CONDO - Calgary Herald

Transcription

CONDO
CALGARY’S GUIDE TO CONDO LIVING
FRIDAY, June 8
number 24
1025 SF I CITYSCAPE I CORNER UNITS
2 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 2 UNDERGROUND HEATED TITLED PARKING STALLS
LUXURY AT PRICES
YOU CAN AFFORD
$213,900 - $229,900
PLUS GST
(DEPENDING ON LOCATION)
CORNER UNITS NATURAL LIGHT - FILLED
LIVING SPACES
BUY THIS PLAN NOW
CHOOSE FROM 4 DESIGNER
COORDINATED COLOUR
SCHEMES
BEDROOM
10'-5" x 10'-3"
LIVING ROOM
11'-11" x 13'-8"
PATIO / BALCONY
10'-6" x 12'-6"
SPACIOUS BALCONY
BREAKFAST NOOK
MODERN OPEN CONCEPT
LIVING SPACE
NOOK
5'-10" x 5'-3"
L
TILE FLOORS
HARDWOOD CABINET DOORS
POSSESSIONS
STARTING EARLY
FALL 2012
BATH
8'-9" x 5'-0"
KITCHEN
8'-6" x 8'-0"
GRANITE KITCHEN COUNTER TOP
STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
OVER-THE RANGE MICROWAVE
DINING
10'-11" x 13'-9"
DS
IN-SUITE STORAGE
LAUNDRY
8'-9" x 4'-4"
S
W/D
LARGE MASTER BEDROOM
WALK-IN CLOSET
Coats
MASTER BEDROOM
11'-2" x 10'-10"
ENSUITE MASTER BATH
WITH GRANITE COUNTER TOP
ENTRY
W.I.C.
4'-1" x 7'-2"
DEN
6'-7" x 6'-0"
BATH
5'-0" x
7'-2"
SATISFACTION
COVERED
with CARE
www.blanketltd.ca
Canadian
Home Builders’
Association
403.605.4524
stonecreekcondos.ca
Mon.-Thurs. 2-8 pm
YANKEE VALLEY BLVD SE
Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm Closed Fridays
HIGHWAY 2
8 ST
MAIN ST
N
5 AVE.
RAILWAY AVE
MCKENZIE WAY
TARADALE
DRIVE NE
TRANSCANADA HWY.
CROWCHILD TRAIL
# CUSTOMER
ST.
W
GRIFFIN RD.
Sales Centre Hours:
TWO UNDERGROUND
HEATED PARKING STALLS
AIRDRIE ROAD NE
STONEY TRAIL
indigosky.ca
COWBOY TRAIL
403.389.8144
DESIGNER TILE ENTRY
MEDIA CENTER
1025 SF OF LUXURY LIVING SPACE
BOW
VAL
LEY
TRA
IL
RAIL
WAY
SPACIOUS SECOND BATH W.
GRANITE COUNTER TOP
DW
F
403.980.3334
creeksidevillagecondos.ca
FRONT
CONDO
Luna is qualex-landmark’s condo
development in the Beltline’s
Connaught DISTRICT. Suites range
from 665 to 1,080 square feet and
cityhomes from 1,491 to 1,810
square feet. liveatluna.com
Contents
FRIDAY, June 8, 2012 Number 24
4
8
12
buyer profile
Condo fees
Ever wonder what those
pesky little fees that
come with your new
condo are for? Find out.
The ’Hood
Ideally located in a
sought-after downtown
location, Eau Claire is
more than just a trendy
place to visit.
14 Sunscreen
Michael Ross and Wade
Wiley-Ross purchase a
condo in The Block.
Photo by Michelle Hofer
Condo Xtra
is a publication of
the Calgary Herald
Special Projects
Department.
Your view is massive,
but don’t let it fry your
insides — use screens to
block the sun’s harmful
rays from your furniture.
16 Rocky tops
Quartz countertops’
scratch-resistant
properties make it an
ideal alternative to
granite.
10 Condo Tales 20 Appies &
Condo developers are
catering to owners’
inner chefs by heating
features up in the
kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Qualex-Landmark
Group of Companies
ovations
Pre-show appetizer party
helps kick off a night of
fun and music.
22 pot gardens
Patio and balcony pots
great places to grow your
fruit, veg and herbs.
18 buyer
&
19
snapshots
Buyers talk about their
purchases and give advice.
Special Projects
manager:
Barb Livingstone:
T: 403-235-7339
E: blivingstone@
calgaryherald.com
Condo Xtra
co-ordinator:
Karen Petkau:
T: 403-235-7513
E: kpetkau@
calgaryherald.com
Contributors:
Alex Frazer-Harrison
Lindsay Holden
Liz Bruckner
Julie Van Rosendaal
Kenzie Love
Michelle Hofer
Paula Trotter
Wil Andruschak
advertising feature
W
Cityscape floor plan makes living in colour easy on the eyes
ith hardwood flooring,
stainless-steel appliances, a
modern open-concept floor
space and four designer co-ordinated
colour schemes to choose from, Carlisle
Group’s Cityscape floor plan is bound to
have buyers not only seeing indigo, but
rainbow, as well.
Available at Indigo Sky at Tara Lake
and at Saddleridge, Stonecreek Landing
in Cochrane and Creekside Village in
Airdrie, the Cityscape is 1,025 square
feet of luxury living in a corner unit with
two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two
underground heated, tiled parking stalls.
“Often, people suspect that the most
inexpensive plans will be the only ones
that sell out quickly — and we have
those plans from the $120,000s that do
sell quickly,” says Carlisle Group spokesperson John Sparrow.
“But equally impressive are the larger
plans at the top of our price bracket,
which might be even more competitive
in the marketplace.
“You just can’t beat them for what you
get for the price.”
From the minute you walk into the
Cityscape’s designer tiled entry, you will
be impressed.
Immediately in front of you is the spacious dining room.
This room is surrounded by an openconcept kitchen to the left, with granite
countertops, over-the-range microwave,
breakfast nook and hardwood cabinet
doors.
The kitchen and dining area overlook
the large living room, leading to a spacious patio/balcony large enough to
enjoy the big sky sunsets that Calgary
and surrounding area are famous for.
Adjacent the kitchen and dining room,
and tucked neatly into the corner of the
Cityscape floor plan, is the master bedroom, ensuite and large walk-in closet.
On the far side of the unit, and adjacent the living room, is the secondary
bedroom and secondary bathroom.
Other features in the Cityscape floor
plan include a den, media centre and
laundry room with in-suite storage.
This floor plan is sure to be the belle
of the Carlisle ball, especially when the
developer’s $1,000 Easy Payment Plan is
factored in, making covering the down
payment easier than ever (only $1,000
down, with equal payments over five
months to reach the five per cent) and
the plan is available from $209,900,
depending on location.
With buying options like these, it is
no wonder that Carlisle Group condo-
c a lg a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d ox t r a
miniums outsold all other competitors
last year. For more information on the
Cityscape floor plan, and the pricing
options available, contact the respective
developments at indigosky.ca, 403-3898144; stonecreekcondos.ca, 403-6054524; or creeksidevillagecondos.ca,
403-980-3334.
june 8, 2012
3
condo shopping
t
Maintenance-free lifestyle’s cost
he maintenance-free lifestyle that
attracts so many Calgarians to condo
living comes with a price – condo fees.
Collected from owners every month,
condo fees are essential for two reasons: the
money helps pay for the operational costs of
the building and also builds a reserve fund for
future repairs.
“You’re basically paying for your share of the
expenses while living there,” explains realtor
Richard Bergeron, who exclusively sells condos
locally.
He says condo fees in Calgary for a wood-frame
building range from $0.35 to $0.50 per square
foot, compared to $0.40 to $0.70 per square foot
for a concrete building.
Fees cover common expenses such as snow
removal, yard maintenance, garbage removal,
building insurance, upkeep of any on-site
amenities such as a gym and more.
In the vast majority of local developments
Condo-fee structures
may differ from project
to project
(about 75 per cent), condo fees also cover tenants’
utilities, minus electricity, telephone, cable and
Internet. Roughly 20 per cent of buildings will have
condo fees that cover standard utilities, including
electricity. And only about five per cent of projects
include fees that cover standard utilities, including
electricity and cable.
The condo board typically evaluates and sets
condo fees on an annual basis, Bergeron says.
After reviewing a draft budget, board members
will determine how much needs to be collected to
cover operational costs.
Fees
Condo Fees are basically
how buyers pay for their
share of the expenses while
living in their homes, says
realtor Richard Bergeron.
