condo a calgary herald special projects department ...€¦ · condo a calgary herald special...

FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 NUMBER 32

CONDO A CALGARY HERALD SPECIAL PROJECTS DEPARTMENT DIRECTED-EDITORIAL MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014 NUMBER 33

CONDO A CALGARY HERALD SPECIAL PROJECTS DEPARTMENT DIRECTED-EDITORIAL MAGAZINE

THEGUARDIANCALGARY.COMDeveloped by Hon Developments. Renderingsare artist’s interpretation. Prices subject tochange without notice. E&EO.

PRESENTATION CENTRE456-12TH AVENUE SE MON–THURS 12 – 6PMTEL 403 800 3368 SAT& SUN 12 – 5PM

SUITE 02 814 SQ FT + 79 SQ FT Balcony Starting at $455,900

SUITE 04 809 SQ FT + 139 SQ FT Balcony Starting at $436,900

SUITE 07 904 SQ FT + 115 SQ FT Balcony* Starting at $535,900

SUITE 09 979 SQ FT + 133 SQ FT Balcony* Starting at $578,900

The Guardian’s two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites offer panoramic double-exposureviews of the city, rivers and mountains from Calgary’s tallest residential tower.

FEATURES

• Imported Italian Armony Cucinecabinetry and professional-gradeinduction cooktops by AEG

• Optimized floor plans and openconcept interior design

• First-class amenities: Fitness centreand yoga studio, workshop, sociallounge and garden terrace*Includes parking space for two vehicles

A NEWPERSPECTIVEON URBANLIVING

Exceptional homes, panoramic views of the city skyline and the mountains, and incredible

value. All this and much more awaits you at The Guardian, the tallest resi-dential towers in Calgary, designed by global design and architecture firm IBI Group, and now under develop-ment by Hon Developments.

Located in Victoria Park at the corner of 11th Avenue and 3rd Street S.E., The Guardian’s twin towers are 44 storeys high, built from reinforced concrete, with a glass window wall and metal panel-clad façade, and housing a total of 620 residential units.

The Guardian also includes a mixed-use podium, complete with parking, residential amenities, neigh-borhood retail, and live-work units.

The Guardian North, which is now sold out, is expected to be completed next spring. Units for The Guardian South, slated for comple-tion in fall of 2016, are now on sale.

Homes in The Guardian are characterized by abundant natural lighting and open concept, flex-

ible spaces, with maximized living space, generous storage, closets and built-in workspaces, and excep-tional interior design and finishing. Sophisticated, minimalist kitchens feature cabinetry designed and manufactured in Italy by Armony Cucine, while German-engineered AEG induction cook tops provide a superior cooking experience that is highly efficient, responsive, and safe. Nonporous quartz countertops and seamless back-painted glass back-

splashes create a sleek look, and are exceptionally easy to clean.

Of the 308 units in the Guardian South, 116 are two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plans. Two-bedroom units vary from 809 to 979 square feet, with up to 139 square feet of balcony space. “Each of these units is located on the corners on the build-ing, therefore have double exposures to take advantage of the panoramic views and floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the living room area to

bring in plenty of natural light,” says Hon Developments director of sales and marketing, Ernest Hon.

One-bedrooms start in the mid-$200,000s, two-bedroom, two-bathroom units start in the mid-$400,000s, and the luxury sub-penthouse Paramount Suites start at $1.4 million. The units that are avail-able range from 441 square feet to more than 2,600 square feet in size.

The Guardian is rich in resi-dent amenities, including the 1,350-square-foot Social Club, with a communal long table, beverage fridge, sink, Wi-Fi, big screen TVs, fireplace, beautiful furnishings and cozy seats.

The Social Club opens onto a spa-cious garden terrace, located atop the podium between The Guardian tow-ers. With high-end lounge seating and a concrete firebowl, the garden terrace is the perfect place to host a barbecue or party.

The Guardian’s gym is a commer-cial-sized fitness centre equipped with machines, free weights and TVs; you can also strengthen body

and mind in the yoga studio. And for bike maintenance and do-it-yourself projects, you can simply head to The Guardian’s workshop.

For purchasers, one of the big-gest draws is the lively Victoria Park neighbourhood, which is undergoing an urban renaissance. The Guardian’s convenient location in Victoria Park, just a short walk into the downtown core, means you can walk or cycle downtown for a quick and stress-free com-mute, as well as enjoy easy access to downtown restaurants, entertain-ment and abundant cultural life.

The Guardian’s award-winning presentation centre is located at 456 12th Ave. S.E., in the historic Victoria Park Bungalow Schoolhouse, right next door to The Guardian.

www.theguardiancalgary.com

SPONSORED BY HON TOWERS

Sophisticated living with spectacular views

This story was produced by the Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on be-half of Hon Towers for commercial purposes.

The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

c a l g a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d o x t r a O C T O B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 3

CONDO XTRA IS A DIRECTED EDITORIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

CALGARY HERALD SPECIAL PROJECTS DEPARTMENT. THE CALGARY HERALD DID NOT

AFFORD THE ADVERTISERS CREATIVE CONTROL BEYOND

APPROVING THE BROAD SUBJECT; ADVERTISERS WERE

NOT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT RESTRICTIONS ON THE

CONTENT OR REVIEW IT PRIOR TO PUBLICATION. SPONSOR CONTENT

WITHIN INNER-CITY LIVING, HOWEVER, WAS DEVELOPED BY THE SPECIAL PROJECTS

DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH PARTICIPATING ADVERTISERS

FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

EDITOR: CLAIRE YOUNG

DESIGNER: CHAR KOLESNIK

CONDO

ABOUTinside

4 Choosing a hood to call home

8Creating Community6

7

Space savers

107127127

Extend patio seasonFirst-time design7

14161820

Condo kitchensStock up the wine rackSmall space, big fl avourCafe culture

Travel22On the cover:

Kensington, byBucci Developments

On the cover in June:Copperfi eldPark II, by BradRemington Homes

Exceptional homes, panoramic views of the city skyline and the mountains, and incredible

value. All this and much more awaits you at The Guardian, the tallest resi-dential towers in Calgary, designed by global design and architecture firm IBI Group, and now under develop-ment by Hon Developments.

Located in Victoria Park at the corner of 11th Avenue and 3rd Street S.E., The Guardian’s twin towers are 44 storeys high, built from reinforced concrete, with a glass window wall and metal panel-clad façade, and housing a total of 620 residential units.

The Guardian also includes a mixed-use podium, complete with parking, residential amenities, neigh-borhood retail, and live-work units.

The Guardian North, which is now sold out, is expected to be completed next spring. Units for The Guardian South, slated for comple-tion in fall of 2016, are now on sale.

Homes in The Guardian are characterized by abundant natural lighting and open concept, flex-

ible spaces, with maximized living space, generous storage, closets and built-in workspaces, and excep-tional interior design and finishing. Sophisticated, minimalist kitchens feature cabinetry designed and manufactured in Italy by Armony Cucine, while German-engineered AEG induction cook tops provide a superior cooking experience that is highly efficient, responsive, and safe. Nonporous quartz countertops and seamless back-painted glass back-

splashes create a sleek look, and are exceptionally easy to clean.

Of the 308 units in the Guardian South, 116 are two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plans. Two-bedroom units vary from 809 to 979 square feet, with up to 139 square feet of balcony space. “Each of these units is located on the corners on the build-ing, therefore have double exposures to take advantage of the panoramic views and floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the living room area to

bring in plenty of natural light,” says Hon Developments director of sales and marketing, Ernest Hon.

One-bedrooms start in the mid-$200,000s, two-bedroom, two-bathroom units start in the mid-$400,000s, and the luxury sub-penthouse Paramount Suites start at $1.4 million. The units that are avail-able range from 441 square feet to more than 2,600 square feet in size.

The Guardian is rich in resi-dent amenities, including the 1,350-square-foot Social Club, with a communal long table, beverage fridge, sink, Wi-Fi, big screen TVs, fireplace, beautiful furnishings and cozy seats.

