CONDO

CALGARY’S GUIDE TO CONDO LIVING FRIDAY, October 19, 2012 number 25 YOU DO THE MATH! FIND OUT WHY CARLISLE IS ALBERTA’S TOP SELLING CONDO BUILDER

FROM BONUS LUXURY PACKAGE $ s OFFER* 120’ EASY DOWN PAYMENT PLAN GRANITE THROUGHOUT WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN YOU QUALIFY WITH A OVER 5 MONTHS* OWN WITH PAYMENTS HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF REAL WOOD CABINETS $ THROUGHOUT FROM 245 BI-WEEKLY* $32,300 GREAT INVESTMENT STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES IMMEDIATE POSSESSIONS 2 HEATED UNDERGROUND * ASK FOR DETAILS FREE MORTGAGE PRE-QUALIFICATION PARKING STALLS

NW NE CALGARY COCHRANE AIRDRIE

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DRIVE TRANSCANADA HWY. YANKEE VALLEY BLVD SE TARADALE 403.470.6286 403.389.8144 403.981.0276 403.980.3334 encorecondos.ca indigosky.ca stonecreekcondos.ca creeksidevillagecondos.ca

For quick possessions and more information on Bridlewood, , Varsity, and Invermere please go to carlislegroup.ca Visit our new Discovery Centre at # CUSTOMER Canadian Home Builders’ COVERED Riverfront Pointe, Main Floor 325 Association SATISFACTION with CARE www.blanketltd.ca 3rd St. SE Calgary.

Prices shown do not include GST and are subject to change without notice. *Ask for details, based on OAC. CONDO FRONT Nestled along river sits waterfront, a four-tower condo development in the core, with two towers already complete. floor plans range from 1,200 to ContentsFRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012 Number 25 3,500 square feet. waterfrontcalgary.com Photo courtesy of Anthem Properties 4 subletting ’hoods Condo Xtra Experts lend advice on 14 Bowness gives buyers is a publication of subletting and swapping waterfront living with the Calgary Herald your condo to get cash roots: a historic and Special Projects and free accommodation. cultural community Department. with style. Special Projects 22 manager: Barb Livingstone: T: 403-235-7339 mini-escapes Identity E: blivingstone@ calgaryherald.com 16 Take advantage of What makes a condo maintenance-free living a condo? Find out the Condo Xtra by escaping to the co-ordinator: distinguishing features Karen Petkau: mountains to dine and and what they all mean. T: 403-235-7513 embrace the divine. E: kpetkau@ 8 calgaryherald.com Contributors: comparison basic training buyer Alex Frazer-Harrison buyer profile 19 Brother and sister HGTV 20 No, you don’t have to Lindsay Holden Siblings nick and snapshots John Gilchrist melissa godfrey buy in realtors debate pros shave your head for these & Julie Van Rosendaal cranston. and cons of living in the classes — just be ready to Buyers talk about their Gerard Young 12 Shawn Hoult Photo by Michelle Hofer burbs and the core. purchases and give advice. part with your dough! 23 Rachel Naud Michelle Hofer

advertising feature Cityscape floor plan makes living in colour easy on the eyes ith stainless-steel appliances, the marketplace. a modern open-concept floor “You just can’t beat them for what you Wspace and four designer co- get for the price.” ordinated colour schemes to choose from, From the minute you walk into the Carlisle Group’s Cityscape floor plan is Cityscape’s designer tiled entry, you will bound to have buyers not only seeing be impressed. indigo, but a rainbow, as well. Immediately in front of you is the spa- Available at Indigo Sky at Tara Lake cious dining room. and at Saddleridge, Encore and Emerald The room is surrounded by an open- Sky at Kincora in northwest Calgary, concept kitchen to the left, with granite Stonecreek Landing in Cochrane countertops, over-the-range microwave, Other features in the Cityscape floor and Creekside Village in Airdrie, the breakfast nook and hardwood cabinet plan include a den, media centre and Cityscape is 1,025 square feet of luxury doors. laundry room with in-suite storage. living in a corner unit with two bedrooms, The kitchen and dining area overlook This floor plan is sure to be the belle two bathrooms and two underground the large living room, leading to a spa- of the Carlisle ball, especially when the heated, tiled parking stalls. cious patio/balcony large enough to enjoy developer’s $1,000 Easy Payment Plan is “Often, people suspect that the most the big sky sunsets that Calgary and sur- factored in, making covering the down inexpensive plans will be the only ones rounding area are famous for. payment easier than ever (only $1,000 last year. For more information on the that sell out quickly — and we have those Adjacent the kitchen and dining room, down, with equal payments over five Cityscape floor plan, and the pricing plans from the $120,000s that do sell and tucked neatly into the corner of the months to reach the five per cent) and the options available, contact the respective quickly,” says Carlisle Group spokesper- Cityscape floor plan, is the master bed- plan is available from $209,900, depend- developments at indigosky.ca, 403- son John Sparrow. room, ensuite and large walk-in closet. ing on location. 389-8144; stonecreekcondos.ca, 403- “But equally impressive are the larger On the far side of the unit, and adjacent With buying options like these, it is 605-4524; creeksidevillagecondos.ca, plans at the top of our price bracket, the living room, is the secondary bedroom no wonder that Carlisle Group condo- 403-980-3334; or encorecondos.ca and which might be even more competitive in and secondary bathroom. miniums outsold all other competitors emeraldsky.ca, 403-470-6286.

calgaryherald.com/condoxtra october 19, 2012 3 condo shopping Cashing in while on vacation t sounds like the owner should read the areas of perfect solution — the Condominium Property Act you jet set away on an of Alberta and the bylaws of the extended holiday and Condominium Corporation in sublet your condo in Calgary relation to renting of units,” says so someone else could pay Sandra Johnston, president of your mortgage. the Association of Condominium When done properly and with Managers of Alberta. i due diligence, subletting can be a “They should also be subletting & swapping win-win for both condo owner and knowledgeable on the Before letting someone move into tennant. requirements of the Landlord your condo while you vacation, But before you sign away your Tenancy Act of Alberta, which review the Condominium Property act of alberta to ensure you can abode, there are things you need is completely separate from the rent your suite. to consider and put in place to condominium corporation.” Thinkstock photo protect yourself and your condo. “Before subletting, every condo continued y 6