Shawn Hoult photo
continued y 6
advertising feature
Streetside’s The Edge delivers cool features at a price so cool it’s hot
A
lberta’s coolest new condos just happen to be located
in the coolest town around — Airdrie.
The Edge by Streetside Development Corp. is nicknamed the Cool Factory, and for good reason.
Let’s start with its location on East Lake Boulevard, near
the ever-expanding Genesis Place recreation centre, Bert
Church Theatre, a diverse local commercial scene. It’s also a
short drive from CrossIron Mills.
“Because of the unique design of our building and its location, The Edge is attracting a broad range of buyers,” says
marketing manager Steve Hobbs. “We’re seeing first-time buyers and empty-nesters who enjoy having a superior variety of
amenities nearby.”
This includes not only local transit, but easy access to
regional transit into Calgary — the Intercity Express (ICE).
“Our buyers have an active lifestyle and enjoy the facilities
that the nearby Genesis Place has to offer, as well as having
quick access out of town to Calgary or to the mountains,” adds
Hobbs.
The Edge offers 119 suites featuring a variety of unique
one- and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 582 to 982
square feet, starting from the $150,000s.
Oh yes, the price is cool, too. In Airdrie, $150,000 goes a lot
further than similar condo properties in Calgary.
“Our interior finishes are unique and modern and are part of
Streetside Development’s signature in providing three contemporary designer colour palettes to choose from,” says Hobbs,
4
june 8, 2012
Left: Phase 1 of The Edge, which is sold out. Streetside Development Corp. is now selling Phase 2. Right: The Edge’s sales centre’s kitchen.
adding maple cabinets, a four-piece appliance package and a
variety of flooring options are also available.
“The four-storey design of The Edge has a lot of character
in its architecture, which translates into a variety of suite layouts to choose from, including a select number of fourth-floor
suites with vaulted ceilings.”
Streetside also has a cool incentive for buyers that’s likely to
make them fall in love with The Edge even faster.
“If you purchase today, you will be eligible to take advantage
of $10,000 in free upgrades,” says Hobbs. “These upgrades
allow the buyer to put those personal touches on their new
home.”
The $10,000-free-upgrades package is a limited-time offer,
however, so visit the sales centre today to find out more.
Phase 2 is already under construction, with on-site parkade
already completed (residents have access to not only heated
underground parking with elevator access, but The Edge also
offers surface parking for owners and guests). First occupancies are expected by summer 2013, Hobbs says.
For more information, visit the sales centre in Phase 1 at
Suite 1104 604 East Lake Blvd. N.E. Hours are Monday to
Thursday, 1 to 7 p.m., Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Visit coolfactory.ca or call 403-980-2817 for an appointment.
AIRDRIE’S
COOL NEW
CONDOS
FROM THE
$150,000’S.
PHASE 2 NOW SELLING
UP TO $10,000
IN FREE UPGRADES!*
EC E N
T
Visit our show suite:
QUEEN EL
LAKE
Take the East Lake Crescent exit off of
the Queen Elizabeth Highway and follow
the signs.
E A ST
IZABETH H
WY
CR ES
#1104 – 604 East Lake Bvld NE, Airdrie
403.980.2817
CoolFactory.ca
Genesis Place
EA
ST
LA
KE
BL
VD
SE
*Limited time offer, some restrictions may apply.
Visit our sales centre for more information.
AIRDRIE’S COOL FACTORY
Continued from 4
Condos
Then the board, usually working in conjunction
with the property manager, factors in any major
repairs that may be coming down the pipe, such as
to the roof, elevators or parking garage.
So while low condo fees may sound appealing,
Bergeron warns it could lead to a dire situation in
the future.
Without an adequate reserve fund, tenants may
need to pay a special assessment — essentially, an
additional fee needed to cover the cost of a major
repair that was not properly saved for and even for
the occasional operational expense shortfall.
This unpleasant, and sometimes expensive, fee is
most often associated with repairs to the exterior
of buildings in Calgary, due in large part to the
city’s wild weather, Bergeron says.
Condo fees, he says, should ultimately increase
with the cost of living.
That being said, the recent 2012 TD Canada Trust
Condo Poll found 41 per cent of Calgarians would
need to find a new place to live if their condo fees
increased suddenly.
“Many people are not aware that condo fees are
not necessarily a fixed cost,” says Jessy Bilodeau,
TD Canada Trust mobile mortgage specialist. “If
you want the perks of condo living, you need to
budget for the fees, which can increase at any
time.”
The first step is to determine the amount you can
afford to pay every month for condo fees.
Roughly one half of the monthly condo fees will
About one half of the
monthly condo fees
will be factored into
the purchasing price
to determine whether
a buyer qualifies for a
mortgage.
Calgary Herald Archive photo
be factored into the purchasing price to determine
whether a buyer qualifies for a mortgage
(projected monthly mortgage payment, property
taxes, utilities and gross monthly income are also
included in the calculation).
But Bilodeau stresses condo fees will be an
additional expense on top of monthly mortgage
payments, so it’s important for shoppers to
incorporate condo fees into their monthly budget
to see if its something they can truly afford now –
and down the road.
She also advises condo owners build a buffer into
their monthly housing budget to save for future
condo fee hikes.
“That way if fees go up, it won’t be a major shock
to your cash flow,” Bilodeau says. “If they don’t
increase, you have extra money to put aside in
savings or toward your mortgage so long as there
are no penalties for making a lump sum payment
on your mortgage.” y Paula Trotter
advertising feature
First-time buyers flock to Next in Bridgeland for homes from $900/month
T
he Next level in inner-city condo living is taking shape in Bridgeland.
Located just off Edmonton Trail
N.E., Next is the latest success story for
Bucci Developments Ltd., which was honoured as Multi-Family Builder of the Year at
the 2011 SAM Awards.
The four-storey apartment-style condo’s
location, mere minutes from the Bow River
and downtown, has made it a prime destination for young professionals, says sales and
marketing manager Shane Styles.
“Next has a lot of really well-priced
one-bedroom suites that have been selling
incredibly well to first-time homeowners
working downtown — accountants, engineers
— because it’s so easy to get downtown from
here,” he says.
But it’s not just proximity to downtown
that’s a selling feature. Next is located in
Bridgeland, which has undergone a true
renaissance.
“Bridgeland is really coming into its own,”
says Styles. “And the prices here are just that
much better because we’re not right downtown — our buyers don’t want the downtown
feel; they want the community feel.”
But desiring a community feel doesn’t
6
june 8, 2012
mean skimping on the details. From gasburning cooktops and quartz countertops to
nine-foot ceilings and triple-glaze windows,
“everything is already upgraded at Next,” says
Styles, adding on-site amenities include two
gyms and heated underground parking.
“We usually see two types of buyers:
someone who is a first-time buyer and
downsizers, or ‘life-sizers,’ who’ve owned a
home for a long time, but have never bought
a condo before,” says Styles. “Life-sizers are
really focussed on the freedom that condo
living offers.”
To help answer these queries, and keep
current and potential buyers in the loop
as construction proceeds, the BucciLiving
YouTube channel was created.
The channel hosts regular video updates
on the construction of both Next and Bucci’s
sister development in Mission, Tribeca.
“We’re only about nine months from closing, so you’ll be able to move into Next in
early 2013,” says Styles. “In the meantime,
our goal is to do a new video every week for
each project.
“For example, I recently did an interview
at Next with the building envelope engineer,
who goes through every nuance of the exte-
rior waterproofing membrane and makes sure
it meets specifications.
“It’s all about peace of mind.”
Next will consist of 132 suites. Remaining
floor plans include one-bedrooms from 638,
square feet priced from $240,707 to $271,707,
and two-bedrooms from 902 to 1,128 square
feet, priced from $373,721 to $425,707.
“We have also worked a deal with TD
Bank to lock in mortgages to completion.
You can own for as little as $900 a month.”
For more information, visit the Next presentation centre at 921 First Ave. N.E., bucci.
com or youtube.com/user/bucciliving.
fro
Two Bedroom + Den
Condos in Mission
From $420,000
m
$2
40
, 70
7
This is our fasTesTselling floor plan.
Tribeca is right where you need it to be. Here, all of your favourite
places – not to mention life’s little necessities – are within walking
distance. The independent shops and eateries of 4th Street SW are
around the corner. 17th Ave is three blocks away. It’s the perfect
neighbourhood for you.
Want to live in an award-winning home? At the lowest inner city one–
bedroom price you can find? With parking included? Unmatched
features and move-in only 10 months away? You’ll want to get here
before it’s too late.
Start Downsizing. Own at Tribeca.