The Social Club opens onto a spa-cious garden terrace, located atop the podium between The Guardian tow-ers. With high-end lounge seating and a concrete firebowl, the garden terrace is the perfect place to host a barbecue or party.

The Guardian’s gym is a commer-cial-sized fitness centre equipped with machines, free weights and TVs; you can also strengthen body

and mind in the yoga studio. And for bike maintenance and do-it-yourself projects, you can simply head to The Guardian’s workshop.

For purchasers, one of the big-gest draws is the lively Victoria Park neighbourhood, which is undergoing an urban renaissance. The Guardian’s convenient location in Victoria Park, just a short walk into the downtown core, means you can walk or cycle downtown for a quick and stress-free com-mute, as well as enjoy easy access to downtown restaurants, entertain-ment and abundant cultural life.

The Guardian’s award-winning presentation centre is located at 456 12th Ave. S.E., in the historic Victoria Park Bungalow Schoolhouse, right next door to The Guardian.

www.theguardiancalgary.com

SPONSORED BY HON TOWERS

Sophisticated living with spectacular views

This story was produced by the Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on be-half of Hon Towers for commercial purposes.

The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

4 O C T O B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 C A L G A R Y H E R A L D . C O M / C O N D O X T R A

hood to callhomeChoosing aLIVING


When I moved to Calgary it was supposed to be for six months. Six years later, it seems I’m staying for

the foreseeable future. After paying (a seeming-ly ever-increasing) rent in what was originally an “up and coming” neighbourhood for the past 72 months, I’m kicking myself for not investing in my own property when I fi rst arrived. Hind-sight really is 20/20, I suppose, but at this point I’ve most likely been priced right out of my cur-rent inner-city hood and need to start consid-ering where else in YYC might have the same young, urban (dare I say, hip?) appeal to me. As someone who’s not from the city originally and who has never purchased a place to call her own before, determining which downtown neighbourhoods are worth consideration seems like a daunting task.

While narrowing the fi eld may seem over-whelming for a fi rst-time buyer, it’s a task that inner-city real estate experts, like Re/Max agent Christina Hagerty, help clients work out all the time. “I usually ask clients for their ‘wish list’ so they can outline in random order all that would appeal to them,” the lofts and condos specialist says of how she usually begins the process. “After reviewing this list, I off er suggestions on other opportunities they maybe have not con-sidered. Our fi rst tour, I usually show my clients what they have said they like and then expand from there—and of course, price is always a large determining factor.”

A lot of thought should be put into which neigh-bourhood amenities are essential to maintaining one’s lifestyle. Are green space, grocery stores, boutiques and coff ee houses a part of your daily routine? Do you want to be in close proximity to your friends? If you are an avid runner, are there paths or trail options that suit your needs nearby? What about the gym? Every buyer is going to have a slightly diff erent set of priorities, so it’s important to really take the time to get to know the feel and culture of a potential neighbourhood. “It’s not just about where they work Monday to Friday, but what do they enjoy doing on the weekends or for fun. Do they travel often, enjoy heading out to the mountains, entertain, own a dog? Calgary is so diverse now and off ers so

many options that it’s easy to fi nd a neighbour-hood that would fi t what most are seeking—you just have to know what to look for.”

For buyers, Chad Smith and Tania Leszczynski, these were exactly the type of considerations that went into their decision to purchase their fi rst place in the Victoria Park area fi ve years ago and their second, on Centre Street and 15th Avenue S.W. (just two blocks away), this past spring. For Smith and Leszczynski, walkability was a top priority.

Smith has lived in numerous big cities such as Seoul and Bangkok. She loves living without a car and trading that expense for a slightly more cosmopolitan lifestyle. “Living in Victoria Park, we can walk to all of the things we like to do for fun,” Smith says.

The pair also likes the sense of community and shop-local feel that still exists in certain pockets of downtown Calgary. “We like neigh-bourhoods where you buy your groceries from the same person in their corner store, or you go to your neighbourhood pub and know the bartender. I prefer that much more to staying shut inside your house and not interacting with your neighbours or having to deal with the huge parking lots and lineups of the giant chains,” Chad says. “I love going into Vine Arts to buy wine and those guys all know our names and know what we like.”

Having specialized in the inner-city for more than 20 years, Hagerty believes that even though prices may seem high now for a fi rst-time buyer, in fi ve years we’re going to look back and wish we had invested in a bargain while we had the chance. “The East Village—Orange Lofts—have tripled in value over the last 10 years and most other inner-city neighbourhoods have doubled,” she says of the current urban market trends. “I remember when the fi rst infi ll was built in Knob Hill and we all thought, ‘Who would pay $200K for a skinny house?’ Now it’s diffi cult to get into a ‘skinny house’ for less than a million dollars in those areas.”

Somebody hand me a pen. It’s time to start putting some serious thought into my neigh-bourhood “wish list.”

MEGHAN JESSIMAN

For Chad Smith and Tania Leszczynski, a condo within easy walking distance of all that they need was top of list when they were buying their home.

Photo, Adrian Shellard


LIVINGDevelopments grow community, drawing from without as well as within

JACQUELINE LOUIE

Setting down roots

When Bucci Developments starts planning a new multi-family project, it fi rst considers how the

development will benefi t the community.“It’s one of the major components of our

decision making process when we buy a piece of land — because really good build-ings make a better community,” says Craig Anderson, Bucci Developments sales and marketing director.

Multi-family builders create a sense of community for the people who buy into their developments in a variety of ways. For Bucci — a Vancouver-based developer that builds in Calgary — creating a sense of community means reaching out to the surrounding area.

With Kensington, Bucci’s newest develop-ment going up on the old Carpenters’ Union Hall site at 10th Street and 2nd Avenue N.W., Bucci will include a nod to the past. Kensington — a six-storey, 77-suite con-crete building — will incorporate refi nished

102-year-old oak fl ooring from the original building as a decorative feature.

Additionally, Bucci commissioned local artists, Daniel J. Kirk and Katie Green, to paint a mural — now on display along 10th Street N.W. — as a focal of point for Bucci’s construction signage. Once Kensington is complete, the mural will be mounted on the building’s south wall.

Bucci also worked with the Kensington BRZ to include a community bulletin board area as part of the building’s construction signage.

In the East Village, building a strong sense of community is at the forefront with Verve, a 25-storey high-rise condominium, recently released for sale by developer FRAM+Slokker.

With plans to break ground next spring, Verve is already developing a community, says Fred Serrafero, FRAM Building Group vice-president of development.

“People appreciate that you don’t just get four walls and a parking space,” he says. “You have a place where your friends and family can come over, and there is something happening outside your space every week. You form a community.”

In the East Village, a special event went on almost every week during the summer, Ser-rafero notes, to help community-build.

For Avi Urban, the multi-family division of Homes by Avi, there’s a focus on integrat-ing both the exterior and interior elements of its multi-family buildings to maximize the interactions between residents and their community.

“Well-placed and highly landscaped outdoor communal areas, fronted by private patios with convenient connectivity to public streets, are key to achieving that success,” says Charron Ungar, Avi Urban president.

Avi Urban also involves homeowners at several points during the building process — scheduling social events with purchasers, and inviting them to join the conversation through Facebook and Twitter.

“Although we cannot create a sense of community — as that is ultimately achieved by our future homeowners — we can do everything in our power to plant the seed,” Ungar says.

This mural, commissioned by Bucci Developments to beautify its Kensington development’s construction signage, will be mounted on the fi nished building’s south wall.

On the banks of the Bow River just east of Calgary’s down-town core something exciting

is happening. It’s a transformation that’s turning heads with a master-planned urban village featuring walk-ability, sustainability and fantastic architecture at its core. It’s called the East Village and it’s built upon Calgary’s historical roots, incorpo-rating the heritage architecture and buildings from the city’s inception in the overall feel and look of the com-munity, alongside glass-sheathed con-temporary condominium towers.