advertising feature Seeing is believing at Waterfront, where luxury gets a room with a view ocated in the heart of Calgary, The newest release at Waterfront overlooking Prince’s Island Park includes two-bedroom and two-bedroom- Land the , Waterfront by with-den suites, as well as a three-bed- Anthem Properties is transforming what room-and-den penthouse option. Floor used to be an old-bus barn site into one plans go up to 2,500 very efficient square of downtown Calgary’s hottest addresses. feet. Two of the four towers and a six-storey “People are surprised at the efficiency in podium are already completed, rising the space,” continues Marchand, adding above a desirable riverside property across 1,200 square feet may sound smaller than the street from Eau Claire Market and a 3,500-square-foot single-family home at only a few blocks from Calgary’s bustling first, until you realize how much wasted Chinatown. space there is in a house. “Now, they’re “As Calgary is booming, there is a lot moving into something that perhaps is of positive energy, but people have less more suited for one or two people. These and less time, and their needs start to aren’t microsuites.” shift,” says director of sales and marketing The open-concept design offers an Robert Marchand, as to why now is the impressive entertaining space and maxi- with friends or playing video games. scenic, riverside strolls. time to buy a maintenance-free, luxury mizes the impact of the floor-to-ceiling Its adjacency to Eau Claire Market also “We do believe that, when it comes to condo in the core. windows that provide spectacular views of gives owners access to wellness services, Waterfront’s move-in ready suites, seeing “Their lifestyle is pulling them in dif- the Bow River or downtown. But the lux- food outlets and a movie theatre, while is believing,” Marchand says. ferent directions, and they want luxury ury doesn’t stop at the suite’s front door. downtown amenities and transit are just a For more information, visit the pre- — something that’s high-end and offers Waterfront also provides a concierge ser- short walk away. sentation centre at 216 Riverfront Ave. convenience. They also want to be able to vice, 1,500-square-foot private gym, roof- A nearby pedestrian bridge connects S.W. from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday to see it, touch it and live in it now, without top gardens, recreation room and social nature enthusiasts to Prince’s Island Park, Thursday, log onto waterfrontcalgary. the long wait typical of other pre-sale lounge, as well as a 16-seat private theatre and the Bow River Pathway runs along com or call 403-536-8802 to book a one- homes.” that can be reserved for enjoying movies the back of the Waterfront property for on-one appointment.

4 october 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra

Continued from 4 Johnston. “If the bylaws allow for monetary “Other people need to trust that you will look after sanctions (fines) for bylaw infractions, any issues with their home as much as you trust them to look after They should also check the bylaws of the non-compliance of the bylaws (damage, noise, etc.) yours,” says Choba. condominium corporation because some bylaws by the tenant could fall to the owner.” Choba also advises Calgarians to be also require a deposit from unit owners that rent out Another way to keep costs down pro-active when deciding on a condo their units, says Johnston. while leaving on an swap. Condo owners also need to ensure they are holiday is to swap Although you may think your subletting their unit to a reputable subletter. In condos. condo is a palace, other travellers accordance with the Condominium Property Act “Swapping from far-away locales might need of Alberta, a condominium corporation has the condos for a some convincing to come to authority to evict tenants. Any legal costs incurred vacation is a great Calgary. by the condominium corporation would be charged idea if you want “We always have to send out back to the owners. zero-cost vacation inquiries to others rather than If this all sounds overwhelming, Johnston accommodation, sitting back and waiting for recommends condo owners to consult with a lawyer more space to other members to contact us,” before subletting their unit. move around and says Choba. “We are realistic. “The most cost-effective option is to utilize the relax, multi-room It may be difficult to convince resources offered through Service Alberta, refer to accommodation with someone from Hawaii to the Landlord Tenancy Act and utilize the Calgary kitchen, bedrooms, vacation in your condo at -30 Residential Rental Association (www.crra.ca),” she bathrooms and living C, but if they are interested says. room, no-cost Internet in winter sports or a summer When done by the book, subletting can offer and parking plus all the vacation to the nearby some real advantages, especially given Calgary’s low amenities that come with Rockies, your opportunities vacancy rate. staying in a home rather increase.” “It is a viable business opportunity and a great than a hotel,” says Dennis Despite the trust factor and obvious risks, Choba way to build equity in your property while having a Choba of Global Home says swapping is still growing in popularity. renter subsidize or cover your mortgage and other Exchange. “When one swaps homes, they live like a “At one time, when one went on a vacation, they costs,” says Johnston. local rather than just being in a tourist area near a booked a hotel room or vacation rental not knowing However, potential pitfalls can occur if you sublet hotel.” there were alternatives,” he says. “Smart vacationers your condo to a disruptive tenant. But before you open up your home to a complete are finding the benefits of home-swapping. Not “The owner is ultimately responsible for the stranger, Choba recommends you consider the trust having to pay for accommodation provides one with behaviour and actions of their tenants,” warns factor. more freedom and money.” y Rachel Naud

advertising feature Vision for East Village closer to being realized as area takes shape he dream is for Calgary’s East it’s all about the community — describ- Village to be a vibrant inner-city ing what it will look like when it is com- Tneighbourhood, mixing homes, pleted.” retail, education and recreation. Every Already, the two pioneering condo- day, that dream gets closer to reality. minium developments — Embassy Bosa’s This year has been a milestone one Evolution and FRAM+Slokker’s First for the 20-hectare site nestled between — are more than 50 per cent sold. And, the bustling downtown and historic Fort last spring, Widewaters Group announced Calgary and Inglewood, says Clare Nolan, plans to build a 315-room Hilton hotel senior manager of marketing and com- in the community. All that — combined munications with Canada Municipal with ongoing planning for the National Land Corp., chief landowner in the East Music Centre and a new central public Village. library, as well as continued develop- “It’s been a pivotal year for us,” she ment of the RiverWalk — has made East to downtown, makes it a unique develop- nity events — a significant number since says. “In March, we opened our Sales Village one of Calgary’s hottest addresses. ment opportunity, says Nolan. “Our first the projected population of East Village and Experience Centre, an 8,000-square- “Our developer partners are working residences are building across the street is 11,000. foot building on the Bow River with with us to move forward, and we’re focus- from the river,” she says. “People are real- “At the centre, people can really see sales offices and show suites for our ing now on identifying partners for retail izing the National Music Centre will be what’s happening in East Village,” says builder partners, Embassy Bosa and development in the community,” says only three blocks away, and there’s a new Nolan. “Certainly, a lot has been done FRAM+Slokker. You can also see floor Nolan. “We’ve worked with retail plan- central library planned, and there’s Fort already, and there are lots still to be done. plans, renderings and views from their ning groups to identify the type of retail Calgary, historic buildings – and the third But we have the momentum.” projects. needed in the area. We see East Village as phase of RiverWalk will open soon, wrap- For more information, visit evexperi- “The centre is a one-stop destination a hybrid retail approach that will accom- ping through and down the ence.com (which includes links to the for Calgarians and visitors to come down modate both urban village format and to 9th Avenue.” developers), or drop by the Sales and and learn everything about East Village. niche convenience retail.” Interest is strong. Nolan says more than Experience Centre at 553 Riverfront Ave. We have 2,000 square feet of space and The location of East Village, right next 46,000 Calgarian have attended commu- S.E.