VisiT us ToDaY and move into your new
Bridgeland home in early 2013.
A rare offering of brand new one, two and three-bedroom condos.
stop by our sHoW suItE
visit the Tribeca show suite located at 1905 4th street sw.
Open saturday – Thursday: 12pm-6pm (Closed Friday).
403.225.0023 | nextliving.ca
19 ave sw
sHOw sUITe
NORTH
20 ave sw
4TH sT sw
20 ave sw
921 1st Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta
Saturday – Thursday: 12pm – 6 pm | Friday: Closed
21 ave sw
CHBA - Calgary Region
2008
The Developer reserves the right to make changes and modifications to maintain the high
standards of these homes. Price is approximate. E. & O.E.
Photos by Michelle Hofer
neighbourhoods
e
Eau Claire more than a place to visit
Easy access, historic sites make an ideal locale
au Claire is a nice community to visit — but it’s
an even better place to live.
Residents have the natural beauty and many
festivals of Prince’s Island practically at their
doorstep, and the dining, shopping and culture of
downtown just a short walk away.
“We have easy access to everything down here,
which is great,” says Paul Denaeghel, president of
the Eau Claire Community Association. “We’re right
downtown, which is not far from Stephen Avenue
Mall and everything that it has to offer; Chinatown
to the east; and Kensington to the west.”
Although Eau Claire has been long well-situated,
the community hasn’t always been vibrant. It began
as the site of the Eau Claire Bow River Lumber
Company’s sawmill, which was built in 1886 (the
lumber company’s one-time office now houses the
1886 Buffalo Cafe).
The mill’s primarily Norwegian workers settled in
the surrounding area, but a century later, many of
the community’s houses and businesses were torn
down, replaced by parking lots, the Greyhound Bus
garage and not much else.
Few traces remained
of the past, and most of
the many amenities and
condo complexes present
today had yet to be built.
Blaise McNeil, owner
of the 1886 Buffalo Cafe
for the past 25 years, has
seen many changes in
the neighbourhood during
that time.
“When I came here, there was just the bus barns,
nothing else around,” he says. “No YMCA, no Joey
Tomatoes, no Barley Mill, no market, no Sheraton
8
june 8, 2012
Suites, no anything.”
Eau Claire’s changed considerably since then, and
several projects now underway will further reshape
the neighbourhood. GWL Realty is planning to build
a mixed residential/commercial development that
will take over two city blocks now filled by parking
lots.
Concord Pacific is also finalizing the design for a
new luxury condominium complex and CadillacFairview has begun development on a 36-storey
office and retail tower.
“You’re going to see a number of cool-looking
buildings and interesting architecture,” says realtor
Chris Fenemore, who’s placed many clients in Eau
Claire.
He anticipates continued growth in Eau Claire’s
luxury condo market, driven mostly by so-called
“ruppies” (retired urban professionals). Most have
moved from the inner city to suburbia to raise a
family, but have since returned, drawn by the wellsituated, spacious and hassle-free condo projects.
“You can get large units
— large condos that would
support all of your furniture
and everything — which
you can simply lock and
leave. You don’t need to
worry about the lawn being
mowed or the fences being
painted, that sort of thing,”
he says.
Whatever course
development takes,
Denaeghel hopes Eau
Claire will become a better
community for everyone,
whether or not they live
here. “I think, like all
communities, we certainly
want to have a safe, vibrant
community — a gathering
place for people, not just in
the community, but for all
Calgarians,” Denaeghel says.
y Kenzie Love
ideal junction
eau-volution
1886 Buffalo Cafe
owner Blaise McNeil.
Kenzie Love photo
for more photos:
calgaryherald.com/
condoxtra
Paul Denaeghel,
president of the eau
claire Community
Association, says Eau
Claire is at a trendy
downtown junction.
Kenzie Love photo
CHRIS FENEMORE
advertising feature
West End gets
‘in Vogue’ with
luxurious project
S
tyle has arrived in the west end of
downtown Calgary — and its name
is Vogue.
When completed, Vogue — the
latest luxury development by the
LaCaille Group — will be a striking,
34-storey tower offering a mix of oneand two-bedroom suites and penthouses
right in the heart of the city.
“Vogue has been designed with incredible elegance, with an impressive podium
with intricate stone details that really
bring to mind Calgary’s signature sandstone buildings of the past,” says Tamara
Rosenblum, president of marketing
agency Mantaray Creative.
“And because it’s in such a developed
and established area of town, you won’t
be living in a construction zone for
years. You’re close to the pathway to Eau
Claire, the Peace Bridge is close by, so is
Kensington and you’re only a block from
the Plus 15.”
This wealth of amenities is why
LaCaille focuses on developing quality
residential towers in the West End, says
LaCaille vice-president Al Schmidt.
“We recognize the advantages living
in the West End and Eau Claire gives
people, from a lifestyle perspective,” he
says. “We’ve had opportunities to go into
other areas but the lifestyle opportunities
just weren’t there.”
Schmidt says Vogue, which will feature
210 suites ranging from 550 to 1,400
square feet, fits LaCaille’s vision of what
a residential tower should be, meeting the same standard previously set by
developments such as Five West and
Park Place.
For example, Vogue will have its own
concierge and a hotel lobby-style entry
complete with coffee shop and wine bar,
Rosenblum says.
Residents can also access an in-house
fitness centre and dry-cleaning service.
The suites themselves include highstandard features such as hardwood,
Fisher & Paykel appliances, floor-toceiling windows and air conditioning.
“Vogue isn’t just about living in style
— it’s a true lifestyle,” says Rosenblum.
Prices start in the mid-$200,000s.
Vogue will be built on Sixth Avenue
between Eight and Ninth streets.
The sales centre is located at 912
Fifth Ave. S.W. Hours are Monday to
Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. and Friday to
Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit
liveinvogue.com.
june 8, 2012
9
Townhome
style
life style
Tale of Two Condos
f
Wil Andruschak photo
Two homeowners;
two different paths to
homeownership
inding the perfect home is no small feat.
From light fixtures to paint shades, floor
materials to yard space, determining which
style best suits your lifestyle requires work,
patience and persistence.
Take the experience of Robyn Leslie, a 25-yearold administrator from Calgary, for example.
A single buyer at the time of her search, Leslie
was a property virgin looking for a home in the
southeast area of the city with minimal outdoor
upkeep and lots of room and style inside.
Then there’s John Hooper* — a 50-something
semi-retired business man who was on a quest to
find a maintenance-free lifestyle to enjoy with his
wife, Sandra.*
Hooper also has a vacation home and a severe
case of wanderlust, so a lock-and-leave lifestyle
was a must. But he also wanted to be downtown.
Condo search takes Leslie out of the box
After initially thinking she wanted to live in a
standard condo, Leslie discovered, upon starting
her search, that wasn’t what she wanted after all.
“I realized I couldn’t see myself living in that sort
of place for the long term,” she says, which is when
her focus switched to townhomes.
“I initially was looking at older homes, which
weren’t right for me because of the renovations
almost all of them required. I heard that Cardel
Lifestyles was building townhomes in an area
of the city I was interested in living in, so I took
a look and fell in love with the whole kit and
caboodle right away.”
Leslie ended up buying a 1,287-square-foot
townhome in Cardel’s Riverside project in
Chaparral Valley. Her Riverwalk floor plan has
three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.
Some of the most attractive features are obvious,
she says: She wakes up to views of a pristine golf
course, there’s access to transit nearby and her
home is loaded with amenities (among them, a
yard to call her own, extra space for guests and an
open-concept layout for entertaining).
But Leslie says it was the personal touches from
10
Robyn Leslie in
her 1,287-squarefoot riverside
townhome by
Cardel Lifestyles
in Chaparral
Valley.
june 8, 2012
Apart
m
style ent
Cardel Lifestyles that ultimately won her
over.
“I loved that the builders made every
detail important, and I truly couldn’t have
picked a more perfect home for me if
I tried. Every room has a touch of my
personality in it, from the colour of the
walls to the design of the kitchen, and
that’s all because of how encouraged I
was to be involved in the process,” she
says.
Leslie also loves the idea of never moving
again. “Part of what makes my home so great is
my wonderful neighbours, an amazing view, that
I’m surrounded by peaceful tranquility and that
there’s so much room for the future. I could not
have asked for a better building experience.”
Couple finds lock-and-leave the perfect fit
For John Hooper* of Calgary, though size and
location were the key factors he and his wife were
most interested in initially, it was the total package
offered by The River — a luxury residential
development developed by 26th Avenue River
Investments Inc., an affiliate of Ledcor Properties
Inc. — that played into their decision to buy.