“It’s really something quite power-ful to see the towers rising where there was nothing before,” says Fred Serrafero, vice-president development and construction at FRAM+Slokker, the developer behind three multi-family projects in the East Village.

FRAM+Slokker’s FIRST, an 18-storey contemporary condomini-um tower, launched two years ago and sold out rapidly. The project is now mid-construction with occupancy slated for the summer of 2015.

The developer’s second project, Verve — a 25-storey, glass-sheathed, contemporary tower, designed by Toronto architects Giannone Petricone — offers 195 homes ranging from one-bedroom and sleeper-sized den to two-bedroom units, plus a smattering of work/live homes. Homes are compact, hover-ing around the 700-square-foot mark,

but cleverly designed for maximum flexibility, functionality, storage and space-saving.

“We really looked at the sweet spot in terms of price and square footage,” says Serrafero, noting Calgarians are unique in what they are looking for in terms of the extras. Top of mind are large balconies, oversized storage lockers for all of the outdoor gear,

extra bicycle storage and minimal amenities.

Sleek and high-end interior fin-ishes as well as the practical ameni-ties — a roof-top garden and a gym are also on the must-have list. The combination is a hit — sales in Verve have been swift — and the project is almost 50 per cent sold. With homes starting at under $400,000, they are appealing to a variety of buyers from young, singles to empty nesters.

Embassy BOSA, another major player in the development of the East Village recently introduced Evolution, a mixed-use project conceived by architect visionary James Cheng. It’s comprised of two towers, the 21-storey Fuse, and 33-storey Pulse anchored by a ground-level retail component.

Architecture is innovative, blending the heritage elements of the neigh-bourhood with contemporary detail-ing — like a bold DNA double helix running along the horizontal plane of the tower.

“It’s really a fusion of the old and

the new,” says Robert Marchand, vice-president sales and development for Embassy BOSA.

With the recent release of sev-eral garden collection homes along the perimeter of the project’s 24,000-square-foot elevated gar-den in the Pulse tower, buyers can enjoy fantastic river views, private 1,000-square-foot outdoor terraces overlooking the flourishing gardens and beautifully appointed living spaces of over 1,700 square feet.

“It’s always amazed us that there was this fundamentally amazing piece of land that remained undeveloped for so many years,” says Marchand. “It’s about location. The proximity to the river and all of the energy and beauty that it offers, and to the city core. We see the city moving east and the East Village as the crown jewel.”

SPONSORED BY CMLC, FRAM+SLOKKER AND EMBASSY BOSA

The crown jewel of a community transformed

This story was produced by the Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on behalf

of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement

in the creation of this content.

+

c a l g a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d o x t r a O C T O B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 7east village® is a trademark owned by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

Live closer to genius

The design for the New Central Library, by Snøhetta of Oslo and New York and Calgary’s DIALOG office, is brilliant in more waysthan one. It responds to Calgarians’ wishes with an innovative glass exterior that allows natural light to fill the building, and thewide-open grand atrium is an invitation to connect, learn and explore. The NCL is also an East Village lynchpin – it will connect theneighbourhood firmly to downtown, form an integral part of city’s cultural corridor, and make EV a destination for all Calgarians. In2015, East Village could be your home: the first phases of major condominium projects by Embassy BOSA and FRAM+Slokker arerapidly approaching completion and many more new condo homes are in the works. The future of downtown living is here and now,and the smart money is on East Village. Come see for yourself.

Everything you want is so close. evexperience.com

Illustration: Mir


Condominium living is all about making the most of available space, and avoiding clutter caused by too much furniture or items that pile up due to lack of storage. Here’s a look at some nifty space-saving furniture ideas to keep your condo tidy and livable.

GERALD VANDER PYL

Space savers for effi cient livingDESIGN

The Forhoja kitchen cart from Ikea provides additional kitchen counter and storage space, with backless shelves and drawers that can be pulled out from either side. Or use it as a serving trolley, after which it rolls out of the way.ikea.ca

Boston Loft’s Chelmsford entryway bench from Lowe’s is a comfortable place to sit while putting on shoes, and has shelves and drawers to store footwear, gloves, toques and other outwear. Add a coat rack above for even more tidiness.lowes.ca

The Bassett queen storage bed available at McArthur Fine Furniture has six cedar-lined drawers that can add much-needed storage space to smaller bedrooms, with a much classier look than plastic under-bed storage bins.mcarthurfurniture.com

The Threshold tray top Ottoman available at Target is multipurpose. Use it as a foot stool or casual seat, fl ip the tray top to create a side

table, or remove the top to use as a serving tray. Plus store items inside the hollow interior.target.ca

The European-designed Next Bed from Supe-rior Wallbeds provides a comfortable sleep for guests, with laminated bentwood slats instead of a solid foundation. Build some sliding shelf units for added storage and to conceal the bed when not in use. calgarywallbeds.com

Prepac’s Wall-Mount desk from Future Shop

attaches to a small wall space, then can be combined

with a folding chair that tucks away when not needed. Several cutouts

provide cable and power cord management.

futureshop.ca

REGISTER NOWVillasAtWatermark.com403.474.5985

This is not an offering for sale.Such an offering can only be made with a disclosure statement. E.&O.E.

Your Chance to Live the Dream

Final PhaseNow Selling

Community of the YearCalgary Region

2013

CHBA - Calgary Region

Time is running out on the chance to own a townhome in one of the most desirable

locations in the Calgary area.The Villas at Watermark are set

on a hillside in the community of Watermark at Bearspaw, with million-dollar views of the Rocky Mountains.

“It was just over a year ago that we launched the first phase, and now 70 per cent of the villas are sold,” says Ian Macdonald, direc-tor of sales and marketing with Macdonald Development Corp.

The fourth and final phase of

the Villas at Watermark are now selling.

These luxurious homes offer beautiful views, villas perfectly sized for lifestyle, and maintenance-free ownership.

“This is usually one of the first comments from people, that they’ve been looking for many years for all these things (in a home), and finally found it here at The Villas,” Macdonald says.

One big advantage is the lock-it-and-leave-it simplicity for those who enjoy travelling or are away on business.

Macdonald says everything is looked after, from exterior mainte-nance, to snow removal up to the front door, to garbage and recycling — yet condo fees are very afford-able.

“Everything is taken care of, and all for $359 a month,” he says.

Owner amenities include a club-house with a full fitness centre and banquet facilities.

The Villas come in a choice of two- or three-bedrooms models ranging in size from 2,000 to 2,600 square feet of developed space. The lower levels are beautifully finished

walkouts with patios. Each home includes a two-car garage.

Luxury abounds, with standard finishes including solid core eight-foot-tall doors, 10-foot ceilings on main floors, solid maple cabinets, and quartz countertops.

Prices start from the mid-$700,000s to more than $1 million.

The Villas at Watermark also enjoy an ideal country location, says Macdonald, next to the west city limits of Calgary. There is easy access via Crowchild Trail, which has seen a big reduction in traffic thanks to the LRT extension at Tuscany.

Macdonald adds that residents of The Villas at Watermark can also walk right into the new Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, which at 3,500 acres is bigger than Fish Creek Park.

Visit villasatwatermark.com for more information, show suite hours, and directions.

SPONSORED BY MACDONALD DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Villas with views to the mountains are on final phases

This story was produced by the Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on

behalf of Macdonald Development Corp. for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in

the creation of this content.


CINDY STEPHEN

The autumn leaves may swirl around your feet but those pleasant nights outside don’t have to be over. That

precious outdoor living space can be cozy for weeks to come with a few cool gadgets and wise accessory choices.

Some require a bigger investment, such as covering your space, extra lighting and even heated fl ooring. But you can take the chill off with something as simple as candles. Light each seating area separately for a warm glow well past that early sun-down. What you choose depends on your budget and how tough it is for you to say goodbye to outdoor entertaining.

Start with your furnishings. Whether you have a hundred or a thousand square feet of outdoor space to work with, elbow-to-el-bow seating on sectional sofas makes them a good choice for cooler weather. Jason Mancuso, owner of Porch and Patio, says outdoor sectionals in three or four pieces

can be made to fi t anywhere in a variety of styles and cushy yet weather-proof fabrics. Visually warm up your seating area with blankets and extra pillows in radiant hues and fl eecy textures.