6 OCTOBER 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra R PHASE I OVER 50% SOLD! iv er fro n Bo M 4 Ave SE t w Av R Condominium construction has begun in East Village, and the vision of a walkable a e iv VISIT THE EV SALES AND

c er l e St. Patrick’s new riverfront neighbourhood is rapidly becoming a reality. EVOLUTION and o EXPERIENCE CENTRE d SALES Island

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FIRST, built by two of Canada's most experienced multi-family developers, will a i l 6 Ave SE

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6 offer spectacular views over the city and put the RiverWalk urban promenade, 4

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E downtown and St. Patrick's Island on your doorstep. Come discover Calgary’s E LRT Fort SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11 AM - 5 PM Calgary newest, oldest, coolest warmest neighbourhood. The future is here. City 8 Ave SE Hall King CLOSED FRIDAY Eddy EVEXPERIENCE.COM/REALESTATE city comparison Urban vs. suburban living Easy access, historic sites make an ideal locale

t is a dilemma as old and as common as the “Calgary is an anomaly among the cities,” says family squabble: More family time or more Daniels. “The city has grown so quickly. The suburbs space? Quaint shops or quiet cul-de-sac? are not independent cities like Oakville is to Toronto The conflict is the basis for the Canadian-made and Burnaby is to Vancouver. HGTV show, Urban Suburban, which airs its second “Calgary has more of the traditional suburbs. A season this fall. development like Aspen Woods has Sobeys and i Brother-sister real estate team Philip DuMoulin Starbucks and a mall but for most part, the people and Sarah Daniels take jabs at each other while commute downtown. In a bedroom community in local families are along for a real estate tour of Vancouver, they live and work in their area.” dealing duo competing options. Families then choose a home This season, viewers will see local homebuyers located either urban or suburban. debate south Calgary versus Riverbend, and Marda Real estate team and siblings philip DuMouline champions city living, while Daniels Loop versus Aspen Woods. The show offers insights dumoulin and sarah daniels tout reveals the perks of life in the suburbs. into relationship dynamics, as well as dispelling their preferred locals for living in calgary in an hgtv homebuyer show. Filmed in major cities across Canada, including biases on life in potential communites. Calgary, homeowners encounter the same problem, Courtesy Urban Suburban, HGTV although each city has unique qualities to consider. continued y 10

advertising feature Good things come in fours, including award-winning Chalet design rom the builders of the SAM with most having front-drive attached Award-winning Chalet No. 3 comes garages and 10-x-10-foot decks. FChalet No. 4, the latest evolution in “The buildings are spaced wide apart, townhome living in Copperfield. with a lot of greenery, and there’s a court- Located close to the High Street and yard with a trellised gathering area,” says SouthPointe/South Trail Crossing shop- Forman. “These are some of the nicest- ping areas, and less than five minutes from looking townhomes I’ve seen; reminiscent Seton and the new South Health Campus, of the European chalet and Danish- Chalet No. 4 is ideally placed for those European urban style — all sleek lines and who want to balance a quiet neighbour- darker reds.” hood lifestyle with easy access to urban Floor plans include two-master and amenities. two-bedroom-plus-den layouts, with A diverse range of homebuyers have L-shaped or galley-style kitchens. expressed interest, ranging from single “And, of course, Sabal’s trademark is young professionals and couples to those very large windows and a lot of natural who are retired or semi-retired and look- lighting,” Forman says, adding many of ing to downsize and enjoy a maintenance- the standard specs would be considered free lifestyle. upgrades in other developments. These “They don’t have a lot of time to spend include nine-foot ceilings, stainless-steel on yards and maintenance — it’s more of a appliances (including over-the-range New Design (1,200-1,499 square feet) are generally lower than apartment-style lifestyle choice,” says Sydney Forman, area microwave, dishwasher and hood fan), a category in the 2011 SAM Awards, join- condos, and Copperfield is one of the few manager for builder Sabal Homes. “And huge kitchen island, walk-in pantry, walk- ing previous SAM accolades that include new communities that doesn’t charge resi- they find right off the bat they’re getting in closets for both bedrooms, and even Multi-Family Builder of the Year for dents a community association fee. more square footage and better specs for a powder room on the landing (“nicely 2010, and Best New Design for Chalet For more information, visit the show less money than a single-family home.” tucked away from the living space”). No. 3. Prices at Chalet No. 4 start in the home and presentation centre at 514 Chalet No. 4 features 65 townhomes Chalet No. 4 netted Sabal Homes two $280,000s, including GST and legal fees. Copperpond Blvd. S.E. or log onto ranging from 1,390 to 1,520 square feet, nominations in the Multi-Family Best Forman notes townhome condo fees sabalchalet.com.

8 OCTOBER 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra

Burb-ite Realtor and co-host of HGTV’s urban suburban sarah daniels says many new homebuyers have misconceptions about lving outside of the city core.

Courtesy Urban Suburban, HGTV

Continued from 8 work part time in Surrey, B.C. “More established amenities, hospitals, more Although he doesn’t live in the inner city, on the established schools and heritage or culture of the Surprisingly, many male buyers want a large yard show he advocates for urban living: “Less commute city.” and big house, while the wife says, “by the way — I time means more family time,” he says, noting The show plays on the stereotypes people have am not cleaning that big house.” Vancouver’s downtown housing stock is out of reach about living in certain communities. Part of the fun Daniels says viewers may assume the females price-wise, compared to Calgary. is witnessing the shift in perception when myths are would be the homesteaders, but the debunked. women on the show actually fear People have this idea that the DuMouline also knows first-hand a leaving the core and losing out on their big myth of urban versus suburban social connections, says Daniels. living. “People have this idea the suburbs suburbs will be all cookie-cutter “The biggest fallacy we have will be all cookie-cutter and you have to discovered is if you move to the buy mom jeans and all coolness will be and you have to buy mom jeans ‘burbs you will lose your friends,” he gone, and you’ll never see your friends says. again,” she says, adding she lives with and all the coolness is gone. “It is not that you move away — it three dogs in a beach community — is the fact your life changes when and drives to Vancouver to meet up you have kids. It is new social groups. with the girls for dinner every week. Also, Vancouver’s downtown is now home to Preschool and kindergarten parents — they become Meanwhile, DuMouline plays the role of annoying conveniences once only found on the outskirts, such the de-facto friends.” younger brother on the show and in real life. He is as a Costco nestled among tall residential towers. “At 31 with kids, I never saw the old friends again. dad to three kids — six-year-old twins and a 13-year- Obviously, there are traditional merits of urban It was not proximity at all. It was my life got in the old daughter, while his wife ponders returning to living, he says. way.” y Lindsay Holden