“My wife and I are in our 50s, are empty-nesters,
travel a lot and have a winter home in the Phoenix
area. We knew we were ready to buy a condo
when I took semi-retirement and our children had
been gone for a few years,” he says.
Knowing that they wanted a roomy condo in
the inner core of the city that offered high-quality
features was the first step. And after considering
many similar condo developers with projects
happening in their desired area, they opted to
buy a suite in the The River Tower because of the
John a
n
Sandr d
a
Hoope
r*
purch
as
in The ed
River.
Pictur
ed is t
he
projec
t’s sho
w
suite.
Calgary
Archive
photo
project’s
location, highquality features and the quality of
its team.
Slated to start construction by the end of this
summer, The River consists of 27-suite tower and
11 townhomes near the corner of 26th Avenue
and First Street S.W., along the Elbow River
Pathway.
“This condo project has everything,” says
Hooper. “It has the best location in town. The floor
plans have the best layouts, and the interior has
the best quality materials and appliances.
“We came into this knowing what we wanted,
and we have achieved pretty much everything we
were looking for. We’re close to all the amenities
we desire, it’s on the river, is quiet and surrounded
with beautiful scenery in the heart of the city. It’s
a five-minute walk to our health club and since
it’s on the city’s bike path, it encourages a healthy,
active lifestyle. There are also great restaurants
and shopping around the corner, and it’s easy to
get to the downtown area without having to live
there. It meets our lifestyle needs for the next 20
to 25 years.” y Liz Bruckner
(*John and Sandra Hooper’s name have been changed upon request.)
advertising feature
Calla ‘comes out of
the ground’ amid
skyrocketing sales
Y
ou know you’re living in style when
your next-door neighbour is the
historic Lougheed House.
Calla, by Qualex-Landmark, is the newest addition to the trendy Beltline area,
overlooking the iconic site and Beaulieu
Gardens.
“We’re coming out of the ground now,”
says Parham Mahboubi, vice-president of
marketing and new developments with
Vancouver-based Qualex-Landmark.
“As a company, we’ve shown we can
deliver on our promises, and that goes a
long way towards customer confidence.”
In fact, demand for Calla’s 168 Parkside
Home suites has gone through the roof,
with sales now topping 80 per cent – double what it was only a few months ago.
“What we keep hearing from our buyers is they love the location,” says Parham
Mahboubi, vice-president of marketing
and new developments with QualexLandmark. “On top of that, the specs they
get with each suite — they find it’s just
incredible value.
“Plus, Calla is located in an established
neighbourhood. You have everything in
place already — all the key amenities —
and that’s a huge bonus.”
At Calla, you get the best of both
worlds.
Currently under construction at 626
14 Ave. S.W., you’re only a few blocks
from all the shopping and dining on 17th
Avenue’s Red Mile. Head a few blocks
the other way and you find 11th Avenue’s
Design District. Downtown is also nearby.
Calla continues Qualex-Landmark’s
tradition of building condominiums that
offer exceptional quality, beautiful finishings and contemporary designs at affordable prices.
Each suite has a balcony or patio, air
conditioning is standard. You also get
satin chrome door hardware, chrome
faucets and bath accessories, a stainlesssteel appliance package, choice of quartz
or marble countertops and the security of
keyless access and nightly security patrols.
A guest suite and out-of-suite storage
lockers are available. Residents receive
access to a fitness and yoga space and
steam room. All this at prices starting at
only $235,800 for a one-bedroom suite;
floor plans range from 549 to 1,332 square
feet. First possessions are expected in
summer 2013. Calla’s Discovery Centre
at 628 11 Ave. S.W. is open daily except
Friday from noon to 5 p.m. For more
information, visit callaliving.com or call
403-452-7006.
june 8, 2012
11
buyer profile
Suburban
commute fuels
search for
perfect condo
l
12
Must-have checklist
fulfilled in trendy Avi
Urban development
ooking for more space, Michael Ross and
Wade Wiley-Ross decided to purchase
a large, two-storey house in the deep
southwest community of Silverado.
But it didn’t take long for their 2,300-squarefoot suburban home to start cramping their
lifestyle.
“We’re both spending 45 minutes each way to get
to and from work,” says Ross, who works downtown
as a business analyst.
The lengthy drive to work is just part of the
equation that has seen the hours these two spend
behind the wheel multiple rapidly.
They make the rush-hour commute home daily
to let out their dogs, and then turn back around to
spend most evenings in the downtown core.
“It really doesn’t make any sense,” admits Ross.
So in early February, they started scouring
inner-city communities between Victoria Park and
Crowchild Trail in search of a new home.
As determined as they were to move back to a
more central location, Ross and Wiley-Ross had no
desire to return to the boxed-in life of a highrise.
“Part of the reason why we wanted to be in the
suburbs was because we didn’t like feeling like
june 8, 2012
we’re all living on top of one another,” says WileyRoss, a travel agency manager who cringes at the
memory of his days spent renting a suite on the
22nd floor of a building.
Equally important for the couple was finding a
spacious condo that will make their friends go:
“Wow.”
Ross knew he
had found their
new home when
he walked into The
Block sales centre at
200, 1022 17th Ave.
S.W.
“I wrote a cheque
without Wade even
seeing it,” he says.
The Block is a boutique-style condominium
project currently being built in Lower Mount
Royal at 1750 9A Street S.W. Once the Avi Urban
development is complete in late summer or early
fall 2013, it will have 58 different suites: one-, twoand three-bedroom apartment-style units, as well
as nine, two-bedroom townhouses, all of which
range from 650 to nearly 1,500 square feet. The
townhouses will be zoned as live/work residences,
giving owners the opportunity set up shop on the
street level of their homes.
The Block is contemporary in style — featuring
clean, structured lines and modern finishes — and
every suite is designed with an open concept that
makes even the
smallest quarters feel
roomy.
What makes
this development
particularly alluring,
however, is it will
centre around a
courtyard.
Covered walkways
will wrap around
this verdant common space on the exterior of the
building, ultimately replacing the drab, interior
hallways that are typical of apartment-style
buildings.
This layout makes it possible for large windows
to fill the walls on both ends of every unit, bringing
more natural light and cool summer breezes inside.
Once he saw the show suite for himself, Wiley-Ross
We will both be gaining
more than an hour back
to our day. You can’t put
a price on that.
m
THE BLOCK
on the side
MICHAEL ROSS AND
WADE WILEY-ROSS
IN THE SHOW SUITE
OF THEIR NEW
833-SQUARE-FOOT,
TWO-BEDROOM,
TWO-BATHROOM
CONDO IN AVI
URBAN’S THE
BLOCK.
ichael Ross and
Wade WilyRoss already know
what their favourite
hot spots in their new
neighbourhood: coffee
shops and Crepes &
Cravings, respectively.
But Uptown 17th boasts
more than 200 locally
owned shops, restaurants
and galleries, as well as
200 professional services
between Second and
14th streets S.W. Here
are a few within walking
distance from The Block.
for more photos:
calgaryherald.com/
condoxtra
Restaurants
n Nellie’s Cosmic Café
n Farm
n Tubby Dog
n The Coup
n Metropolitan Grill
n Ristorante Italiano Buon
Photos by Michelle Hofer
Giorno
n Melrose Café and Bar
made no objection to Ross’ rash purchase.
“This place ticked off all the boxes on our list and
then some,” Wiley-Ross says.
Spaciousness — check.
The couple purchased an 833-square-foot,
two-bedroom corner suite that includes two full
bathrooms and a 248-square-foot balcony. And the
14-foot ceiling just breathes more room into the
space.
Pets allowed — check.
Their two dogs, a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Shih Tzu,
are more than welcomed at The Block, as are most
animals.
Standard features that they actually like — check.
Solid surface countertops, engineered flooring,
tile flooring, eco-wood cabinets and stainless-steel
appliances all come standard at The Block.
“The standard features here are what other places
have for upgrades,” Wiley-Ross says. “Their upgrade
list isn’t this big, long thing.”
A lively, inner-city location — check.
With trendy 17th Avenue S.W. across the street,
Ross and Wiley-Ross are already placing bets on
what will become their “backyard” hot spots once
they take possession. With an eclectic array of
shops, restaurants and galleries —
more than 200 — it will likely take
them some time to narrow down a list
of favourites.
Sense of community — check.
Whether gathering in the landscaped
courtyard or running into neighbours
at the nearest coffee shop, The Block
will be a welcoming environment
where you’ll know everyone by name.
“We’re trying to create a community
within a community,” says Joy
Syratt, Homes by Avi marketing and
communications co-ordinator.