“This is really bringing the same comfort levels from your indoors to the outdoors, with cushions that are comfortable, if not more comfortable, than your inside couches,” he says.

If space permits, end tables are a great place for candles and rather than a tradi-tional coff ee table, keep the conversation going long into the night around a fi re pit table. Using a clean fuel source such as natural gas or propane, with an instant on/off switch, a fi re pit table with an elevated fi re bowl can safely be placed on your wood or vinyl deck should condo rules permit.

“It’s quite eff ective and will heat up a nice little space,” says Mancuso, adding that most have a ledge to place a glass of wine or plate of hors d’oeuvres.

With the sun disappearing ever closer to supper hour, gently heat your outdoor space with energy-effi cient electric radiant heaters. There are portable pole-mounted types that you can put close to that one person in the crowd who is always cold, or the more discreet wall-mounted models for the general area so everyone feels the heat. They are clean, safe, inexpensive to operate and can be left outside year round.

Mancuso off ers suggestions to help insulate your outdoor space.

“Because hot air rises, awnings can trap

warm air in and prevent the cold, damp air from settling in. Keep your awnings open at night and keep your space at least fi ve degrees warmer than the actual outdoor temperature,” he recommends.

Another popular item, particularly on lower decks where there is coverage from an upper deck, are retractable screens on either end of the enclosure to keep the heat in. Weather proof acrylic curtains are another option.

“People are doing anything they can to extend the season,” he says.

DESIGNExtend the season on outdoor living

A fi re pit table keeps heat off the deck while taking the edge off cooler evenings.

Look to Verve, East Village’s newest condominium tower, for a new “riff ” on inner-city

living.This fall, FRAM+Slokker’s most

exciting partnership officially launch-es the Riff Suites collection, with most one- and two-bedroom floor plans priced less than $400,000.

“We’re releasing just over 100 Riff suites,” says Deb Pedersen, director of sales with FRAM Building Group. “We designed the suites based on the needs of consumers.”

Located on the lower floors, the suites range from 620-square-foot, one-bedroom plus sleeper den floor plans, up to a 730-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath option.

“Our customers have told us they’re looking for quality designs and finishes at an affordable price,” says Pedersen, who says acclaimed interior designer Cecconi Simone is behind the Riff Suites’ unique look.

“Consumers value having the extra bedroom and compact design. The sleeper den is for those who want to have the option of having a den that’s

large enough to become a second bedroom if they need it.”

Features include low LED lighting, nine-foot ceilings, and spacious floor plans.

Some suites face down into The Riff, an innovative design feature that sees a pathway and social gather-ing area pass through the middle of Verve block, connecting to area path-ways and giving direct access to East

Village’s current and future amenities and attractions such as the National Music Centre, the RiverWalk and nearby Fort Calgary.

“We have a wide range of buyers,” says Pedersen. “We have first-time buyers, and we have those who are living in the suburbs who don’t want to commute anymore, and a lot of people are excited about being in East Village.

“The momentum is gaining in the East Village. People are starting to see the future of this neighbour-hood, especially now that our initial development, FIRST, is now out of the ground. You can see things changing.”

The Riff Suites will have their own separate elevator lobby on the west side of the building, with a three-block walk from the nearest

CTrain station. And, for those who still value the option of being able to hop into their vehicle, Verve is proud to offer parking for its residents, as well as plans for a dedicated Car2Go pick-up/drop-off location.

“You don’t have to get rid of your car to move into Verve,” says Pedersen.

When complete, Verve will rise 25 storeys over East Village, overlooking historic Fort Calgary within a short walk of downtown, trendy Inglewood, the Calgary Zoo and the Stampede Grounds. Both the Bow River and Elbow River pathways converge just to the east.

First possessions are targeted for 2017.

To register for more information about Verve and the new Riff Suites collection, visit vervecalgary.com, or come by the show suite at 553 Riverfront Ave. S.E.

SPONSORED BY FRAM+SLOKKER

Momentum builds in East Village with Verve

This story was produced by The Calgary Her-ald’s Special Projects department on behalf of FRAM+Slokker for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial departments had no involvement in the creation of this

This story was produced by The Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on behalf

of FRAM+Slokker for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial departments had no involvement in the creation of this content.

This story was produced by The Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on behalf of

FRAM+Slokker for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no

involvement in the creation of this content.


design story

A new condo is a blank slate, so where do you suggest buyers begin when trying to make an empty space feel like a home?

I actually just purchased my own fi rst condo two years ago and the fi rst thing I did was take stock of my personal preferences. I am someone who hates clutter and is drawn to simplicity and quality materials. Knowing this about myself helped to guide me in my interior choices. For fi rst-time buyers, my advice is to take a good look at how you live, what you are drawn to and your own personal brand. This will help greatly as you try to come up with a personal “style” for the interior of your new home. Don’t like clutter? Then you need good storage options. Do you shudder at the thought of minimalism? Layer the pieces in your home the way you would your clothing.

What diff erent design considerations need to be made in terms of design for a condo situation rather than a house?

When living in a smaller space, there are usually only two or three closets, so clutter can be an issue. If this is the case in your new home, build in some shelves, grab some boxes and keep things hidden but accessible. Cohesion in your home is important, but don’t confuse this with the “matchy-matchy” phenomenon. Please don’t go out and purchase an entire bedroom or living room suite from the same line — it’s a very dated approach to design.What you do need to keep in mind in a condo are the concepts of scale and balance. Scale refers to selecting items that are the right size for your home. Don’t pur-chase a nine-foot sofa and try to squeeze two side tables

design story

Interior designer Cait Hampshire off ers advice on how to set up your new condo.

How to approach the blank slate of a new home to refl ect personality, living style

You fi nally did it! You took the plunge and bought yourself the condo of your dreams.

But now you need to take your empty dream space and transform it into a stunning, yet comfortable, place to live. Easier said than done without an interior design degree. The fact that your bank account is looking a lot less plush with those new mortgage payments doesn’t really help the situation either. Enter Cait Hampshire, interior designer (and all-around woman of impecca-ble taste) with Calgary’s Chesapeake Uncommon Design. We caught up with this design dynamo to get her tips on where to start, which areas are worth the splurge and, most importantly, where to shop, to style your new digs dreamy.

First-timeDESIGNMEGHAN JESSIMAN

DESIGN


next to it against an 11-foot wall. Remember that your furniture likes to breathe just as much as you do, and a little negative space never hurt anyone. When you look at balance, think of it in terms of opposites attracting. Have a solid side table on one end of the sofa? Experiment with a more industrial or open one on the other side. Light balances dark; solids balance voids.

Obviously people have shelled out a pretty penny to acquire their condo, so budget may be an issue when it comes to decorating. What are the areas folks can get away with spending a little bit less?

I spend less on the things I plan on changing. For instance, I don’t spend a lot on throw pillows and accessories because I like to change these up seasonally. Secondly, get creative! With a little love and paint a Kijiji fi nd can become an heirloom.

And which areas of design should one spend a little extra on?

Invest in one really good piece of furniture. This will anchor your space and elevate the level of the other pieces. Trust me, a great sofa makes anything look good, even if it’s only because it draws your attention away from the $10 side table. Investing in quality means investing in longevity.

What are your go-to stores in town to source great fi nds for the home on a budget?

EQ3 has some great pieces that are the right size and price-point for fi rst-time buyers. Crate and Barrel is amazing for that investment piece, and they have fun accessories and glass-ware. Revolve Furnishings has beautiful modern pieces that are also well-scaled, and Bo Concept has great modular sys-tems and double-duty furniture that can help to increase the functionality of a space. It’s also important not to be afraid to hit up the big box stores like Ikea — they have incredible stor-age solutions and fun little pieces that won’t break the bank.

What’s your No.1 design tip for people starting from scratch?