10 OCTOBER 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra advertising feature Stylish highrise to make its Mark in Design District new addition to Calgary’s skyline will soon make its Mark in the A Design District. At 34 storeys, Mark on 10th by Qualex-Landmark will be a vibrant addition to Connaught, offering 270 homes on the former West Canadian Graphics site at 10th Avenue and 8th Street S.W. “Mark on 10th is purpose-built for today’s urban dweller because of its proximity to the downtown Design District, offices, universities, transporta- tion and entertainment districts,” says Qualex-Landmark president Roger Navabi. The $100-million Mark on 10th will stand out from other condo towers in part through the quality of its amenities, including a 17,000-square-foot garden on the third-floor podium and a rooftop lounge and private members club with wet bar, media centre and a cantilevered enclosed glass mezzanine (a total of 6,000 square feet of rooftop space, which is perfect for meetings and activities — all overlooking downtown). The fully equipped fitness studio is outfitted with many amenities, includ- ing an infrared sauna and steam room, elevated hot tub and sunbathing patio. In addition, there is wireless Internet access in all amenity areas, and a display of unique artwork by one of Canada’s most-renowned visual artists is planned for the entry lobby. One- and two-bedroom suites will be available with superior features such as above-average-height doors and ceilings, wide-plank wood-laminate flooring, stainless-steel appliances, elegant porce- lain tiles, full-height European soft-close cabinets, Kohler faucets and back-paint- ed glass bathroom countertops. Owners will also have two distinctive colour palettes to choose from, enabling personalization of their units. 270 OUTSTANDING HOMES Mark’s location has won it a Walk Score rating of 97 per cent, which means most daily errands won’t require a car. The development is only a couple 8T

of blocks from two major grocery H stores and a five-minute walk from the ST REGISTER NOW AT QUALEX.CA/MARK C-Train station. As well, Mountain SW 10TH AVE SW Equipment Co-op is kitty corner, and a number of top restaurants are nearby. Pricing is expected to begin in the low-$200,000s. For more information or to register, visit the preview site: qualex. ca/mark. OCTOBER 19, 2012 11 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra MOSAIC CRANSTON on the side BROTHER AND buyer profile ranston, SISTER, NICK AND MELISSA GODFREY, located in PURCHASED A southeast 1,200-SQUARE-FOOT Calgary off TOWNHOME. of Deerfoot cTrail, boasts a for more photos: lot of desirable calgaryherald.com/ amenities. Here condoxtra is what is in spitting distance Moving out of Melissa’s and Nick’s new digs: n Nearby restaurants: Siblings branch out Within walking distance to a Subway, taco to new digs joint, pizza parlour and Thai \After careful budgeting and researching different Melissa. “Although it came with an extension, we eatery. developments online, both Melissa and Nick chose keep the table at its smaller size, with just four chairs n Nearby the Mosaic Cranston Project for its quality, price and and use the other two chairs to sit at the island and shopping: Two amenities, especially its spacious parking. eat. It gives us lots of extra space.” malls within a “We really liked the fact that the unit came with a The main level also has hardwood floors — 15-minute drive: double-attached garage,” says Melissa. “Nick has a something neither Melissa nor her brother have ever Southcentre and Mustang, and other townhomes we looked at only had before. And the best part — they were free with . had a parking pad, so then the second car would the purchase of the condo. The condo is also have to go on the street. This way we can both park “We bought it at a time when they offered us free just a 10-minute in the garage.” hardwood, as well as free condo fees for a year,” drive to Costco. The siblings ended up purchasing an Indigo unit says Melissa. “It was a great buying incentive. Plus, n Nearby fitness at Mosaic Cranston. The two-storey, 1,200-square- with hardwoods in the living room, dining room and facilities: Besides foot townhome, not only boasted a two-car kitchen, it will be a great selling point if we want to the pending Trico attached garage but the upstairs was fitted with new sell down the road.” and Southland fter a lifetime of living carpeting and dual master bedrooms, each with their Both Melissa and Nick envision staying in the Leisure Centre with mom and dad, own private ensuite and large walk-in closet. condo long term unless one of them gets into a and sportsplex, Melissa Godfrey and her brother, On the main level, the layout is open concept, serious relationship or gets married. there is a Good leading to a spacious area for the living room, dining “Right now, the condo is a good fit for us,” says Life and Gold’s Nick, decided it was time for a change. room and kitchen. Melissa. “It’s big enough for entertaining but we also Growing up in the southeast area of Calgary, gym just a five- After seeing the original kitchen slated for the have plenty of room so we both have privacy.” minute drive aboth Melissa, a 28-year-old professional working in the unit, both Melissa and Nick agreed they wanted to The maintenance-free lock-and-leave lifestyle of away. accounting department for a towing company, and Nick, a upgrade for optimal working space. a condo is also appealing to both Melissa and Nick n Closest C-Train 25-year-old car salesman, wanted to stay in the neighbourhood in which “With the optional kitchen, we have extra who aren’t big on landscaping or shovelling. station: Within they had been raised. cupboard space, as well as an island,” says Melissa. “My brother is looking forward to not having to a 10-minute They also had a checklist of some of the features they wanted in a home, including “Our cupboards in the kitchen go straight to the mow the lawn or shovel snow,” says Melissa. “The drive, residents two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an attached garage and storage space. ceiling, and because of this, we actually gain eight building maintains all the plants, sweeps and shovels. can reach either Always keeping an eye out for new developments in the area, it wasn’t until they shelves. Another bonus — this way, the tops of the They’re good at keeping all the paths clear and Bridlewood or cupboards are dust-free. We don’t have to worry making sure it all looks nice.” discovered Brookfield Homes’ Mosaic Cranston project that their dream of branching Anderson Station. about dusting.” And not having to worry about that means more n out on their own became a reality. Nearby parks: The kitchen also boasts granite countertops, a time for the young professionals to enjoy life. Just a five-minute “We prefer townhomes,” says Melissa. “So we knew we wanted a townhome-style double sink, stainless-steel appliances, dishwasher, “It’s less stressful because we don’t have to worry walk from the condo instead of an apartment-style condo.” Photos by Michelle Hofer espresso-coloured cabinets and, of course, plenty of about our water bill going up because we have property and room to cook. to water the lawn, or worry about how the lawn residents can In fact, Melissa, who loves to bake, says her newly looks,” says Melissa. “Plus, we’ll have more time for enjoy the serene purchased Kitchen-Aid mixer now has a spot in her ourselves.” nature of Fish new kitchen. And although in other condos, one of The time may be filled with occasional visits to Creek Park. those heavy-duty appliances would take up a lot of their parents’ house, which is only a three-minute n Closest counter real estate, she says she still has plenty of drive away, but more likely to enjoy some of the hospital: South room to prep for dinner and dessert. nearby amenities. Calgary Health In addition, the island also doubles as extra eating “Just up the street, they are putting in a sportsplex, is reachable space for fast dinners when it’s just her and her as well as other shops,” says Melissa. within a two- brother. “It’s going to be great to have everything so close.” minute drive or “We bought a table set with six chairs,” says y Rachel Naud 10-minute walk.