And that’s exactly what Ross and WileyRoss are searching for. “I like to get to know
my neighbours,” says Wiley-Ross. “It’s really
important for me to get energy off other people.”
And while the couple is thrilled to find a new
home that offers all of these appealing features,
the main selling point remains the elimination of
lengthy commutes.
“We will both be gaining more than an hour back
to our day,” says Ross. “You can’t put a price on
that.” y Paula Trotter
Coffee
n Waves Coffee House
n Caffè Beano
n Chiasso Coffee
Company
n Good Earth
Coffeehouse and Bakery
n Starbucks
n Kawa Espresso Bar
n Tim Hortons
Shopping
n The Gallery
n Purr Clothing
n Gravity Pope
n Aluminum Planet
n The Rocket
n Eye Candy
Fitness
n 30 Minute Hit
n Heavens Fitness
n Yoga Passage
Closest LRT station
The Eighth Street S.W. and
10th Street S.W. LRT stops
along the Seventh Avenue
Free Fare Zone are less
than two kilometers away.
Parks
Tompkins Park is the
closest, but others within
walking distance include
Central Memorial Park
and Olympic Plaza.
Hospital
The Sheldon M. Chumir
Health Centre and
Foothills Medical Centre
are short drives away.
june 8, 2012
13
shades
life style
Let the sunshine in,
and not the damage
f
Hunter Douglas photo
Invest in a ‘shady’ solution
or skin as new as the day you were
born, beauty experts urge you to avoid
sunbathing.
And as if that’s not enough to put a wrinkle
in your plans to bask in the sun, Calgary’s
condominiums and their floor-to-ceiling windows
can be just as menacing to your precious hide —
the one on your pricey designer leather sofa.
“Think about it: If you were to sit in the window
day in, day out like a piece of furniture, you’re
going to get fried,” says Gail Thomson, owner at
Cricklewood Interiors.
Thomson’s 30 years of experience furnishing
homes in Calgary’s climate has given her a firsthand view of cracked dining tables and sumptuous
buttery leathers turned crispy and faded into
horrific washed-out versions of their former hues.
“Browns fade to purple, red turns to pink,” she
says of the unintended clownish colours possible
with neglect.
“It would be comedic if it weren’t such a waste
of money,” she says, adding many warranties won’t
cover sun damage.
She strongly advises customers to be kind to
their floors, fabric, furniture and leather.
“I warn customers they must put up window
coverings. They might say they have this beautiful
view and don’t want to block it, but it takes
nothing to turn down the blinds while they’re at
work during the day. You will never stop any kind
of fading if you don’t control the light,” she says,
adding many styles of blinds still allow views and
block sun.
Thomson cautions not to depend on the special
coatings on windows to prevent UV penetration
— those low-E treatments are designed to cool
potential heat gain and not necessarily the
bleaching effects of sunlight.
Among Thomson’s customers was a man
who left his beautifully furnished residence for
14
Even your condo
needs shades.
These Hunter
Douglas roller
shades in screen
fabric block
the rays from
harming your
furniture.
june 8, 2012
six months of travel, only to return home to a
mismatched pair of sofas. He didn’t close his
blinds before departing, so one sofa still looked
new, and the other had to be replaced because of
being placed near a naked window for half a year.
Leather conditioners for furniture work much
like moisturizing after-sun balm for people, and
can improve the pliable texture and sometimes
bring back the dye in the cowhide. But depending
on the degree of damage, colour variations may
be permanent, says Thomson.
Many condominiums include window coverings.
A favourite for higher-end developers are the
roller shades with screen fabric, which block
a good portion of heat and light, but appear
transparent through the collective effect of the
tiny holes, says Cathy Orr, vice-president of the
window coverings division at RGO Office Products.
“It is typically a very contemporary esthetic —
designers are using this type of product in modern
homes with clean lines,” she says.
Clients began noticing them in restaurants, and
they’re now commonly ordered for homes at
approximately $350 per five-foot-by-eight-foot
panel, installed.
Orr worked with designers for the 19-storey
Castello Condominium constructed in 2008 at
12th Avenue S.W. and Fifth Street S.W. There,
exterior walls are nearly entirely glass — a
beautiful feature to showcase Calgary’s famous big
skies. But with nine- to 18-foot-high ceilings in the
luxury properties, designers knew the residents
would want some protection from the UV rays,
and included Hunter Douglas blinds.
Increasingly common are James Bond-esque
remote-control blinds, which may even be linked
to home automation systems operable from an
iPhone, for example. Plus, the screen fabric not
only blocks out the searing rays, but unwanted
eyes during the day. However at night, with
backlighting, interior dwellers be warned — you
are fully exposed to onlookers.
To eliminate this downside, Orr suggests going
with an opaque shade, such as those fitted for the
Castello bedrooms.
But if minimalism is too stark for your tastes,
eclectic homeowners can easily add a layer of soft
drapery panels beside the functional blinds, she
says, explaining they’re meant to blend in versus
take. y Lindsay Holden
advertising feature
Montreux Villas,
like a fine wine,
is selling fast
O
nce in a while, something comes
along that is the perfect fit for
people’s palettes and lifestyles.
For those looking for a modern bungalow floor plan in a maintenance-free
community with a southwest address,
Montreux Villas is it.
Montreux Villas opened its doors in
March, and currently has only 10 villas
remaining for sale of the 30 semi-attached
and detached homes, which have two
open-design floor plans.
Montreux Villas is a Tuscan-inspired
property that offers a tranquil community
with all the best city amenities right outside its doors.
Located on the southwest corner of
17th Avenue and 85th Street S.W., the
area is home to two shopping centres, restaurants, grocery stores, a recreation centre
and schools, as well as several parks.
For commuters, the west LRT station is
scheduled to open next spring.
Buyers will love the fine finishings,
including 14-foot vaulted ceilings in the
main living area; granite countertops
with eight-foot kitchen cabinets; choice
of hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile
flooring; stainless-steel appliances; and gas
fireplace.
The luxurious bathrooms are fitted with
floor-to-ceiling tile tub surrounds, while
the walk-in showers boast 10-millimetre
clear-tempered tiled glass and pivot, clear
shower doors.
The white laundry set includes a desirable eight-cycle front-loading washer and
seven-cycle dryer.
For the moments when you want to sip
a glass of vino and relax, or visit friends
and family, paving stone patios with gas
lines for barbecues make entertaining easy.
Prices for the two available plans range
from the mid-$500,000s to the mid$600,000s.
“This development is geared toward
empty-nesters, downsizers and snowbirds,” says Clark Hogan, vice-president of
marketing.
“Calgarians who invest will get a prestigious southwest address, as well as limited
availabilities for villa-style bungalows in a
maintenance-free community.”
Prospective buyers can check out the
show home at the Montreux Villas sales
centre on 295 Tremblant Wy. S.W. The
centre is open Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8
p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from
noon to 5 p.m.; and closed Fridays.
Early possessions take place in
November 2012. For more information,
visit MontreuxVillas.com.
in llas
y
rr Vi g!
u
H 10 nin
ly ai
n
o rem
P
Prices
rrices
ices sstarting
tarting ffrom
rom tthe
he m
mid
id $$500’s
500’s
30 Executive Villa Styled Bungalows
Maintenance Free Living
Tuscany Inspired Design
Relaxed Lifestyle
Visit our Sales Centre
295 Tremblant Way SW
403.452.9530
www.montreuxvillas.com
june 8, 2012
15
amenities
1 and 2 bedroom
CONDOS
Quartz gives
kitchens an
appetizing
style
3 Showsuites to view
11 floor plans
Unobstructed
Mountain views
Courtyard views
we know you don’t need the super jet 5000 ultra massage shower head and you don’t need a damn chandelier either. That stuff is great I’m sure but you have more
important things to spend your hard earned money on.
You’re looking for
From the
$130’s
monthly from
$586
qualifying income
and comes with some
options to
You need things that make sense like heated underground parking, a cool gym and some nice cabinetry.
So when you’re done looking at those flashy pads and
you’re interested in something real, take a short drive
out to Cochrane and
$27,605
Highway 1A
Bow Valley Trail
Sunset Blvd
Sunset Drive
Ranch House Rd
Bow Valley Trail
Town of
Cochrane
Glenbow Rd.
Trans Canada
16
june 8, 2012
to Calgary
201 Sunset Drive, Cochrane
Showhome Hours:
Mon to Thurs: 2-8 pm
Sat/Sun: 12-5 pm 403.981.4438
s
Alternative to granite
gains in popularity
leek in appearance and compatible with the trend in minimalist style
often found in concrete- and steel-constructed condominiums, quartz
is a now a formidable rival to granite, which has long held top spot as
a material choice in kitchen countertops.
