace, and the eighth new building in total to be constructed through the RESOLVE Campaign. “Thanks to the Government of Alberta and the generous contribution of Homes by Avi and other philanthropic donors to the RESOLVE Campaign, 25 women will soon have access to permanent supportive housing where they can begin to rebuild their lives,” says Alan Norris, Chairman and CEO, Brookfield Residential Properties and Chair of the RESOLVE Campaign. The building was made possible with joint funding through the Government of Canada (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) and
Public and private stakeholders in the fight to end homelessness pose for the opening of The Maple.
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the Government of Alberta, Homes by Avi’s commitment of up to $1.4 million through the RESOLVE Campaign and a contribution through the City of Calgary’s Housing Incentive Program. The building’s name, The Maple, was chosen by Homes by Avi to symbolize strength and endurance, and is one of a series of purpose-built apartments, constructed by a group of 11 Calgary home builders who have collectively donated $15.4 million and each committed to constructing a building for CHF through the RESOLVE Campaign. “Homes by Avi got involved in the RESOLVE Campaign from the beginning, based on a belief that there was no better way to give back to our community than provide the one thing that we do best: housing,” says Homes by Avi CEO, Charron Ungar. “Now that our contribution, through The Maple project, is coming to a close we stand before the success of the program as thankful contributors to a vision of participation in building our great city.” RESOLVE was a first-of-its-kind collaboration of nine Partner agencies, working together with a common goal — to create affordable rental housing with support services for up to 3,000 vulnerable and homeless Calgarians. The nine respected and established agencies partnered with government, business and community leaders, all resolving to make Calgary a better home — for everyone. At the conclusion of the Campaign’s active fundraising period on March 31, 2018, enough capital was raised to provide 1,850 homeless CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
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and vulnerable Calgarians with a key to an affordable rental home with the supports they need to thrive. While the Campaign itself has sunset, the partners will continue to open doors to additional urgently needed affordable homes in the city. The tangible difference the campaign has made will be seen for years to come, as more buildings are constructed and Calgarians move from a place of homelessness and instability to the safety and security of a home. In fact, Calbridge Homes is scheduled to begin construction of their building in Forest Lawn on January 24. JAYMAN BUILT is completing its development in Bowness this year, too. Despite its success, the campaign to end homelessness in Calgary faces considerable challenges. Not the least of which is the continued soft economy, which not only has slowed down donations but increases Calgarians’ vulnerability to losing their homes. Another constant struggle that the campaign faces is the Not-In-My-Backyard attitude — or NIMBYism — for short — that can sometimes make it difficult to arrange to get locations for these housing projects. CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
“NIMBYism is a challenge on most developments and we address it through education on the need to provide safe and affordable housing for all, especially the City’s most vulnerable people. Housing is a human right,” says Matt Vermunt of HomeSpace. HomeSpace is one of the lead agencies in the front lines in negotiations with the City and local communities for building these new housing developments. “It takes a lot of community engagement work from HomeSpace and our agency partners to address concerns and proactively work with the communities in which we operate. It’s important for the public to undertand that people experiencing homelessness are already in our communities, except many of them are not receiving supports. We see much better outcomes for neighbours and for vulnerable people when we provide housing with 24/7 social supports. We look to be good neighbours if our neighbours have concerns, they have a compassionate and engaged landlord and agency who work collaborativeThe Maple in Renfrew. ly to address issues,” he adds. “Our residents are equally valuable members of the community, and housing increases their opportunity to be active participants. We’ve seen our residents volunteer at events on Neighbour Day, participate in community garden projects, help with community cleanups, and contact emergency services when citizens required help. These are the positive stories that help us combat NIMBY attitudes. Our residents are just as much members of their communities as anyone else and they have the same rights; there is no “us and them”, there’s just us.” According to HomeSpace, providing affordable housing with supports is not only the right thing to do, it makes economic sense. “When we tracked 72 of our most complex residents we saw a 70 per cent decrease in: days hospitalized, EMS utilization, police interactions, emergency room visits and days in jail. This equates to a savings of $2.5 million in one year to the tax payer,” Vermunt says. The important work of finding homes for the homeless continues, says Diana Krecsy, President and CEO of Calgary Homeless Foundation, and The Maple is an important contribution. “This collaboration between government, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, HomeSpace Society, Homes by Avi, the RESOLVE Campaign, and YW Calgary is a demonstration that homelessness can end when we intentionally choose to work together,” she says. “The Maple will provide 25 women experiencing homelessness with a place to call home and a place of belonging from which to build a better future.” NL
Alan Norris, Chairman and CEO, Brookfield Residential Properties, and Chair of the RESOLVE Campaign.