12 OCTOBER 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra calgaryherald.com/condoxtra OCTOBER 19, 2012 13 neighbourhoods Beautiful Bowness Small-town attitude attracts buyers or residents of Bowness, everyone and him grounded in the community which was their dog loves the community — and they in fact a town prior to being annexed by the can even spread their sentiments by way of a City of Calgary in 1964. bumper sticker, complete with a red heart right For its 10,700 residents, the Bow River and between the words “I” and “Bowness.” 100-year-old Bowness Park are main attractions, plus “I don’t know of another neighbourhood with there is quick access to anywhere in the city, and within bumper stickers. I think it’s because Bownesians minutes residents can be on their way to the mountains f really feel a connection to community,” says Sandy via the Trans-Canada Highway. Today, the park is

Seifert, a graphic artist who purchased a home in the undergoing needed restoration, including a rebuilt Holden by Lindsay P hoto neighbourhood with husband Jim Poon in 2009. There miniature ride-on train, which will soon delight families she runs her business from home. Meanwhile, Poon has again with tours of the park. lived in the community since 1973. And while Bowness was plagued with a reputation for “Bowness has a small-town attitude that’s uncommon crime about 20 years ago, all that is in the past. in new communities,” says Poon, adding the lack of pretension and a stable of family-run businesses has kept continued y 18

advertising feature Drake soars with buyers in historic Beltline neighbourhood ocated just off 17th to a number of fantastic stores finishes, including composite Avenue in the fast-evolv- and restaurants on 17th Avenue. stone countertops, ceramic back- Ling Beltline, Drake by “Drake has proven itself to be splashes, laminate flooring and Grosvenor Americas is poised to a real success, and we are down stainless steel appliances. become the historic neighbour- to our final selection of homes.” The award-winning InSight hood’s newest landmark. Drake has attracted first-time Design Group devised two high- Towering 17 storeys above the homebuyers and downsizers quality designer colour schemes corner of 15th Avenue and 7th looking for suites designed to to choose from. Street S.W., construction on maximize space. Grosvenor has a city-building Drake is well underway and is As a result, even the 452 to tradition that spans more than scheduled to be complete within 517-square-foot studio floor three centuries in London, the year. plans provide room to grow. England. Once Drake is completed, the There are also ground-level The company has held local residents of Drake’s 135 studio, townhouses and larger two- real estate assets for 15 years, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, bedroom units; a real diversity of but Drake is its first ground-up penthouse and ground-entry housing options. Calgary development, with Ward townhomes will have an address Drake embraces the highest promising more on the way, to be proud of. environmental standards, with given its success. “Architecturally, this is an the building designed to LEED Prices at Drake start at amazing building that fits in well standards, incorporating eco- $224,900 (including parking) for with the neighbourhood,” says friendly technologies such as efficient studio suites, with one- Grosvenor Americas vice-presi- water-smart plumbing and an and two-bedroom suites, town- possessions are expected in the noon to 6 p.m., and weekends, dent Michael Ward. “The loca- energy-efficient building enve- home and penthouse options fall of 2013. For more informa- noon to 5 p.m.. Or log onto tion is great — it’s not far to the lope system. available. Presales are already 80 tion, visit the presentation centre drake17.com, follow on Twitter downtown core and, of course, it As for the suites themselves, per cent sold out, but there are at 850 16th Ave. S.W. (second @MeetDrake or visit facebook. is just a one- or two-block walk expect luxury European-style still prime suites available. First floor), open Monday-Thursday, com/MeetDrake.

14 October 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra What? All this for 225K and it includes parking. 403.264.1703 drake17.com Show suites located at 850 – 16th Ave. SW Open 12-6pm Mon-Thurs, 12-5pm Weekends. Closed Friday.

*See a sales representative for details. E & O.E. beauty and bites living a maintenance- free lifestyle is a great on the life style reason to explore beyond the backyard of side the city, especially when hen considering the rocky mountains a jaunt outside entice with beauty and of the city for bites. w rest, relaxation and culinary creations Thinkstock photos surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, here are few of the best places to put on your travel agenda:

On the Cheap (Under $15 per person) n Barpa Bill’s: Have the lamb souvlaki or a Barpa Burger (223 Bear Street, Banff; 403-762-0377) n Valbella Café: Soup, sandwich and cured meat to go (104 Elk Run Blvd., Canmore; 403-678-4109)

Mid-Range ($20-$40 per person) n Coyote’s: Best breakfast in Banff and good for lunch and dinner, too (206 Caribou St., Banff; 403-514-1041) n Sage Bistro: Great braised lamb shank (1712 Bow Valley Tr., Canmore; 403-678- 4878)

Mountain dining escapes High-End ($50+ per person) n The Post Hotel: Go for the game but Restaurant reviewer John Gilchrist treks West have some wine, too ’ve been visiting the Canmore-Banff- (200 Pipestone Rd., Lake Louise area since I was a kid, Lake Louise; 403- when my folks would cram us all into 522-3989) the car and head out to enjoy a day in n Three Ravens: Pomegranate-glazed the mountains. duck or braised rabbit Those days always included good food should work nicely i — fudge, chocolate chip cookies, fried (107 Tunnel Mountain chicken — and homemade road food, Dr., The Banff Centre, suitable for eating in the back seat of the Banff; 403-762-6300) Chevy or at a roadside picnic table. I don’t think I ate in a mountain restaurant ‘til I on the way to the Okanagan, we might cheese and fig panini or a bowl of pad was in my 20s. pop into the Valbella Cafe in Canmore for Thai noodles at Communitea or a burger These days, a trip to the mountains a quick sandwich to go and a few meaty at The Eddie in Banff. And if we don’t think always stirs an appetite, partly fuelled pepperoni sticks. (Note: The pepperoni is a we’ll be hanging around too many people by the fresh evergreen air and partly by great road food but it leaves your fingers later in the day, we might drop into Barpa memories of youth. And although I’m still oily. Bring wet naps.) Canmore’s Railway is Bill’s for a visit and one of his garlicy — tempted to tote along a tub of fudge, another quick and cheap stop, and a fine and great — souvlakis. I’m more likely to plan ahead by making place for picking up picnic supplies, as is If we’re staying in the area, we’ll take a a reservation at one of the Bow Valley’s the Owl Street Cafe in Banff. longer look at the dining options. many fine restaurants. Sometimes, we just have time for lunch If we’re in a hurry of just passing through so that might mean a chicken breast, goat continued y 22