When it comes to a surface where hands will lovingly toil in the
production of a tasty meal, quartz’s hardness makes it an ideally hygienic
foundation for food preparation. And for party guests who may gather
at the kitchen island and rest their cocktail glass, its glossy surface subtly
reflects light and sparkles just like the statement jewelry dangling from
necklines and wrists.
In any case, quartz lends an appetizing style that kitchen designers and
homeowners are eating up, say experts.
“The main benefit is its hardness, scratch resistance, durability and heat
resistance, and you don’t have to seal it as you would granite, which by
contrast is naturally porous,” says Clare Mackey, assistant professor in
Mount Royal University’s bachelor of applied Interior design program.
She has witnessed the natural qualities of granite, and warns clients
the lovely vein patterns are exactly where fractures may form in weak
spots.
Meanwhile, quartz is also natural stone, but made from 93 to 97
per cent mineral crystals. “The remaining portion is a mix of colours,
resins and binders, making it extremely durable,” says Ryan Costain,
account manager with Jade Stone Ltd, a Calgary retailer of stone surface
products.
Quartz marries the best of both worlds in Mother Nature’s alluring
simplicity, and the manufacturing world’s precision and limitless
production possibilities.
Granite slab sizes rarely exceed 12 feet because they’re limited to how
they’re found in quarries and fit into shipping containers. Larger spans of
kitchen countertops, therefore, require granite sections to be fused with
La
Lawnmower
wnmower
free lifestyle.
lifesty
No grass-stained
ass-stained shoes,
shoes
no wasted Sundayys.
rocky beginnings
Quartz is a natural stone that consists of 93 to 97 per cent
mineral crystals,as well as colours, resins and binders.
Condo buyers and developers are also turning to it for
its durability and beauty, including avi Urban. the builder’s
townhome show home in Currie Barracks utilizes the stone
in its kitchen.
Lindsay Holden photo
seams unless you pay
top dollar for those
rare oversized
pieces.
The lack
of seams at
any scale of
quartz slabs is a
key benefit, and
particularly important
when measuring up
to the ever-expanding
grand kitchen plans central to open-concept
interior designs in chic condos.
e
Quartz crystals happen to be one of Earth’s
ag
Im
k
most abundant minerals. Once they’re churned out
c
sto
of mixers, they’re pressed and baked into slabs in near
ink
h
T
limitless lengths, thicknesses and shapes.
In spite of hundreds of hues to choose from, variations
on white are currently the most popular choice, carrying cool names
such as “blizzard,” “glacier” and “ice.”
Whether you choose quartz or the old standby in granite, it really
comes down to personal taste.
Bosa Embassy, the company currently marketing the Evolution
condominium project in Calgary’s East Village, offers prospective buyers
an option to choose either granite or quartz as standard countertops.
Both choices are proving to be equally popular, says Natalie Bosa,
marketing and quality control manager.
Harvest Mosaic in Cranston offers a bounty of lifestyle opportunities
and an abundance of reasons to call Harvest Home.
Let maintenance-free living open your schedule for river walks and Fish
Creek Park explorations. Harvest Mosaic townhomes offer spacious 1, 2
and 3 bedroom layouts with attached garages and lifestyle opportunities
for everyone. Featuring 2 new bungalow floorplans - the Olive and Slate.
Presentation Centre Now Open!
Townhomes
from the
$200s
HarvestMosaic.com
continued y 23
june 8, 2012
17
buyer snapshot
WHAT THEY BOUGHT: 1,300 -square-foot
two-storey, three-bedroom townhome with an
attached two-car, under-drive garage, 17-foot
wide rear deck and contemporary open-concept
interior, with hardwood flooring and a gas
fireplace flanked with
built-in display cabinets.
WHAT THEY
NAME:
LIKED ABOUT
Chad Raskob and
THE PROJECT: For
Kathryn Tabafunda.
first-time buyers with
fashion-forward taste
OCCUPATION:
in everything, including
Raskob is Canada
Safeway manager
interior design, the long
and Tabafunda is in
list of standard finishing
document control at
extras had the pair giving
a downtown oil and
the project a serious
gas firm.
second look. Plus, the
soon-to-be married
PROJECT:
twosome envisioned
Arrive at Skyview
themselves sharing the
Ranch by Partners
property’s dreamy master
Development
bedroom featuring a tall
vaulted ceiling.
WEBSITE:
www.liveatskyview.ca
“We liked the upscale
or www.arrivehome.ca
finishing that was
included — knockdown
18
june 8, 2012
ceilings and rounded corners for example,” says
Raskob. The project’s’ BuiltGreen features also
appealed to their wish for sustainable products
and utility savings.
“We are saving a lot of money on bills with the
BuiltGreen features,” says Raskob.
Meanwhile, the quality windows and insulated
walls for warmth also offered a barrier to
potential exterior and neighbourly noise. “Even
with construction still in the area, I cannot hear
anything outside. It’s really, very soundproof. I
haven’t heard my neighbour once.”
WHAT THEY LIKED ABOUT THE
NEIGHBOURHOOD: Skyview Ranch is steps
from area shops, neighbourhood pub and transit
shuttle to downtown.
The couple had initially ruled out the Skyview
Ranch’s community’s offerings, but by chance
decided to make a final stop at a temporary sales
trailer they noticed on their way out.
There was no show home to view, but they liked
what they heard from the on-site staff regarding
the project’s features, including the 17-foot wide
deck.
“The gentleman we dealt with was phenomenal,
and probably the reason we ultimately bought,
even with no show home to look at,” says Raskob.
“As first-time buyers, you need someone who is
going to make you comfortable.
“He was never pushy, but genuine and turned out
to be a fantastic guy,” says Raskob.
ADVICE TO OTHER BUYERS: “Look around,”
says Raskob. Evaluating each property’s value for
the dollar is obviously important for numbercrunchers, but getting a comfortable gut feeling
with the developer’s personnel is also vital,
especially for first-time buyers, he explains.
“We simply didn’t like the features we saw at the
other homes up the block — and some design
things which were turn-off,” says Raskob, noting
the decks offered elsewhere seemed undersized
and the finishings were below expectations.
y Lindsay Holden
buyer snapshot
WHAT HE BOUGHT: A two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,050-square-foot
ground-floor southwest corner unit on a quiet street in a multi-storey
apartment-style condominium building. The unit, which is still to be built, will
be decked out with stylish standard finishing such
as granite countertops and hardwood floors.
WHAT HE LIKED ABOUT THE PROJECT:
NAME:
For the 30-something buyer, who has already
mason coombs
owned a handful of properties over the last
12 years, each homeownership experience has
OCCUPATION:
perfected his wish list. Fortunately for Coombs, a
Coombs is a paramedic
careful search and Streetside Developments’ St.
with Alberta Health
John’s
on Tenth project in Kensington satisfied
Services in Calgary.
each wish with a check mark: close to the action,
high-end finishing, pedestrian-friendly streets,
PROJECT:
paths and parks.
St. John’s on 10th
“I got everything I have ever wanted,” says
Street by Streetside
Coombs. “Everything I ever owned before had
Development
compromises and some regrets.
Corporation
Coombs says he will have it all in his latest real
estate acquisition — contemporary high-quality
WEBSITE:
finishing, walls and windows designed for quiet
www.stjohnstenthst.com
and no handyman duties to cut into his precious
time off.
WHAT HE LIKED ABOUT THE
NEIGHBOURHOOD: St. John’s on Tenth is located steps from the LRT to
downtown, SAIT Polytechnic, river pathways, plus numerous character shops,
eateries and entertainment venues in Kensington.
“I grew up in the northwest, and have always felt at home in this part of
town. It was always a goal of mine to live in Kensington,” Coombs says about
his soon-to-be-built home across from neighbourhood landmarks such as
Safeway and Second Cup.
His former single-family abode in Mount Pleasant was a great location, but
came with strings attached — costly and time-consuming repairs, not to
mention thin walls and old windows, which made a good sleep a challenge after
shift work. But the yard and street-level entry was perfect for his pet boxer.
He also lived in a downtown condo with a lock-and-go lack of maintenance
Yet as the years passed, it proved to be a little too close to the action. A
few blocks from Calgary’s famous Red Mile on 17th Avenue was a perfect
spot for nights out with like-minded youth, but was no longer a priority for
Coombs.