One thing I always tell my clients is to avoid planning your space around your paint colour. Paint is fi ckle, and so is your opinion about it. Find the big pieces you love, hang your artwork and let the colour — if you even end up straying from neutrals — come out of those larger decisions. Stay true to what you like and how you want to live and celebrate the fact that you are offi cially earning equity!


DESIGN Condo kitchens

Looking for a sweet kitchen? The Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Alberta celebrated the annual housing awards in September at a conference in Jasper. Showcasing beauti-ful homes in a variety of categories, here are some of the Calgary (and one Red Deer) kitchens that received acco-lades in the multi-family divisions.

1. Abbey Master Builder’s Modern Oasis model (Red Deer), winner of Multi-Family Apartment over $325,000. 2. Blok Home Development and Design’s Kensington Trio, winner for Multi-Family Townhome or Duplex over $400,000.3. ReidBuilt Homes’ Opus, fi nalist for Multi-Family Town-home or Duplex $300,000 to $400,000. 4. Avi Urban’s

Sawyer Silverado, winner of Multi-Family Apartment under $325,000. 5. Jayman MasterBuilt’s Edgewater Villa, fi nalist in Multi-Family Townhome or Duplex over $400,000. 6. Qualex-Landmark’s Calla, fi nalist in Multi-Family Apart-ment over $325,000. 7. Avi Urban’s Edison-Scarlet, fi nalist in Multi-Family Townhome or Duplex under $300,000.

Kensington, Bucci’s latest exciting residential development, is helping to reshape one of Calgary’s iconic neighbourhoods.

With its mix of 77 concrete homes and 10,000 square feet of street-level shops and restaurants, Kensington is more than just an address — it’s a lifestyle.

“This development is going to change the area around the north end of 10th Street immensely,” says Craig Anderson, director of sales and mar-keting for Bucci Developments Ltd.

“We’re looking at the 24- to 34-year-old market — first-time homebuyers, maybe couples moving in together, buying their first homes. And we’ve designed these homes with today’s technology in mind.”

The majority of electrical outlets, for instance, include USB ports for charging smart phones and other devices. Wireless NEST thermostats allow to program the temperature (including air-conditioning) from your smart phone, tablet or desktop — even from work.

“It allows us to offer some green features, so you can adjust and manage how hot and cold your home is, even when you’re not there,” says Anderson.

Even the showers are high-tech, with Bluetooth-enabled showerheads and speakers so you can enjoy listen-ing to (OK, singing along with) your favourite tunes.

Rising six storeys above 10th

Street and 2nd Avenue N.W., Kensington is a block from the newly renovated Sunnyside CTrain station, with a Safeway just up the street and, of course, its namesake’s renowned and eclectic selection of retail, from multicultural restaurants and cafes to professional services.

Kensington itself will include cof-fee shop-style retail on the main

floor. And, because of the way the retail is designed, second-floor suites are designed with 200- to 300-square-foot balconies.

“All of our suites have wonder-ful views, either east-facing for the morning sun or west-facing for sunset,” says Anderson.

Efficient use of space sets Kensington apart. For example, suites include an innovative wall bed that during the day functions as a desk perfect for a laptop; at night, it drops down into a queen-sized bed.

Kitchens feature Bosch gas ranges and wall ovens, Fisher & Paykel fridges, and a special “magic corner” that Anderson says needs to be seen in person at the presentation centre.

Floor plans include one bedroom plus flex, two bedrooms plus two bath, and two bedrooms, two bath and den. Sizes range from 634 square feet up to 1,180 square feet for the two-bedroom/two bath/den option, which Anderson says is ideal for downsizers.

All suites have nine-foot ceilings

and come with parking and storage, starting from $349,000.

“The biggest thing is we are offering five per cent down,” says Anderson. “We use a deposit bond scenario; so with the five per cent for people who qualify, they have two years to save additional funds,” as first possessions are expected in about 26 months.

Kensington is the latest in a line of successful inner-city developments by Bucci in Calgary that has included VEN, Next and Tribeca.

Visit the Kensington presentation centre at 306 10 St. N.W. (second floor, above Midtown Kitchen & Bar). You can also learn more by calling 403-262-2260, e-mailing [email protected] or visiting yourkensington.com where you can register for updates and watch a video tour.

SPONSORED BY BUCCI DEVELOPMENTS

Kensington presents a new face onto 10th Street

This story was produced by Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on behalf of

Bucci Developments for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

1

2

3

45

6

7

BED

W.I.C.

LIVING

DINING

KITCHEN

FLEX

W/D

BATH

HPLAN

1 BEDROOM1 BATH + FLEXInterior 634 sq. ft.

by

Prices subject to change. This is not an offering for sale as anysuch offer may only bemadewith a Disclosure Statement.E. & E.O.


BED

W.I.C.

LIVING

DINING

KITCHEN

FLEX

W/D

BATH

HPLAN

1 BEDROOM1 BATH + FLEXInterior 634 sq. ft.

by

Prices subject to change. This is not an offering for sale as anysuch offer may only bemadewith a Disclosure Statement.E. & E.O.

C A L G A R Y H E R A L D . C O M / C O N D O X T R A16 O C T O B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 4

You don’t need to go far to Arrive at your dream home. Just head to north Calgary.

Arrive at Redstone is the latest townhome development by Partners Development Group, and it has four show homes that are now open in this exciting community located close to many current and planned services and amenities.

“Our two newest show homes fea-ture our much-anticipated Earthstone models that opened October 4th to the public,” says Jade Mahon, vice-president of sales and marketing. “Our end unit model is just under 1,600 square feet and the interior two bedroom model is 1,342. We’re showcasing our end unit as a four-bedroom home, which is a three-bedroom plus flex room that has been converted into a 4th bedroom.”

A total of 164 homes are planned across 24 buildings, with possessions already four months along with over 30 homeowners living the dream. With current prices starting at $319,900 net GST, Arrive at Redstone is already over 50 per cent sold, Mahon says.

Arrive at Redstone has its focus on

environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Each home is constructed to Built Green certification standards and has New Home EnerGuide Ratings over 80+ with an energy report and labelling to prove it, which definitely sets this development apart.

“We use construction technologies and techniques that are above-code,” says Mahon. “A lot has to do with how we handle the materials and how airtight the home is. It’s not just about

heat loss, it’s also about the quality of air inside the home.”

This is an important factor for young families looking for a healthy environ-ment for their kids. “People are embrac-ing these concerns and it’s more than just saving money on a home. It’s about lifestyle and knowing your home is going to last,” says Mahon.

Floor plans range from 1,173 to 1,590 square feet, with a limited num-ber of three-bedroom walkout con-

figurations available along the beautiful Redstone pond. Each townhome has an attached garage with full-depth drive-way, and standard features including two and a half baths, laminate flooring on the main level, stainless steel EnergyStar appliances, washer and dryer, a blinds package, large low-E windows, and oversized vinyl surfaced decks.

Hopefully in November, central playground will be installed, pending the weather. “That will be a real high-light for our Arrive homeowners — we are building a neighbourhood for them,” says Mahon.

Partners offers a special $1,000 discount off the purchase price of an Arrive home to anyone who registers for updates at the arrivehome.ca website.

“Our feeling is our customers are doing their research by finding us, so they deserve it,” says Mahon.

Redstone is located close to the Stoney Trail, allowing fast access to most parts of town, and it’s the clos-est Calgary community to CrossIron Mills and the Balzac Costco, making shopping for essentials convenient. A

Redstone neighbourhood shopping centre featuring a major grocery chain is planned within walking distance, and major future commercial and employment hubs are close by for a short commute to work. Arrive is located two blocks away from a planned future LRT station.

“Partners has been building quality homes since 1998 throughout southern Alberta and in Redstone, we’ve reached our 1,000th home,” Mahon says.