Homes by Avi Chairman and Founder, Avi Amir.
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Stylish sanctuary
Creative bedroom design goes a long way in enhancing relaxation Christina Loc
here “busy” has become the blanket norm — if it is your career you are focused on, or your family — shuttling the kids or planning a get together — “busy” can easily tip from a routine to an addiction. After a long day, whether your to-do list is complete or not, there is no sensation that is more ultimate and alluring than the comfort of your bedroom for some well-earned down time and a good night’s sleep.
DRESS YOUR WALLS It’s the best way to make a bold statement in a room. Paint the walls a different colour. For a light and fresh look, paint it a soft pink like Benjamin Moore’s trending 2019 colour called Head Over Heels AF-250 or a light blue-grey like Smoke 2122, also by Benjamin Moore. For a moodier effect, dare to paint one, two or all walls a super dark grey, rich emerald or deep amethyst colour. Make your headboard wall a feature by adding wallpaper. Big floral prints are all the rage. If that’s too loud, opt for a subtle pattern or a textural wallpaper like grass cloth. Even if you pick a wallpaper that is the same colour as your wall paint colour but has texture or is of a different sheen, that extra bit of detail will be distinctive. Get creative with decorative wall panels, wall mouldings and bulkheads. With so many options available, you can really make your feature wall pop. Tip: Combine paint, wallpaper and wall detailing for an impressive result.
HERE’S WHERE THE DESIGN OF YOUR BEDROOM GAINS IMPORTANCE These past few months, I’ve been craving for moodier and edgier spaces: rooms that really exude personality. These types of rooms are achieved through layering different materials, using varying textures, incorporating subtle and not-so-subtle patterns, monochromatic tonal colours for depth or a punch of colour as a statement of you and your preferences. These for me are the essential ingredients for relaxation in the bedroom. Whether you have a brand-new home and need new everything or have been in your home for a few years and need to refresh, incorporating a few of these items in to your bedroom will transform the look of what is the most private and personalized recess of your home.
YOUR MIND AND BODY WILL THANK YOU FOR BLACK OUT DRAPES For added visual interest, dress your windows with luxe velvet, natural linen or a carefully selected patterned fabric that speaks to you. Not only are drapes aesthetically pleasing, a good night’s sleep is crucial for a healthy lifestyle and begins with your body producing enough melatonin — which requires complete darkness. Make sure those electronics are turned off as well. Tip: Make a statement by hanging the drapes as high as the ceiling and fill the window wall with drapes to make the windows appear larger.
PHOTO AND DE SIGN BY CHRISTINA LOC
A pop of blue, a bit of floral, geometric patterns, velvet, curves, crisp white, mixed metals and crystal keeps this room flowing with lots of elements but still balanced.
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LET YOUR LIGHT FIXTURES STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT Change out that boring builder’s grade ceiling light for a stylish. Pick up decorative table lamps. Alternatively, to save surface space, decide on floor lamps for a statement or sconces that mount from the wall or suspend pendants from the ceiling over your nightstands. Tip: Placing bulbs on a dimmer switch really allows you to set the mood and control the amount of light you want. IT’S OKAY TO LAYER RUGS Some may consider this to be a faux pas while others will embrace the fresh twist it has to offer. It’s okay to break rules. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and is so subjective. To achieve a Scandinavian-inspired look, lay down a jute rug and then layer on top of it a faux fur rug — yes, regardless of whether it’s hardwood, tile or carpet you are doing this on. Tip: The key to layering rugs or placing one over your carpet is to introduce colour, texture or a pattern.