St. John’s location puts the avid
runner on jogging paths and within
walking distance of the northwest
fire hall, as well as entertainment
spots. But it is also in a quiet
community which includes big trees,
parks and families. The location
of his unit offers the possibility of
pet ownership and ground-level
enjoyment of a fenced garden and
two patios facing neighbouring
million-dollar character homes.
ADVICE TO OTHER BUYERS:
“Consider resale. Buy the most
property you can afford in the best
location. I have had very good luck
when reselling condos over singlefamily homes thanks to location.”
y Lindsay Holden
RIVERFRONT URBAN LIVING IN EAST VILLAGE
LIVE SMART.
LIVE URBAN.
LIVE LARGE.
Our one bedroom F Plan suites
have big, bold spaces that live way
beyond their square footage. The
master ensuite has ample room
for a couple. In the open concept
kitchen, roomy cooking spaces with
gourmet-worthy appliances make
the difference. It’s the perfect space
to cook, eat, relax and entertain.
NOW SELLING FUSE –
The First Phase in the Evolution of
Urban Living in Downtown Calgary.
LIVE IN THIS ONE BEDROOM
FROM $359,000
EVOLUTIONCALGARY.COM
SALES CENTRE 553 RIVERFRONT AVE SE. CALGARY · 403 290 0992
june 8, 2012
19
food for thought
Show-themed parties start
your night off right
t
he combination of food and
entertainment — dinner and a
show — is a classic evening combo.
When Oscar season rolls around,
theme parties abound as people take
to their couches with nibbles paired with
nominated films.
But why limit such an occasion to the
Oscars? Whether you’re heading out to
the opera, CPO, the theatre, even a movie
or concert, it’s fun to come up with a
menu to match.
Hosting a cosy house party is a great
way to extend the evening — before or
after — and beat the restaurant rush.
First, plan your timing — nibbles before
the show, an early dinner or après-theatre
dessert.
Finger food
is always
suitable
for a gettogether, and
appetizers can
be easier to
get creative
with.
The Calgary
Public Library
has an
impressive
cookbook
collection.
Of course the
Internet provides easy access to recipes
galore, making it easier to come up with
unique food and drink ideas or authentic
ethnic recipes to match whatever
production you have tickets to.
Assigning a food theme is also a fun way
to host a potluck; challenge your guests to
come up with a relatable course or snack,
and the pressure is off. (The element
of competition always inspires creative
dishes, too.)
Of course as the host, you still have to
vacuum — and take care of the bar.
Coming up with one mixed drink, beer,
wine and nonalcoholic options, along with
plenty of ice, should be sufficient when
much of the evening will be spent at the
theatre.
Pretty much each week, Lolita’s Lounge
in Inglewood (lolitaslounge.ca) hosts a
Latin Friday Night (with the exception of
the first Friday of the month), so why not
pair the evening out with a Latin-style
tapas party to get all your friends in the
mood?
Most often associated with Spanish
cuisine, tapas refers to a variety of snacks
and appetizers, served with drinks, and is
popular throughout Latin America.
These are perfect for Latin Friday Night
because they are light enough to not spoil
your appetite if you want to go to the preshow dinner at the lounge.
Your Latinthemed appie
menu could
include spiced
nuts, a baked
Spanish tortilla
(similar to a
frittata, made
with eggs and
potatoes), crostini
topped with
Manchego (a
mild Spanish
sheeps’ milk
cheese) and thinly
sliced serrano
or other cured
ham, chorizo sausage, olives, or even mini
tacos stuffed with pulled pork, chicken or
shrimp. Or try spiced roasted chickpeas,
mini spiced beef empanaditas or gazpacho
shooters using the recipes below.
But, if you and your friends go a little
overboard with the appies and can’t
imagine eating a full dinner, pull out some
simple desserts and make the appie menu
a full-meal deal: a classic caramel flan or
warm churros with chocolate sauce for
dipping, for example. Just make sure you
have plenty of napkins. Or, better yet,
save the dessert for a post-show wind-up
party at your place, especially if drippy
chocolate is involved. y Julie Van Rosendaal
Libraries great
resources for
show-stopper
recipes
Assigning a food
theme is a fun way
to host a potluck....
(the element of
competition always
inspires creative
dishes, too).
Spicy gazpacho
shooters
Cookbook author, food
blogger and food columnist
Julie Van Rosendaal spices up
an evening of Latin music with
a themed appie party.
Julie Van Rosendaal photos
20
june 8, 2012
efore taking in the sounds of Latin
America at Lolita’s Lounge, kick off
the night out with a themed appie
party, such as this appie menu.
Spiced Roasted Chickpeas
with Smoked Paprika
Roasted chickpeas are easy and
inexpensive; they’re also better for you
than most
salty nibbles.
Set them
out warm,
straight from
the oven;
they’re
simple to
make, but
their crisp
texture
won’t last
more than
a few hours.
The recipe
can be easily
doubled for
larger groups.
1 19 oz. (540 mL) can chickpeas, rinsed
and drained
1/4 cup canola or olive oil
1 tsp. cumin
1-2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp coarse salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black
pepper
Preheat oven to 400 F. In a medium
bowl, combine the chickpeas, oil, cumin,
paprika, salt and pepper. Spread out in a
single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and
roast for 20-30 minutes, stirring once or
twice, until the chickpeas are golden and
crisp. Season with extra salt, if it needs
it, and serve immediately. Makes about 2
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
2 tbsp. green olives, chopped
2 tbsp. raisins, chopped
salt and pepper
pastry for a double crust pie
Preheat the oven to 400 F. In a heavy skillet set over medium-high
heat, sauté the onion in a drizzle of oil for
five minutes, until soft; add the beef and
cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the
meat is no longer pink.
Add the tomatoes and cumin and cook
for a few minutes, until the excess moisture
has cooked off.
Add the hard-boiled egg, olives and
raisins, and mix well.
Season with salt and pepper, and remove
from the heat; set aside to cool slightly.
On a lightly floured board, roll out the
pastry to less than 1/8-inch thickness. Cut
out four-inch rounds, re-rolling scraps once.
Spoon a tablespoon of filling onto each
round, and fold into a half-moon shape,
crimping the edges shut with a fork.
Place the pies on a baking sheet one
inch apart and brush the top of each with
the egg wash, if using. Cut three slits in the
top of each pie with a sharp knife to let
steam escape, and bake until pastry is crisp
and golden (about 15-20 minutes). Cool
on a wire rack. Makes about 1 1/2 dozen
empanaditas.
Spicy Gazpacho
Shooters
Serve small sips of
gazpacho from shot
glasses, which are
inexpensive at the dollar
store or at restaurant
supply stores. Gazpacho
needs at least an hour
— and up to a day — in
the fridge to allow the
flavours to meld, so it’s ready to go when
you are.
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 English cucumber, chopped
2 roasted red peppers or 1 fresh red bell
pepper, chopped
1/4 cup chopped purple onion
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
a few drops of Tabasco or chipotle
pepper sauce
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt to taste
Combine everything except the olive oil
and salt in the bowl of a food processor
and pulse, scraping down the sides of
the bowl, until chunky. With the machine
running, pour in the oil through the feed
tube and blend until almost smooth.
Season with salt to taste and chill for at
least an hour before serving. Serves 12-20.
INITIAL RELEASE 40% SOLD IN ONE DAY!
REMAINING SUITES AT INTRODUCTORY PRICING
FOR A LIMITED TIME.
Under Construction Now With Possessions Late This Year.
47 Upper End Boutique Condos In The Heart Of Mount Royal.
cups.
Two-Bite Empanaditas
Empanaditas — mini-empanadas — are
little half-moon pies that are perfect for a
party. They can be assembled ahead of
time and frozen unbaked, then slid into
the oven half an hour before guests arrive.
They can also be baked before the show,
then popped into the oven to warm.
Filling:
olive or canola oil, for cooking
1 small onion, finely chopped
227 g (1/2 lb.) glean ground beef or pork
1 14 oz. (398 mL.) can diced tomatoes,
drained
PRICED FROM THE
REGISTER TODAY AT
UNOMOUNTROYAL.COM
403.984.4518
17 AVENUE SW
PRESENTATION CENTRE NOW OPEN
836 Royal Ave SW Mon to Thurs 2 - 7
Sat & Sun 12 - 5
8 STREET SW
b
on the side
ROYAL AVENUE SW
june 8, 2012
21
life style
Planting the perfect pot of plants
i
22
Containers give condo
dwellers the green thumb
t doesn’t get more local than fresh from your own balcony.
Condo dwellers need not fret about not having a backyard
to grow their own fruits and vegetables. With the ever-growing
popularity of container gardening, there isn’t much these days that
can’t be produced from a patio.