For more information or updates on this community or others coming soon, visit arrivehome.ca or call 403-264-8963. The four show homes can be viewed at 104 Redstone View N.E., off Redstone Way (watch for signs along 128th Avenue, just off Metis Trail), and are open Monday to Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

SPONSORED BY PARTNERS DEVELOPMENT GROUP

A great partnership is growing at Arrive

This story was produced by Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on behalf of

Partners Development Group for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in the

creation of this content.

ENTERTAIN

Stock theWINE RACK

SHELLEY BOETTCHER

What to have on hand for entertaining friends, celebrating milestones and for those chats that last long into the evening

Maybe you don’t have room for a big, fancy wine cellar. But you want a few bottles on hand at all times, for every occasion.

Where to start? What to buy? Aim for a little of everything if your taste is quite general, and you entertain often. You’ll always have something that goes with whatever you’re cooking, and you’ll

always have a wine on hand to please even the pickiest wine-loving guest.For instance, a couple of good reds will go with a variety of foods, from steak to pizza to Saturday night sipping in front of the television.A dry white wine — perhaps a Chardonnay, Viognier or a Pinot Grigio — is a natural pairing for roast chicken or salmon. And an off -dry white, such as many Rieslings, goes

well with Chinese or Indian takeout for a casual Friday gathering with friends.Then there are the sparkling wines. Champagne is ideal for celebrat-ing a new job, a big promotion, an engagement or a special birthday. But if that’s too pricey, try a quality Prosecco from Italy, or a Cava from Spain, for beautiful bubbles that won’t break the bank.Here are a few to consider.

Calliope 2013 Viognier(Okanagan Valley, British Columbia) About $18

A secondary label from the team at Burrowing Owl winery, this fun, aff ordable white wine is made from the Viognier grape. Well-balanced and refreshing, it has pretty spicy peach and citrus notes, and it will pair well with a variety of foods, from Asian takeout to roast chicken or turkey, or a good baguette and a selection of cheeses.

Miguel Torres, Santa Digna 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

(Central Valley, Chile)

About $14Keep a value-priced red wine on hand for those last-minute party invitations, or for casual gatherings with friends. This one comes from the legendary Torres family’s holdings in Chile. It’s easy to drink, with dark fruit and herbal notes, and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Pair with burg-ers, chili or sausages.

Clos du Soleil 2012 Celestiale (Similkameen Valley, British Columbia)About $14

This rich, gorgeous red blend will be a star at your next fancy gather-ing. Pair with prime rib or slow-roasted lamb. It’s a Meritage (Bordeaux-style) blend of Merlot (37 per cent), Cabernet Sauvignon (26 per cent), Cabernet Franc (18 per cent), Malbec (13 per cent) and Petit Ver-dot (5 per cent). Savour its lovely aromas of cranberry, ripe cherries and vanilla.

Blu Giovello Prosecco(Veneto, Italy) About $14

Bubbles make every night feel festive. This one comes from winemaker Piera Martellozzo, who took over her family’s business a couple of decades ago. Serve chilled as an aperitif, or pair with sushi, a goat cheese and to-mato tart, or a big bowl of popcorn.

Undurraga 2012 Sibaris Reserva Pinot Noir(Leyda Valley, Chile) About $16

Sibaris is named after the city of the Sybarites, the sort of people we’d call bon vivants today. This very quaff able Pinot Noir has soft tannins and elegant cherry, raspberry and spice notes. It is made for bon vivants who love food; pair it with salmon, lamb or duck.

128 AVE

COUNTRY HILLS BLVD

ME

TIS

TR

AIL

RE

DST

ON

EST

RE

ET

REDSTONEDRIVE

REDSTONEWAY

STONEY TRAIL

DE

ER

FOO

TTR

AIL

N

ARRIVE AHEADTake pride in owning an Arrive townhome because it’s built environmentally responsible –

and love it because it can save you money. Our multi-family units feature spacious floor plans with

2 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an essential heated attached garage, with full depth driveway.

SHOWHOME104 REDSTONE VIEW NE(OFF REDSTONE WAY)

HOURSMONDAY TO THURSDAY

2PM TO 8PMFRIDAY TO SUNDAY

12PM TO 5PM

403 264 8963 ARRIVEHOME.CA

GRAND OPENING OCTOBER 4THVISIT OUR 4 TOWNHOME SHOWHOMESFEATURING 2 NEW MODELS

COME VISIT US FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN IKEA GIFT CARD

Undurraga 2012 Sibaris Reserva Pinot Noir(Leyda Valley, Chile) About $16


Braised Lamb ShanksBuy a lamb shank per person; they’re easy to serve by nestling each into a shallow bowl of mashed potatoes and drizzling with gravy. The meat will be so tender, your friends will only need a fork to eat it.

4 lamb shankssalt and peppercanola or olive oil1 onion, chopped1 celery stalk, chopped1 carrot, chopped2-3 garlic cloves, crushed

ENTERTAIN Small Space,

There’s a common misconception that dinner parties require plenty of space — a proper dining room, a long table, enough

chairs, matching plates and cutlery, and a large, well-equipped kitchen. But the most important element of any meal is the people around the table; you can feed your favourite people even if your table is built for two, your oven is condo-

sized, your wine glasses few. When it comes to gathering friends, size doesn’t matter.

With limited kitchen real estate, one- pot meals can make a diff erence (and save you dishes); a braised dish can be simmered on the stovetop, in a low oven, or even in a large toaster oven or slow cooker. One step fancier than a stew, braised lamb shanks or beef short ribs require little space, minimal eff ort, and only a fork to eat — ideal when space dictates sitting

on the couch or a few well-placed cush-ions on the fl oor.

Browning the meat fi rst is a good idea — those dark, crispy bits create fl avour and a deep, rich sauce — but beyond that, time does all the work. A couple hours on low heat gives tough connective tissues a chance to break down, resulting in ultra-tender meat.

JULIE VAN ROSENDAAL

Big Flavouron the couch or a few well-placed cush-

Browning the meat fi rst is a good idea — those dark, crispy bits create fl avour and a deep, rich sauce — but beyond that, time does all the work. A couple hours on low heat gives tough connective tissues a chance

Big FlavourBig FlavourBig FlavourBig Flavour

¼ cup balsamic vinegar2 Tbsp tomato paste2 cups chicken or beef stock1-2 cups dry red wine (or more stock)a few sprigs fresh rosemary and/or thyme

Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Set a heavy skillet or ovenproof pot over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil and brown the shanks on all sides, transferring them to a plate. Add the onion, celery, car-rot and garlic to the pan and saute for 3-4 minutes, until soft and starting to brown. Add the balsamic vinegar and tomato paste and cook for another minute, then return the shanks to the pan (or transfer every-thing to an ovenproof dish) and add the stock, wine and rosemary or thyme – the

liquid should come about halfway up the shanks.

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Cover with a tight-fi tting lid or foil and cook for 3 hours, fl ipping the shanks about halfway through, until the meat is very tender. Remove the lamb from the sauce and spoon off as much fat as you can. If you like, strain or puree the sauce. Serve the lamb shanks over mashed potatoes, drizzled with the sauce.

Arriving at the latest phase of SoBow — the 1912Cross building — is

like entering a private sanctuary in the heart of Calgary. There are views of the beautiful Bow River, the downtown skyline gleams not far away, signs point to Pearce Estates Park right next door, and nearby is one of the city’s best heri-tage neighbourhoods, Inglewood.

All this and more has been combined into SoBow 1912Cross by M2i Development Corp., which combines this desirable location with some of the best pricing in the city..

Construction is well underway and the first condominiums are set for possession in November, the only new condominium develop-ment in Calgary with possessions in 2014, says M2i marketing man-ager McKayla Toews.

Toews says this means buyers can move in this year and not have to wait years for their building to

finish construction, or risk rises in interest rates.

In addition to a sales centre with complete information and a full sample kitchen, there are two new beautiful show suites available for viewing in the actual building.

One is a 914-square-foot, two-bedroom and two-bath unit, while the second is a Garden Townhome of 1,390 square feet with two bed-rooms and 2.5 baths.

