condo - calgary herald · purchases and give advice. 18 & 19 june 8, 2012 3 ... bedroom and...

CONDO

CALGARY’S GUIDE TO CONDO LIVING FRIDAY, JUNE 8 NUmbER 24

Sales Centre Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 2-8 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm Closed Fridays

CUSTOMER#SATISFACTION

www.blanketltd.ca

COVEREDCAREwith

CanadianHome Builders’

Association

LUXURYAT PRICESYOUCANAFFORD

POSSESSIONSSTARTING EARLY

FALL 2012

BUY THIS PLAN NOW

403.605.4524stonecreekcondos.caT

ARADALE

DRIVENE

TRANSCANADAHWY.

COWBOYTRAIL

BOW VALLEY TRAILRAILWAY ST. W

5AVE. N S

TONEYTRAIL

CROWCHILD

TRAIL

GRIFFIN RD.

403.389.8144indigosky.ca

403.980.3334creeksidevillagecondos.ca

RAILWAYAVE

YANKEE VALLEY BLVD SE

AIRDRIE ROAD NE

HIGHWAY2

8ST

MAINST

MCKENZIEWAY

1025SF I CITYSCAPE I CORNERUNITS2BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 2UNDERGROUNDHEATEDTITLED PARKING STALLS

(DEPENDINGON LOCATION)

$213,900 - $229,900PLUSGST

TWOUNDERGROUNDHEATED PARKING STALLS

DINING10'-11" x 13'-9"

LIVING ROOM11'-11" x 13'-8"

DEN6'-7" x 6'-0"

KITCHEN8'-6" x 8'-0"

BEDROOM10'-5" x 10'-3"

BATH8'-9" x 5'-0"

BATH5'-0" x7'-2"

PATIO / BALCONY10'-6" x 12'-6"

MASTER BEDROOM11'-2" x 10'-10"

W/D

W.I.C.4'-1" x 7'-2"

DWF

S

DS

LNOOK5'-10" x 5'-3"

LAUNDRY8'-9" x 4'-4"

Coats

ENTRY

SPACIOUS BALCONY

CORNERUNITS -NATURAL LIGHT - FILLED

LIVING SPACES

BREAKFAST NOOK

TILE FLOORS

HARDWOODCABINET DOORS

GRANITE KITCHENCOUNTERTOP

OVER-THE RANGE MICROWAVESTAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES

LARGE MASTER BEDROOM

WALK-IN CLOSET

SPACIOUS SECOND BATHW.GRANITE COUNTERTOP

MODERNOPENCONCEPTLIVING SPACE

IN-SUITE STORAGE

DESIGNERTILE ENTRY

MEDIA CENTERENSUITE MASTER BATH

WITHGRANITE COUNTERTOP

CHOOSE FROM 4 DESIGNERCOORDINATEDCOLOURSCHEMES

1025 SFOF LUXURY LIVING SPACE

c a lg a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d ox t r a

CONTENTSCONDO

FRIDAY, June 8, 2012 numbeR 24

Luna is quaLex-Landmark’s condo deveLopment in the BeLtLine’s connaught district. suites range from 665 to 1,080 square feet and cityhomes from 1,491 to 1,810 square feet. liveatluna.com

FRONT

ThE ’hOODideally located in a sought-after downtown location, eau claire is more than just a trendy place to visit.

8

michaeL ross and Wade WiLey-ross purchase a condo in the BLock.

Photo by michelle hofer

buyeR pROFile12

Condo Xtra is a publication of the Calgary herald Special Projects Department.

SPECIAL PROJECTS mANAGER:

barb Livingstone:T: 403-235-7339E: [email protected]

CONDO XTRA CO-ORDINATOR:

Karen Petkau:T: 403-235-7513E: [email protected]

CONTRIbUTORS:

Alex Frazer-harrison Lindsay holdenLiz brucknerJulie Van RosendaalKenzie Lovemichelle hoferPaula TrotterWil Andruschak

APPIES & OVATIONSpre-show appetizer party helps kick off a night of fun and music.

20CONDO TALEScondo developers are catering to owners’ inner chefs by heating features up in the kitchen.

10

SUNSCREENyour view is massive, but don’t let it fry your insides — use screens to block the sun’s harmful rays from your furniture.

14

ROCKY TOPSquartz countertops’ scratch-resistant properties make it an ideal alternative to granite.