There is one restriction, however: sunlight is essential.
“You balcony needs to get a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day in
order to have a successful garden,” says David Abbott, the owner of Chinook
Landscaping and Design.
“Sunlight is crucial. We tell everyone to make a note of when the sun first
hits their balcony and when it leaves. If you get enough sun throughout the
day, you can pretty much grow anything.”
Of course, you will want to read the fine print on your condo contract first
to make sure that planters and hanging baskets are allowed. But after that,
there is no shortage to what can be grown from five floors up.
Abbott recommends first deciding what you want to plant and then
maximizing your space to allow for the biggest garden possible.
“After ensuring you get enough sunlight, we always measure the space and
map out how to best use it. You want to think about how much time you
want to invest in gardening and how you want it
to look esthetically,” he says, adding there has
been a definite spike in balcony and patiobased vegetable gardens in recent years.
To take advantage of all of your space,
consider hanging baskets for
june 8, 2012
strawberries and tomatoes, saving
valuable floor space for the veggies
that need it.
Carrots can be planted in deep
Thinkstock Images photos
planters, and lettuces can be planted in
wide-mouthed pots, for example.
A wide array of cooking herbs can be raised in a small set of flower pots,
adding variety not only to the size of the vegetation, but fragrance, too.
If you have a main-floor unit with a patio, Abbott recommends a raised bed,
typically between four and six feet long by two feet wide, to accommodate
the more traditional rows of vegetables.
“The bonus of using raised planters is they retain their heat and
vegetables typically do well in them during Calgary’s shorter growing season,”
he says.
“Raised beds and container gardens are also easier to cover
if there’s a chance of frost, in some cases you can even bring
them in out of the cold.”
The whole-food, slow-cooking and local-food movements
have inspired a new legion of green-thumb gardeners
in recent years and condo
dwellers are no exception.
y Maria Canton
cost
As quartz becomes
more popular, it
is also becoming
more affordable.
but expect to
pay $50-$120 per
square foot for
the luxury.
Continued from 17
“Each has a very different look and feel. Quartz is very
striking because it is uniform in colour and clean and crisp.
Granite offers a beautiful character with colour variations
and textures in the piece. It is about a preference,” she
says, adding the minimalist look isn’t just a trend for young
hipsters and fashionistas as you might assume.
Bosa has seen many downsizing 50-plus empty-nesters
also adopt quartz as part of a fresh start in their new ultramodern oasis. Many are also happy to shed the familyhome clutter and divorce their decades-old furniture to
complete the look she says.
The popularity of quartz has also affected price for the
better — it used to come at a premium above granite, says
Costain.
“As it is becoming more popular, the price on material is
coming down now, depending on brand and color,” says
Costain, adding buyers can expect to pay between $50 to
$120 per square foot.
Labour for installation is another factor.
Some “waterfall” islands which wrap the quartz top in
a continuous U-shaped form down the sides of piece are
so cumbersome, they must be placed in homes during
framing because they don’t fit through doors, for example.
Meanwhile, patriotic “buy-local” advocates will be happy
to know HanStone, an international brand of quartz,
recently began manufacturing in Canada. y Lindsay Holden
Thinkstock Images
advertising feature
Know your neighbours and enjoy downtown living at The Block
I
t’s not every day that a chance to buy a
brand-new, affordable condo right off the
Red Mile comes along. But The Block by
Avi Urban offers just such an opportunity.
Located steps from 17th Avenue S.W.
where the Beltline and Lower Mount Royal
meet, The Block is a courtyard development
featuring 58 unique homes with one-bedroom, two-bedroom and townhome options.
“The Block was designed to appeal to
a diverse crowd and become a community
within a community,” says Charron Ungar,
president of Avi Urban. “We decided to build
off of 17th Avenue because it’s such a great
mix of people just living and doing
their thing.”
In designing The Block, Avi
Urban decided the last thing 17th
Avenue needed is another highrise.
“We want people to live on
17th Avenue, not above it,” says
marketing manager Chris Pollen.
And that’s why The Block is a
boutique-style four-storey building, making it easy to run down
for a coffee, a hot dog or a news-
paper at one of the shops located close by.
Highrises also tend to make neighbours
strangers to each other. Not so at The Block,
where a unique central landscaped courtyard,
unlike anything else seen on 17th Avenue,
features open-air walkways that allow
residents to actually get to know each other,
fostering that sense of community within
community.
Inside The Block, built-in options maximize space, with variations for storage, a workspace, or
even a “tech nook,” Pollen says. “Buyers are
able to personalize features based on their
style, including choosing the colour of their
front door and bedroom ‘barn door,’” he says.
Above-standard features include Echo
Wood cabinets, engineered hardwood flooring, full-height tile backsplashes, rain showerheads and rectangular vessel sinks.
Pollen says natural
light is also emphasized, with floor plans
featuring windows on both sides of the suite,
which also allow great views of the courtyard
and neighbourhood.
“Sliding patio doors that open to the courtyard help define your space, while still allowing you flexibility to enjoy the lifestyle that
The Block offers,” says Pollen. “You can visit
with your neighbours, have drinks on your
patio, or simply hang out in the courtyard.”
The Block’s location off 17th Avenue
also allows quick access into downtown by bus or car, with many
amenities within walking distance,
ranging from restaurants and cafes
to banks, a magazine shop and
plenty of places to buy unique
gifts.
Yet, at the same time, it’s nestled
on a quiet side street, away from
the hustle and bustle.
Prices at The Block, which will
be located at 1750 9A St. S.W.,
start in the mid-$200,000s.
For more information, drop by
the show home at 1022 17 Ave.
S.W., or visit aviurban.com.
june 8, 2012
23
AUTHENTICALY URBAN.
AUTHENTICALY URBAN.
Located in the prestigious inner-city community of Currie Barracks,
life at Victoria Cross is all about distinctive living, fresh new spaces
Located in the prestigious inner-city community of Currie Barracks,
and an unmatched lifestyle. Discover Calgary’s most unique townhome
life at Victoria Cross is all about distinctive living, fresh new spaces
opportunity at homesbyavi.com/victoriacross.
and an unmatched lifestyle. Discover Calgary’s most unique townhome
21002300opportunity
SQ.FT. at homesbyavi.com/victoriacross.
12001700 SQ.FT.
TOWNHOMES
TERRACE HOMES
21002300 SQ.FT.
12001700 SQ.FT.
FROM
FROM
THE
THE
TOWNHOMES
TERRACE HOMES
MID
$770’S $400’S
$770’S $400’S
FROM
THE
FROM
THE
MID
SPRING 2012 POSSESSIONS
SPRING 2012 POSSESSIONS
403 536 7230 | 136 Victoria Cross Blvd. SW
homesbyavi.com/victoriacross
403 536 7230 | 136 Victoria Cross Blvd. SW
homesbyavi.com/victoriacross
CONTEMPORARY.
CONTEMPORARY.
STYLISH.
AFFORDABLE.
NEW
WESTSIDEAFFORDABLE.
TOWNHOMES
STYLISH.
1170 -NEW
1450 square
foot two & three bedroom
townhomes with
WESTSIDE
TOWNHOMES
two car attached garages in Aspen Hills. VIP registrations at
1170 - 1450
square foot two & three bedroom townhomes with
homesbyavi.com/theEnclave
two car attached garages in Aspen Hills. VIP registrations at
$$300
s
300s
FROM
THE
FROM
MID
THE
MID
FINAL TOWNHOMES NOW RELEASED
FINAL TOWNHOMES NOW RELEASED
403 536 7245 | 9310 14th Avenue SW
403 536 7245 | 9310 14th Avenue SW
LEAVE AT
LEAVE
AT
LAST
CALL,
LAST
NOT
ATCALL,
LAST
NOT
AT LAST
BUS
WHEN
BUSLIVEAT
WHEN
YOU
YOU LIVEAT
THEBLOCK
.CTHEBLOCK
M
650 S.FT.
1 BED SUITES
.C M
S.FT.
OFF650
17TH
1 BED SUITES
AVENUE
OFF 17TH
STARTING
AVENUE
IN THE
MID
STARTING
$200’S.
IN THE MID
$200’S.
ONLY 10 - 1 BED SUITES REMAIN.
ONLY 10 - 1 BED SUITES REMAIN.
SUITE 200 – 1022 17th AVENUE SW
403 536 7238 | [email protected]
SUITE 200 – 1022 17th AVENUE SW
403 536 7238 | [email protected]

CONDO - Calgary Herald

Transcription

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