1912Cross has 120 condomini-

ums with 14 different floor plans to choose from, including two-storey Garden Townhomes with walk-out patios, and two-storey Lofts Townhomes with double balconies.

There are also condominiums apartments to meet the needs of many different buyers, from first-time homeowners, to growing families, to empty nesters. Prices start from less than $400,000 plus GST for some two-bedroom suites while one bedroom units

start from the $306,000.All of the units have a high

level of features, including European hardwood and tile floors, air conditioning, and titled underground parking.

Some larger units even come with two parking spaces, which Toews mentions is hard to find in the Calgary condominium market.

A highlight for many buyers are the spacious, open-concept kitchens with either an L-shaped or galley-style layout, depending on the floor plan. Included is a stain-less steel kitchen appliance pack-age which features a chef-quality Bertazzoni range and a drawer dishwasher.

SoBow has a modern finish, with a semi-industrial look using brick and corrugated steel that fits into the turn-of-the-century neighbourhood of Inglewood, a community filled with eclectic shops, restaurants and live enter-tainment venues.

With its ideal location, resi-dents of SoBow 1912Cross can stroll along riverfront pathways, go fly fishing in the world-class Bow River, or soak up the beauty and solitude of nature.

There is also easy access to Deerfoot Trail and destinations like the airport, while 9th Avenue is a quick route to downtown.

To find out more about life in SoBow 1912Cross, check out sobowcondos.com, visit the sales centre at 1640 17A St. S.E., or phone David or Monika at 587-353-8955.

Show suite hours are Tuesday to Friday from noon until 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon until 5 p.m.

SPONSORED BY M2i DEVELOPMENT CORP.

SoBow 1912Cross readies for possessions in Inglewood

This story was produced by the Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on

behalf of M2i Development Corp. for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in

the creation of this content.

SOUTH OF THE BOW

IMMEDIATEPOSSESSIONS

MOVE INTHIS FALL!

It’s hard not to be mesmerized the moment you walk into our townhomes.Spacious interiors, state-of-the-art kitchens and wide-plank Europeanhardwood can have that affect on people, we know. But your love for SoBowdoesn’t have to wait. Immediate possessions mean you can move in nowand take your place in vibrant Inglewood. TOWNHOMES FROM $575K

LOVE ATFIRST SIGHT.

VISIT OURSALES CENTRE

& SHOW SUITES:| # 1640 17A STREET SE

| TUESDAY - FRIDAY 12PM - 6PM| SATURDAY - MONDAY 12PM - 5PM

CONTACT:| 587.353.8955

| DAVID FRID [email protected]| MONIKA BLACHUT [email protected] OUR GARDEN & LOFT TOWNHOMES

ALSO AVAILABLE: ONE BEDROOMS – $306K / TWO BEDROOMS – $367K SOBOWCONDOS.COM


MEGHAN JESSIMAN

They say life is too short to drink bad coff ee. Whoever they are, they are right. Life is also too short to drink cof-

fee at a less than stellar cafe. That explains why in recent years, then, wherever you found sleek, stylish or charming condos, you were also sure to fi nd the perfect cosy com-munity coff ee shop just a stone’s throw away.

Sometimes you really do want to go where everyone knows your name and, in the case of the Good Earth Cafe in Creekside Shop-ping Centre located at the base of northwest communities Kincora and Sage Hill, they really do. Cathie and Gerald Janzen along with their daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Pete Jensen, opened the shop just as Kin-cora was beginning to build. Over the years, theyhave created an environment so friendly that locals make it a daily destination. As a result, they have a special interpersonal rela-tionship with a large portion of their clientele.

“Our patrons are a very loyal bunch and have actually become our friends,” Cathie says. “All the babies who have been born in the last fi ve years, we call them the cafe babies because we have seen them in their mom’s stomachs. Now they are heading to kindergarten and still come in regularly and say hi and play. It’s a pretty special feeling of

community.”It’s not just the residents of the northwest

developments who value their local coff ee shops, though; it’s a citywide trend. Just ask freelance writer, Kait Kucy, who frequents Mission’s Phil & Sebastian location more than she’s likely to admit for both work and play.

“I usually visit coff ee shops in my neigh-bourhood two to fi ve times per week. I’m either spending the day outside of my home offi ce to focus on a project or meeting with clients or friends,” Kucy says. “I wish I had more time to just perch all day with a good book and a hot coff ee, but I guess I will save that for retirement.”

According to Kucy — and seemingly myriad other Calgarians — a neighbourhood is not complete without a comfortable caf-feination option.

“A lively and vibrant neighbourhood is often defi ned by its eateries and drinking holes — places where neighbours, friends and family can get together quickly and are within walking distance from home,” she re-marks. “Coff ee shops are a more aff ordable option for most people who want a taste of local fl avour or need a space to conduct meetings or even get work done.”

In areas like Mission where new condo developments like District are popping up

seemingly overnight, the coff ee shops are the consistent pulse of the community. Everyone has their running around to do: groceries, the drycleaner, hitting the gym. But fi rst, coff ee.

Higher GroundWith its distinctively rustic vibe complete with fi replace and a few overstuff ed chairs, it’s easy to understand why Kensington’s Higher Ground draws visitors from the neighbourhood — St. John’s on Tenth and Pixel, to name a few — and from across town alike. This is exactly where Calgar-ians want to be during those dreary winter months, nursing a mug of something warm and comforting. This place is always bustling — and that’s always a good sign. 1126 Kensington Rd. N.W. highergroundcafe.ca.

Gravity Espresso & Wine BarHot coff ee and even hotter live entertain-ment bookings make Gravity the must-visit coff ee house in Inglewood — an area of town with quite a few hot options, so that’s saying something. With the SoBow project consistently drawing more and more hip Calgarians into the neighbourhood, Gravity’s popularity and menu off erings also continue to grow. As an added bonus, if you’ve had your fi ll of caff eine for the day, this espresso emporium allows you to switch to a glass of

wine!

SavourJust like the name indicates, patrons like to savour their sweet time at this tasteful little Mission establishment. Just across the 4th Street bridge from the up and coming Mis-sion34 buildings and within strolling distance from all the other sleek condos in the area, locals head to Savour for their friendly service and tasty espresso brews, but they stay for the outstanding house-made baked goods (do not resist those scones complete with homemade cream cheese frosting!) and surprising sandwiches. 2500 4th St. S.W.

Vendome CafeIt’s not every coff ee house whose food off erings can compete with (and possibly outshine) their outstanding espresso arts, but Sunnyside’s Vendome is one of these rare gems. With their downhome farmhouse feel, fresh fl owers on the table and full menu of belly-fi lling comfort foods, it’s amazing the tables ever turnover. The residents of the forthcoming Lido and Ven buildings should prepare for their move-in date by acquiring a gym membership. All those melt-in-your-mouth paninis and luscious soups do not come without calories. 940 2nd Ave. N.W. vendomecafe.com.

ENTERTAIN

The promise of a good cup of joe spreads warmth through a community

Coffee Culture

Photo, Gavin YoungCathy and Gerald Janzen fi nd their patrons at the Good Earth Cafe in Creekside Shopping Centre are a loyal bunch who often become friends.


Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, have a young family, or are

looking for an alternative to big-city living, there’s something for you at The Whitney, Landmark Homes’ newest multi-family community in Cochrane’s scenic Fireside neighbourhood.

Named in honour of the wife of town namesake Sen. Matthew Cochrane, The Whitney continues Landmark’s tradition of affordable, environmentally responsible places to live that maximize comfort and value.

When completed, The Whitney

will have 29 townhomes, and the first two show homes are now open. One is 1,338 square feet and the other 1,356 square feet.

“One really speaks to the younger demographic we’re attracting because it’s really laid out well for entertain-ing, with its dining room and a great room,” says area sales manager Barb Nagel. “The other home appeals to young families because of its layout with the dining room off the kitchen and the great room at front.”

Both are examples of Landmark’s Lancaster home design, which is available in several configurations, including two- and three-bedroom,

all with two and a half baths. Different kitchen designs are avail-able, as well as an optional loft. All townhomes have two living levels, plus an undeveloped basement.