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MIX AND MATCH Matchy-matchy is long gone. There is no need to go to a big box furniture store to pick up the six-piece bedroom suite special. Settle for a rich velvet bed frame, pair it with a couple of antique gold accent tables and a walnut dresser. With existing furniture, consider switching out a few pieces of your bedroom furniture to freshen up the look. Tip: Mix metals. Mix woods. Mix fabrics and elements. The key to mixing and layering is to find proper balance. INVEST IN BEDDING Good quality bedding doesn’t just look great but feel even better. They’re worth the investment. Look for breathable natural material. You can never go wrong with the classic 5-star hotel quality crisp white cotton sheets and bedding look. For more of a natural look and feel, consider natural linen in neutral colours or find bedding coordinates that work with your decor style. Toss a few decorative cushions and a throw to make it feel even more inviting. Tip: Find a duvet cover that is easy to compliment and have on-hand at least two to three sheet sets to mix and match to change up your look: a set of pure white sheets, a patterned set and a bold colour set. NL
PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST ELM
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West Elm has a large selection of beautiful textural blankets to choose from.
This article was shortened for space considerations. For the full text, visit www.calgaryhomeliving.com
CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
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By Pepper Rodriguez
All set for 2019 Calgary Home + Garden Show MARKETPLACE EVENTS ANNOUNCES that HGTV Canada star Todd Talbot of Love it or List it Vancouver will return to Calgary to headline the Main Stage at the upcoming 38th annual Calgary Home + Garden Show, taking place February 28 – March 3, 2019 at the BMO Centre and Corral at Stampede Park. “We are so excited to welcome Todd back to Calgary, along with an outstanding lineup of celebrities and local experts, to inspire homeowners to tackle their indoor and outdoor spaces this spring,” syas Teri Salazar, Show Manager for Marketplace Events, producers of the Calgary Home + Garden Show. “Todd is known for his no-nonsense real estate advice and his practical approach to making the most of your home. He’ll be tailoring that insight for Calgary homeowners when he takes to the stage at the Home + Garden Show.” Joining Todd on the Main Stage is HGTV Canada gardening and outdoor lifestyle expert Todd Talbot Carson Arthur from Home to Win, along with a lineup of local favourites, more than 550 exhibitors and an outstanding list of new features designed to whip any home and garden into shape. Stay tuned for our feature stories on those stars in the Carson Arthur March issues of Condo Living and New Home Living.
Cedarglen’s Scott Haggins retires CEDARGLEN HOMES ANNOUNCES that long-time president Scott Haggins is finally calling it a career after over 30 years making his mark in the industry. On November 30th, 2018, Scott Haggins retired from the Cedarglen Group of Companies. “With over 30 years served in the residential homebuilding industry Scott has seen and done it all and is ready to move on to the next chapter of his life,” a statement from Cedarglen says. “This process started back in 2011 when Scott handed the Presidency of the single-family operation over to Howard Tse. Since then, he has increasingly reduced operational and strategic involvement. After seven years, Scott has decided that now is the right time for him to completely step back from the business and truly enjoy the success of his labours.” Howard Tse will continue in his role as President of Cedarglen Homes, and Cole Haggins will continue in his role as President of Cedarglen Living. Along with their Executive Teams, they will continue to lead Cedarglen developing its strategic vision and executing on its operaScott Haggins tional excellence.