16 OCTOBER 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra advertising feature

Harvest Mosaic and Mother Nature call booming Seton home ith the beauty of the majestic Rocky Mountains and rolling Wtree-dotted foothills out your front window, Cranston is attracting those wanting to trade traffic hustle with that of the rustle of autumn leaves. A short drive from the soon-to-boom Seton area, Harvest Mosaic offers such an experience, complete with Brookfield Homes’ high standard of townhome liv- ing. Located off Cranford Drive, Harvest Mosaic will be a 160-home development. “We’ve incorporated our row town- homes that we’ve been building for some time with newer ‘stacked’ product,” says Kelly Halliday, sales and marketing man- ager for Brookfield Homes Multi-Family. The stacked townhomes include two new models — the Olive and the Slate, ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 square feet, and the Ruby and the Ivory, ranging from 720 to 800 square feet. Prices in Harvest Mosaic start from the low-$200,000s for the Ruby and Ivory, up to the low-$300,000s for the Olive and Slate, says Halliday. “We’re seeing a mix of first-time buyers, couples in their 40s, and move-down buy- ers taking an interest,” she says. “It lends itself well to the community — it’s not just one buyer group.” Many are drawn to the location. Cranston is across the Deerfoot from Seton, Calgary’s next big employment/ service/entertainment hub now that the South Health Campus is complete. With the Bow River just down the street and Fish Creek Park virtually in your back- yard, Mother Nature is also your next- door neighbour, giving buyers the best of both worlds. But location isn’t the only reason Harvest Mosaic is gaining in popularity, says Halliday, noting the floor plans cater to buyer demand. “Our buyers want great entertainment spacing, and we’ve created large, open kitchens and wide-open liv- ing/dining rooms.” There is also an on-site micro-genera- tion power station, using solar panels to offset power use for common-area light- ing, she says, adding each home will have an EnerGuide rating of about 80. Show homes are slated to open this winter, and first possessions are expected early next year. For more information, visit buildwithbrookfield.com or the sales centre at 290 Cranford Dr. S.E. Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Friday, weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m.

calgaryherald.com/condoxtra OCTOBER 19, 2012 17 Bowness Main: rafters on the bow. at left: jacques berube, a member of the Foothills Street Rod Association, with his car. inset: Sandy Seifert and Jim Poon take pooch rudy for a walk along the bow.

Lindsay Holden photo

Continued from 14 part of the original development still stand. “Bowness is safe,” says Seifert, After the war, the population adding she spends more time got a boost when returning minding a four-legged menace veterans were offered one of than concerns about crime. “The 19.4-hectare parcels in the area, massive grandfather porcupine which essentially became city that tours the alleys at night in blocks, explains area realtor and search of fallen apples.” long-time area resident, Ken She adds: “Everyone definitely Richter. looks out for each other. Richter says a lot has changed You don’t just know your around his old childhood neighbours; you know almost haunts — his home was located everyone and they know you.” in nearby Montgomery, and According to municipal measured a snug 580 square feet records, the area was first for the family of six, including leased by the Cochrane Ranche four boys. on the side owness is home to: n Condos from $100,000, and homes on the Bow River for $4 million. n Features a main street with quaint family- run businesses, and eclectic mix of shops from pottery to paddling. b n Local eateries include Mexican fare at Salt & Pepper, family dining at The Place, Sunday afternoon blues jam at Hexters, ice cream and the Bowness burger at Angel’s Drive Inn Restaurant. n Established schools. n Ten-minute drive to downtown Calgary and quick access west to the mountains. n Bowness Park is one of Calgary’s oldest – with river pathways and a frozen lagoon serving Company, to graze cattle, in “There is an eclectic nature to as a family skating rink in winter. 1883.The area was named the neighbourhood,” says Richter Bowness by an area developer who is considered an expert on John Hextall, who purchased Bow Crescent, a three-kilometre the riverside lands prior to the street where he now lives, First World War, with a vision for featuring sprawling parcels on an upscale suburb for the elite. the Bow River. “The population When Hextall died, however, so is diverse. From the $4-million did the plans. homes on the river to condos Although today, Hexters selling for $100,000, as far as Rock and Roll Blues Lounge on real estate is concerned and the Bowness Road pays homage to people who go along with it. the man, with the adaptation Bowness is evolving, which it has of his moniker, and some of the been since its inception.” large historic homes offered as y Lindsay Holden

18 OCTOBER 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra buyer snapshot

WHAT HE BOUGHT: A 1,450-square- bigger but nobody was willing to do it, they foot townhome with two and a half all said you’d have to go with visitor parking bathrooms and two master bedrooms in or park in the driveway and have a useless Chalet No. 4 in the southeast community of garage. Chalet No. 4 is the only one where Copperfield. they had a dual parking pad on the front WHAT HE with a full basement, and the developed NAME: LIKED ABOUT basement is really nice resale wise. Nick Pangborn THE PROJECT: WHAT HE LIKED ABOUT THE It was the only NEIGHBOURHOOD: At 130th, there’s one I could find pretty much everything you could possibly OCCUPATION: that had parking need. Another big selling feature was the Heavy equipment sales to accommodate Seton expansion with the hospital. There a pick-up truck. are also plans for a big shopping area, as PROJECT: A lot of the well as a future train line running in here, Chalet No. 4 in townhomes are which was another big selling feature for Copperfield by sabal quite similar me. Homes on the inside. ADVICE TO OTHER BUYERS: While I with the way found the place myself, I had a realtor come WEBSITE: the builder through with me and point out a few things sabalchalet.com had spaced the and that was really handy. I would go with common walls a realtor. Sydney at Sabal Homes, and the and everything. rest of the crew here, were super helpful, But the pick-up truck parking was my No. 1 as well, explaining things in layman’s terms priority. — not so much legal mumbo-jumbo — so I went to a few places and I asked them that really helped out a lot. about moving walls to make the garage y Shawn Hoult