Prices start in the $320,000s, as a freehold condo.

“We have no condo fees, and that really speaks well to some-one buying their first home,” says Nagel. “The landscaping is done, the deck is done, the fencing is done, all appliances are included and we even have a blinds package. You just have to move in and start living.”

Energy-efficient features include

triple-pane low-E windows, low-VOC paints, Energy Star appli-ances, programmable thermostats, and features that maximize indoor air quality.

The Whitney is located close to a future school site and is minutes from downtown Cochrane, with a community shopping centre planned nearby. Calgary’s only a 20-minute drive away.

“People really feel the friendli-ness of these homes; they feel very comfortable here,” says Nagel, add-ing The Whitney is already nearly 50 per cent sold.

For more information, visit land-

markgroup.ca or call 587-362-2491. Or come down to the two

new show homes at 211 and 215 Fireside Parkway in Cochrane. Head for the intersection of Highway 22 and Fireside Gate/James Walker Trail and watch for the signs. Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday; week-ends and holidays are from noon to 5 p.m.

SPONSORED BY LANDMARK HOMES

Two new show homes highlight The Whitney’s charms

This story was produced by The Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on

behalf of Landmark Homes for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in the

creation of this content.


TRAVEL

Powder PatrolPhotos by Gerald Vander PylMustang Powder Cat skiing

Valhalla Powercats, near Nelson

Avi Urban Advertorial

Imagine a place where the snow falls almost endlessly each winter, piling deep on vast mountain ranges, creating the

perfect winter playground for skiers and snowboarders.

It’s real, and also real close by, on The Powder Highway.

The Powder Highway is a collection of eight ski resorts throughout the Kootenay Rockies tourism region of British Columbia that form an ideal circle tour of powdery goodness.

They include Fernie Alpine Resort, Fair-mont Hot Springs Resort Ski Area, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Panorama Mountain Village, Red Mountain Resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Whitewater Ski Resort.

The Powder Highway is also home to numerous cross-country ski centres and dozens of companies off ering backcountry ski tours, heli-ski and cat skiing adven-tures, with many hosting their guests at backcountry lodges dotting the wilderness.

It was at just such as place a few years ago when I realized that it doesn’t get any better than The Powder Highway.

I was with friends at Mustang Powder Cat Skiing in the Monashee mountains.

We had been following our ski guides down increasingly steep runs through feathery light powder that billowed up leaving contrails.

Just then the sun appeared above the clouds fi llin the valley, casting a golden light on the glistening snow. It was magi-cal, and just another great day along the Powder Highway.

When it comes to the Powder Highway, there really is something for everyone, says Matt Mosteller, vice-president of market-ing with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, which owns Fernie, Kimberley and Kicking Horse ski resorts.

Mosteller says if you add up all the ski terrain available in the Powder Highway accessible by lifts, snow cats, helicopter and ski touring, it is 350 times the size of Banff ’s Big 3 resorts of Lake Louise, Sun-shine Village and Mt. Norquay.

“The skiing terrain is absolutely mas-sive,” he says.

So, too, is the variety of resorts ap-pealing to diff erent types of skiers and

snowboarders.Mosteller points out Kimberley hold

great appeal for families, while adventure seekers fl ock to resorts such as Kicking Horse and Fernie, for the former’s 80 steep chutes and 1,200-metre-plus vertical, and the latter’s legendary snowfall, which last year totalled 13 metres.

He says the Powder Highway is aptly named, with some of the most reliable snowfalls in North America.

During the past few seasons, it has often had the best snow on the continent, eclips-ing powder destinations like Utah.

“The key ingredient is snow, and people choose their ski vacations on where the snow is,” he says.

On the Powder Highway, you can link up several or all the ski resorts, while adding a day of back-country or cross-country ski-ing along the way, to create winter vacation moments that will remain vivid in memory.

Like snowboarding in Panorama Moun-tain Village’s Taynton Bowl area after a storm deposited 100 cm of snow in three days, and getting heli-ski-like face shots for the price of a lift ticket.

Or knifi ng through thigh-deep powder at Kicking Hourse chasing a group of hot-shot local skiers.

And the thrill of exploring Revelstoke Mountain Resort just days after it opened for the fi rst time, with each run providing the joy of discovery, coated with copious snow.

In the end, the Powder Highway is what you make of it, so this winter start making your own memories in one of the world’s great winter destinations.

Powder HighwayWhat’s there: Eight alpine ski resorts, 23

backcountry lodges, 13 snow-cat and 10 heli-ski operators and 10 nordic ski clubs.

Access: Begin a tour of the Powder Highway at Fernie via Highway 3 through the Crowsnest Pass, from Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park to Inver-mere at Panorama Mountain Village, or the TransCanada Highway west past Banff to Golden, B.C. and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

PowderHighway.comfacebook.com/powderhighway

Nothing like a little trip on the Powder Highway to say ‘Hello Winter’

Avi Urban has been redefining condominiums and town-homes since launching

in 2000.As the multi-family division of

respected builder Homes by Avi, the people behind Avi Urban realized buyers looking for a townhome or condominium were interested not only in affordability, but wanted smart, contemporary design to reflect the way they imagine living. That vision transformed into many successful projects inspiring people to love where they live, and numerous accolades from the residential building industry.

This fall, Homes by Avi Group of Companies was named Multi-Family Builder of the Year at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) — Alberta Awards of Excellence in Housing. At the same event, Avi Urban won the award for Multi-Family Apartment Under $325,000 for its Sawyer Silverado condominiums.

“We work very hard to establish a high level of value and innovation

in the products that we build, and it feels great that our industry has recognized us as a leader in multi-family housing in our province,” says Charron Ungar, president of Avi Urban.

“This award for Multi-Family Builder of the Year has highlighted several different multi-family products Homes by Avi Group of Companies offer from our semi-detached urban infill to our fee-simple Street Towns to our town-

homes and apartment condos. We are proud of the recognition, and we remain committed to doing even greater things for future homebuy-ers in Alberta.”

Avi Urban’s award-winning approach to multi-family living is highlighted in six projects currently selling in Calgary, including the following.n Sawyer Silverado: Stylishcondominiums of 900 to 1,100 square feet that include under-

ground parking and a lush central courtyard with 250 trees;n The Post at Nolan Hill: Townhomes from 1,130 to 1,400 square feet with two-car garages and additional parking for a third vehicle;n Edison at Walden: Two- and three-bedroom townhomes of 1,130 to 1,400 square feet in one of south Calgary’s most modern communities;n Juno at Currie Barracks: An exclusive inner-city enclave of 20 townhomes with private backyards. Prices start in the $600,000s;n Willow at Sherwood: Three-storey townhomes with two-car garages priced from the $300,000s; andn Canoe at Auburn Bay: Condominium homes of 620 to 1,300 square feet with underground parking and lake access, priced from the low $200,000s.

All feature Avi Urban’s innova-tive designs that accentuate the surrounding communities, and are destined to become landmarks that people are proud to call home.

Use of bold exterior colours and

eclectic architecture are combined with floor plans and finishings that offer homeowners an urban esthetic in style, comfort and function.

Each project reflects intelligent thought and quality at every stage.

Along the way, Avi Urban has reinvented the urban live-work space to function better. Simple improvements offer major advan-tages for owners, such as redesign-ing the attached garage to make space for outdoor gear.

The best way to see the differ-ence Avi Urban is making in the multi-family market is to visit the sales centres of its many Calgary developments. Quick possession dates are now available in Sawyer Silverado, The Post at Nolan Hill and Edison at Walden.

For information on current projects, including sales centre locations and hours, visit www.aviurban.com.

SPONSORED BY AVI URBAN

Alberta’s Multi-Family Builder of the Year sets new standards

This story was produced by The Calgary Herald’s Special Projects department on

behalf of Avi Urban for commercial purposes. The Calgary Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

GERALD VANDER PYL


condo a calgary herald special projects department ...€¦ · condo a calgary herald special...

Documents