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New Year brings new amenities in Redstone QUALICO COMMUNITIES WELCOMES 2019 with new amenities and new prices in the northeast community of Redstone. “Now is the time to buy in Calgary, but particularly in Redstone”, says Laura Field, Marketing Coordinator for Qualico Communities Calgary. “The opportunity is there to save tens of thousands — $10,000 off Front-Garage homes, and up to $15,000 off duplexes.” There are two developer discounts available in Redstone. Buyers can see savings on both duplex and front-garage homes in Redstone. These discounts can be combined with builder incentives where applicable. “This year is going to be really exciting for both new and existing residents,” says Field. “With the Redstone plaza opening up in spring 2019, residents are going to have what they need and what they want right in the community, and for many residents, the plaza will be within walking distance.” The plaza will feature a walk-in clinic, 4,000 square-foot grocer, pizza shop, liquor store, massage, physiotherapy, and pharmacy. There will be 45 parking stalls. Some tenants expect to be ready to open late February. “There is going to be a new lot release in the first part of 2019, with of a group of really beautiful garden lots, as well as some lots backing on to greenspaces, and other lots right by the new park that is coming this spring,” says Field. Redstone is located in northeast Calgary, commonly referred to as the New North. It is bordered by Metis Trail and Stoney Trail. To find out more, visit the showhomes in Redstone Monday-Thursday from 2 – 8 pm, or Saturday, Sunday and holidays from noon – 5 pm. Find out more about the incentive, visit redstonecommunity.ca NL
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Anthem United Belmont page 2
Highfield Land Boulder Creek page 5
Anthem United Cornerstone page 24
Highfield Land Heritage Hills page 5
Anthem United D’ARCY pages 15
Lifestyle Funiture Galleries page 26
Apex Developments Hillcrest page 31
McKee Homes front cover, page 8-10
Cedarglen Homes The Parks of Harvest Hills page 11
Mattamy Homes back cover
Fireside of Cochrane La Vita Land page 19
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Norma Robertson Calgary Home Seller page 28
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By Mario Toneguzzi
AIRDRIE’S AFFORDABILITY IT’S HARD TO imagine, but in 1977 Airdrie had a population of only 2,265 people. In 2017, the city’s population had ballooned to 64,922. That explosive growth has been the underpinning of Airdrie’s housing market as it has grown lock step with the burgeoning population. In fact, in recent years, Airdrie was one of the fastest growing communities in Alberta and Canada with an average annual growth rate of about 7.5 per cent. One of the key factors driving housing demand in Airdrie over the years has been affordability. It has become a great option for people to save money on a home purchase as opposed to buying in the City of Calgary. The numbers tell the tale. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, the 2018 benchmark price — which is the price of a typical home in the market — was $496,792 in Calgary for a detached home. In Airdrie, that price was $369,042. “I still think it holds true that people can come out here and get a little bit more value for their dollar than in the City of Calgary,” says Kent Rupert, Team Leader of Airdrie Economic Development. “We also have all the services that people need now. Ten, 15 years ago, we didn’t have all the services that the residents need. There’s hardly anything that you can’t get from a retail commercial side in Airdrie that you can’t get in Calgary.” Current growth projections predict Airdrie to grow at a constant rate over the next 25 years to a projected population of over 110,000 by 2040. Also, Airdrie is known for its young CALGARYHOMELIVING.COM
population as 78 per cent of residents are under the age of 50, 35 per cent are between the ages of 25-44. It has become a growing and family-oriented community. The demographic trends have been the driving force in the housing market for Airdrie. In 2008, the city had 12,699 housing units which grew to 21,027 by 2018 with projected growth to 32,840 by 2038. Traditionally, Airdrie was a community dominated by single-detached homes but that dynamic has slowly changed over time as more multi-family dwellings have entered the market. “About five or six years ago there was a bit of a shift in the market. There was more of a need for multi-family from the market side. I also think from a lifestyle side you’re starting to see a lot of Millennials or young families or empty nesters, they’re all wanting something that they can live in, lock up and leave because we are becoming more of a mobile society,” says Rupert. “And as the city grows we want to make sure we have the housing option for all different demographics right across the board.” Last fall, Airdrie unveiled and launched its new 10-year economy strategy which is designed to cultivate a sustainable economic future. Its vision is of Airdrie becoming “The Place to Be for businesses and talent in Western Canada.” The strategy, themed “Tapping into Airdrie’s Potential,” defines three key objectives to build on Airdrie’s strengths, address the city’s challenges and seize opportunities — The Place to Be, Right for