calgaryherald.com/condoxtra OCTOBER 19, 2012 19 food for thought

Desmond is the now the executive pastry chef of Street Location in Vancouver’s Gastown. “People often assume that baking is complicated and difficult on the side to learn, when it doesn’t have to be,” she says. “There are great recipes out there, ooking to brush up on your ethnic themes. compleatcook.ca and it’s simply a matter of knowing culinary skills? Here are a few places n The Cookbook Company Cooks where to find them, learning basic around the city that offer hands-on offers a wide range of demonstration skills and techniques and having fun and demonstration classes for all skill and hands-on cooking, baking and with it.” levels. pastry classes by chefs, bakers and n ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen is other local and international culinary High demand for rustic, artisanal a state-of-the-art facility offering experts. They also offer private events. loaves inspired bread baker Aviv l demonstrations and hands-on classes cookbookcooks.com Back to basics n hen perusing yard Fried to offer sourdough lessons to for adults, families, school groups and Glory of India offers classes for sales this spring, you’ll Calgary bread enthusiasts. corporate team events with unique those who want to learn the art of Those looking to produce their programs developed by a team of Indian cooking. gloryofindia.com likely come across a few n own loaves utilizing locally ground cooking professionals and home Sidewalk Citizen Bakery offers common items: Suzanne economists. atcoblueflamekitchen.com hands-on bread and sourdough Somers’ Thighmaster, VCRs and flours, homemade starters and n Chinook Learning Services classes by demand. Call or e-mail bread machines. upper-body power can attend has classes from cheese making to see if anything is coming up. wThose much-loved appliances three-hour classes at Aviv’s Sidewalk to bread baking, offered through sidewalkcitizenbakery.com. of the ’90s that cranked out loaf Citizen Bakery. the Calgary Board of Education. n Sunterra Market offers a variety of after enormous square loaf have They’ll learn not only how to chinooklearningservices.com cooking class experiences, from Lunch make their starter from scratch, but n The Compleat Cook hosts classes n’ Learn sessions to cooking classes in recent years been banished to on topics from sweet to savoury, from just for kids — they even do birthday basements in lieu of traditional, how to maintain it and bake a good cooking basics to more elaborate parties! sunterramarket.com hands-on baking methods. crusty sourdough at home. As we reconnect with the source The basics of kneading, cutting of our food, we’re also learning and shaping are covered and the more about how it’s prepared and class culminates in freshly baked who makes or bakes it. bread and pizza for all to share. And more and more of us want Of course, Calgary’s more to get our own hands floury established cooking schools, such as producing our own rustic, artisanal The Cookbook Company Cooks and loaves of the sort we remember our The Compleat Cook, offer a variety mothers and grandmothers baking. of baking courses, too, bringing It’s not just bread; as home cooks in experts to demystify everything get back to the basics — pickles from pastry to cakes to breads — and preserves, sourdough and or anything else you may want to pastry, all the whole, natural foods learn more about. of our parents’ and grandparents’ With so many skilled bakers kitchens — there is a renewed willing to lend their expertise, interest in baking from scratch. there are plenty of But if our moms and grandmas opportunities STANDARD FEATURES 17 AVE SW

to have your SW aren’t around to teach us, who will? SW

9 Foot Ceilings and Vaulted on ST ST 8 Many Calgary bakers have cake and 4th Floor 10 make it, recognized the desire to learn these Courses cater to 5 inch Plank Cork Flooring ROYAL AVE SW y 47 skills without having to commit to too. LUXURY CONDOS Titled indoor parking full-time culinary school, and are Julie Van Quartz Countertops Throughout 1723 10TH STREET S.W. starting to offer hands-on classes new generation Rosendaal Designer Tiling Throughout SALES CENTRE HOURS Designer Lighting + Plumbing PRICED FROM THE Monday - Thursday for those who want to get sticky. [ including Hansgrohe ] (Julie Van Noon - 6:00 p.m. “It’s a fun, interactive way to bring Superior Sound Attenuation Rosendaalt the family together while learning of bakers State of the Art Security Saturday, Sunday is a Calgary $ and Holidays. In-Floor Radiant Heating new skills,” says former executive Herald food noon -5:00 p.m. pastry chef and owner of Sweet writer, a food 240’s Upper End Cabinetry Provocateur, Kira Desmond. columnist and All appliances and blinds included well-known REGISTER TODAY AT: While it was open for business in UNO - 4 UNITS LEFT! cookbook tenmountroyal.com Calgary, Sweet Provocateur offered author.) POSSESSIONS COMING SOON corporate and private baking, 403.984.4518 decorating and chocolate classes. ROYAL AVENUE SW maKe your lIFe a PerFect ten. LIVE WONDERFULLY. LIVE AT TEN.

20 OCTOBER 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra calgaryherald.com/condoxtra OCTOBER 19, 2012 21 Continued from 18

Dinner at The Post idenity Hotel, with its world- class wine list, demands attention and requires an Know overnight stay. The Post’s elegant Continental cuisine, on the combined with the log-cabin dining room side your style setting, is beyond compare. We’ll also ere is a rundown on happily tuck into a meal the various condo of chef Shelley Robinson’s styles: Buyers have choice food at the Baker Creek Bistro or the fine food at h Apartment style uying a condominium was Low or highrise. The Bison. like going back to school building codes dictate Also, in Banff, we’re for Glen and Motoko that structures over five fond of the French food Hasegawa. storeys must be made at Le Beaujolais and the of concrete, while those The couple had been superb creations at The under five can be either living in a family member’s Rimrock’s Eden and the concrete or wood. bbasement and saving money for They can be in new or Fairmont Banff Springs’ their dream home, but after a resale developments Banffshire Club — couple of kids, they decided the or refurbished rental art lee especially if someone else apartment buildings. time was right. is paying. Condos can also be They realized their down payment and income The creative food of converted houses with would allow them into the condo market but common or individual styles chef Beat Hegnauer at beyond that, they knew little about condominium entrances. above: KEYNOTE’s new urban VILLAGE Three Ravens at the Banff types, boards, bylaws and fees. Townhouses apartment-style development. inset: Centre is a treat and the “It was a huge learning process,” says Glen, who is (AKA: Row townhouses) Brookfield Homes’ stacked olive and view is unbeatable. Just Attached on at least co-owner of a patient transport company. “For us, it slate condos down the road, Sleeping one wall and more like was what was ideal and what was realistic.” Calgary Herald files Buffalo in Buffalo single-family homes. They took about six months to buy, with the help They can be stacked Mountain Lodge is always of a certified condo specialist. (one unit on top of satisfying. The first issue theH asegawas faced was the another) or even condo to condo,” Lee says. “For example, many We also never go duplexes and fourplexes. almost limitless options. highrises in downtown Calgary will include wrong at Sage Bistro Single-family detached They looked at apartment-style condos, heat, insurance for common areas, professional in Canmore, where my Share common townhouses and stacked townhouses. outside space and have management, reserve fund mother-in-law loves the They quickly realized that condo boards, bylaws contributions, exterior braised lamb shank, or at apartment-style living was not for and fees. maintenance, landscape and The Trough, a small place Bareland them because it can be noisier snow removal, water and with big flavours. And I’ve Usually established and usually has a maximum of sewer, and so on. always given high marks by developers and are two bedrooms. They eventually “Some will even be the full for Jan Hrabec’s food at no more than the land found a three-bedroom, 2 with pins or monuments package and include electricity. Crazyweed. 1/2-bathroom townhouse in their set as property All you really need to pay And if golf is on the price range in Panorama Hills in boundaries. Developers extra for is phone, cable and menu, you can’t beat the generally turn them into northwest Calgary. Internet. Townhomes, semi- steaks at Silvertip’s Rustica conventional condos Art Lee, a certified condo attached and detached homes — all utilities are or the ribs at Stewart (referred to as barely specialist with Real Estate Professionals, says the blended) once they usually on top of the monthly condo contribution.” Creek’s restaurant. Then Hasegawas are not unlike other condo buyers who are divided into units Apart from learning about condos, buyers often there’s breakfast at Chez quickly get overwhelmed. and common space overlook other factors once they find what they Francois or Coyotes and is designated. Some Buyers often venture into the market with a consider their dream unit, he says. coffee at Beamers or single-family detached variety of misconceptions, including that all condos For instance, the unit may be near a stairwell or Harvest. or townhouses can are apartment style, he says. elevator or over a parkade door, meaning more Any way you look at be classified bareland, “Pretty much anything can be condominiumized,” which is more like traffic and likely reduced resale value. it, the Bow Valley has a Lee says. “It’s a type of ownership where you own regular homeownership Many condo buyers, particularly first-timers, lot more to offer than your unit usually defined by floors, walls and but may have common feel weighed down by the number of issues they fudge and chocolate chip restrictions, such as ceilings. Of course, there is common property also.” have to consider, so hiring a knowledgeable cookies these days. the kind of sale signs Owning a condo involves being part of professional is crucial, Lee says. “It’s a lifestyle — it’s y that can be used. They corporation with a board that establishes rules, John Gilchrist can share fees for convenience,” he says, adding the other side of the special assessments and fees. What the fees cover services such as road coin is condo owners face more restrictions than (John Gilchrist is a Calgary can also be confusing. Herald food writer, a restaurant maintenance and snow owners of single-family homes. y Gerard Young removal. “What condo contributions cover varies from reviewer and well-known author.)