PHOTO COURTE SY CIT Y OF AIRDRIE
When it comes to price point, Airdrie homes have a big edge over Calgary
Business and A Connected Community. “It’s no secret that Airdrie is a fantastic community,” says Rupert. “This strategy is about embracing what makes Airdrie great and building on our vast potential. We want to ensure we have a stable and sustainable economy while still maintaining our community’s good quality of life in the years ahead — that’s what this work is all about.” NL
This article was shortened for space considerations. For the full text, visit www.calgaryhomeliving.com
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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By Marty Hope
TWO OF A KIND Popularity of duplex homes on the rise I GUESS IT’S no big secret that duplexes have become a popular item in Calgary’s housing market. Doesn’t matter what quadrant of the city you happen to be visiting the side-by-side homes are taking up more and more room. So, the question is why? Is it affordability or is it lifestyle? The answer, it appears, is a blend of both, according to Laura Field, marketing co-ordinator at Qualico Communities. “They are becoming more popular because people can get a lot of square footage and, in some cases, an attached one- or twocar garage for a significantly more affordable price than a traditional single-family home of the same size,” she says. Qualico is making room in its communities for the duplex market. The most recent I saw was in its northeast development of Redstone. Staying in the northeast, Truman Homes is also showing off its duplex product in Cornerstone where 40 are planned, says company vice-president Oliver Trutina. Price point, he says, is a key factor in the popularity of the duplex, but just to add some spice, Truman is offering customization — like you might otherwise see in larger detached Truman homes.
Redstone duplex
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“In Cornerstone, one will find three bedrooms up, and a spacious main floor with three layout options — the most unique being a spice kitchen rough-in,” he says. The Truman duplexes also offer the opportunity to create a revenue suite with a side-entry door — and that, Trutina adds, is another reason for the growth in duplex popularity. Down in the southeast community of Legacy, Trico Homes has also seen an uptick in interest in side-by-side duplexes. “I think it’s because they offer individuals a stronger sense of ownership at a much more affordable price. Then, there is the square footage that, in a lot of cases, is starting to rival smaller single-family laned homes so people feel they are getting a lot of value for their dollar,” says Jayce Roger, Trico’s area sales manager in Legacy. As for the demographic that is being attracted, all three builders say interest covers pretty much all spectrums of the Calgary marketplace. “There really is not typical buyer profile for duplexes because of the versatility and and affordability,” says Field. “We even see some extended families buying each side of a duplex in order to be close, but still retain some privacy.” Getting back to affordability, Field says duplexes are among the most affordable housing options on the market today, especially for first-time buyers. “Unlike condominiums — the other starting point for homeowners — there are no condo fees associated with buying a duplex. You simply pay your mortgage, if you have
one, and taxes as if it were a typical home,” she says. Then there is the lifestyle aspect that comes with being an empty-nester. The kids are grown and gone and it’s time to start another chapter in your life. “For many people in this position, downsizing is a common action as they no longer need the space of a large home and may be looking to save some money as they head toward retirement, so a duplex may be the ideal solution,” Field says. But there are a whole mess of other segments of the population that might find a duplex the right fit for them. “Whether you are living by yourself, a single parent, a caregiver, or even a close family looking to near to each other but have their own space, duplexes are the sensible and logical option,” says Field. There is also the fact that you only have one immediate neighbour on the other side of the common wall, unless, of course, you are in an end unit. “The reality is that duplexes are nothing like they used to be. Construction has come a long way and it has made a very impactful difference in duplexes,” says Field. 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