22 OCTOBER 19, 2012 calgaryherald.com/condoxtra buyer snapshot WHAT she BOUGHT: A 1,675-square- WHAT she LIKED ABOUT THE foot two-bedroom townhome with garage NEIGHBOURHOOD: Having lived in and patio just off of 17th Avenue. Calgary for the last 10 years, the inner city is WHAT she LIKED ABOUT THE home to me. I currently own two properties PROJECT: After looking around at in Mission, and I love living close to 17th potential options in Avenue. It has numerous fantastic places to the urban heart of eat, socialize and entertain — all a few steps NAME: the city, The Block from your door. Being a foodie and a fan of ERIN FERGUSON was exactly what socializing, Lower Mount Royal just seemed I was looking for. like the next logical step. OCCUPATION: The townhomes are ADVICE TO OTHER BUYERS: Learning MORTGAGE SPECIALIST zoned for work-live, from experience, as well as working in the which is perfect for mortgage business, there are definitely my business and amenities and layouts in my first two PROJECT: properties that could have been better. AVI URBAN’S THE BLOCK AT lifestyle. It allows With the upgrade options at The Block, 1022 17TH AVE. S.W. me to separate my home from my I managed to get everything I wanted, work, yet offers including colours, cabinets and appliances. WEBSITE: the convenience Nik Roughton, area sales manager for The LIVEATTHEBLOCK.COM to meet clients in a Block at Avi Urban, has been helping people professional space purchase homes for almost a decade and and convenient made the paperwork a breeze and easy location. One of the to understand. He definitely assisted in other perks is that my decision to make the purchase, not to the clientele buying into this unique project mention Avi is a long-time trusted builder, are absolutely fantastic. We have already and stands by its brand. If you’re looking for started to create a great little community a unique build concept in the inner city, I among the owners and are all looking would definitely consider The Block in your forward to when we can move in. options. y Shawn Hoult

advertising feature Buyer ‘prospects’ are on the ‘rise’ in Avi Urban’s Kincora project ombine classic with modern and garage, a huge balcony and tremendous you get a townhome that’s a per- curb appeal. Cfect base to stake your claim in one Superior interior features are an Avi of Calgary’s best new communities. Urban hallmark, and this continues at Prospect Rise in Kincora builds on Prospect Rise with its nine-foot ceilings, the tradition established by Avi Urban’s open-concept main floors, tile flooring Prospect Hill and Prospect Ridge com- in the kitchen and bathrooms, extended- munities, mixing tried-and-true with con- height custom maple cabinets, full-height temporary touches. glass mosaic tile backsplashes, functional “We know that today’s townhome buy- pantries and space for an eat-in bar and ers are looking for something unique dining area. Plans also include a second- that offers the ultimate in comfort and floor laundry and walk-in closets in the flexibility, at an affordable price,” says master bedrooms. Plush shag carpeting Avi Urban president Charron Ungar. “In and oversized windows are just the icing true Avi Urban fashion, buyers can expect on the cake. opened in Avi Urban’s nearby Prospect ible new show homes.” thoughtful designs with great options that Kincora is ideally located close to shop- Ridge community in Evansview. The new Prospect Rise show homes allow homeowners to personalize their ping and services, with the Creekside Featuring the Ruby, Topaz and are at 34 Evansview Rd. N.W. Hours are home for how they live.” Shopping Centre and its restaurants, Sapphire floor plans, the show homes Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m. and Prospect Rise features 68 townhomes, stores and banks nearby, as well as one of showcase the best Avi Urban has to offer. weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. arranged around a central courtyard. The northwest Calgary’s largest commercial “Prospect Rise is already one of north- For more information on how to stake three-storey floor plans range from 1,211 areas, Beacon Hill, a five-minute drive west Calgary’s best-selling developments, your claim in Kincora, visit aviurban. to 1,385 square feet and include double- away. Plus, Stoney Trail and Deerfoot and we expect that to continue as people com/prospectrise, where you can down- master, two-bedroom-and-den and Trail are in close proximity. Prices start in are now able to walk through their future load a complete list of townhome features, three-bedroom-with-office-space options. the $270,000s. new home,” says Ungar. “We are very or drop by the on-site sales centre at 37 All townhomes have a two-car attached Three new show homes were recently excited about the launch of these incred- Kinlea Way N.W.

calgaryherald.com/condoxtra OCTOBER 19, 2012 23 NORTHWEST CENTRE

NEW NW TOWNHOMES STARTING WITH 2 CAR ATTACHED GARAGES FROM THE $270’s

SHOWHOMES NOW OPEN CUT YOUR COMMUTE TO 15 STAIRS WHEN YOU LIVEAT THEBLOCK .C M 1500-1650 SQ.FT. LIVE/WORK TOWNHOMES STARTING IN THE $570’S. ONLY 6 TOWNHOMES REMAINING.

34 Evansview Road NW | 403 536 7290 THE BLOCK SHOWROOM: SUITE 200 – 1022 17th AVENUE SW aviurban.com/prospectrise PHONE: 403 536 7238 EMAIL: [email protected]