16

CONDO FEES ever wonder what those pesky little fees that come with your new condo are for? find out.

4

bUYER SNAPShOTSBuyers talk about their purchases and give advice.

18&19

j u n e 8 , 2 0 1 2 3

Photo courtesy of Qualex-Landmark Group of Companies

POT GARDENSpatio and balcony pots great places to grow your fruit, veg and herbs.

22

ADveRtIsIng FeAtuRe

With hardwood flooring, stainless-steel appliances, a modern open-concept floor

space and four designer co-ordinated colour schemes to choose from, Carlisle Group’s Cityscape floor plan is bound to have buyers not only seeing indigo, but rainbow, as well.

Available at Indigo Sky at Tara Lake and at Saddleridge, Stonecreek Landing in Cochrane and Creekside Village in Airdrie, the Cityscape is 1,025 square feet of luxury living in a corner unit with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two underground heated, tiled parking stalls.

“Often, people suspect that the most inexpensive plans will be the only ones that sell out quickly — and we have those plans from the $120,000s that do sell quickly,” says Carlisle Group spokes-person John Sparrow.

“But equally impressive are the larger plans at the top of our price bracket, which might be even more competitive in the marketplace.

“You just can’t beat them for what you get for the price.”

From the minute you walk into the Cityscape’s designer tiled entry, you will be impressed.

Immediately in front of you is the spa-cious dining room.

This room is surrounded by an open-concept kitchen to the left, with granite countertops, over-the-range microwave, breakfast nook and hardwood cabinet doors.

The kitchen and dining area overlook the large living room, leading to a spa-cious patio/balcony large enough to enjoy the big sky sunsets that Calgary and surrounding area are famous for.

Adjacent the kitchen and dining room, and tucked neatly into the corner of the Cityscape floor plan, is the master bed-room, ensuite and large walk-in closet.

On the far side of the unit, and adja-cent the living room, is the secondary bedroom and secondary bathroom.

Other features in the Cityscape floor

plan include a den, media centre and laundry room with in-suite storage.

This floor plan is sure to be the belle of the Carlisle ball, especially when the developer’s $1,000 Easy Payment Plan is factored in, making covering the down payment easier than ever (only $1,000 down, with equal payments over five months to reach the five per cent) and the plan is available from $209,900, depending on location.

With buying options like these, it is no wonder that Carlisle Group condo-

miniums outsold all other competitors last year. For more information on the Cityscape floor plan, and the pricing options available, contact the respective developments at indigosky.ca, 403-389-8144; stonecreekcondos.ca, 403-605-4524; or creeksidevillagecondos.ca, 403-980-3334.

Cityscape floor plan makes living in colour easy on the eyes

condo shopping

he maintenance-free lifestyle that attracts so many calgarians to condo

living comes with a price – condo fees.collected from owners every month,

condo fees are essential for two reasons: the money helps pay for the operational costs of

the building and also builds a reserve fund for future repairs.

“you’re basically paying for your share of the expenses while living there,” explains realtor richard Bergeron, who exclusively sells condos locally.

he says condo fees in calgary for a wood-frame building range from $0.35 to $0.50 per square foot, compared to $0.40 to $0.70 per square foot for a concrete building.

fees cover common expenses such as snow removal, yard maintenance, garbage removal, building insurance, upkeep of any on-site amenities such as a gym and more.

in the vast majority of local developments

(about 75 per cent), condo fees also cover tenants’ utilities, minus electricity, telephone, cable and internet. roughly 20 per cent of buildings will have condo fees that cover standard utilities, including electricity. and only about five per cent of projects include fees that cover standard utilities, including electricity and cable.

the condo board typically evaluates and sets condo fees on an annual basis, Bergeron says.

after reviewing a draft budget, board members will determine how much needs to be collected to cover operational costs.

continued y 6

Condo-fee structures may differ from project

to projectt

c a lg a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d ox t r a4 j u n e 8 , 2 0 1 2

Maintenance-free lifestyle’s cost

condo fees are BasicaLLy hoW Buyers pay for their share of the expenses WhiLe Living in their homes, says reaLtor richard Bergeron.

Shawn hoult photo

Fees

ADveRtIsIng FeAtuRe

Alberta’s coolest new condos just happen to be located in the coolest town around — Airdrie.

The Edge by Streetside Development Corp. is nick-named the Cool Factory, and for good reason.

Let’s start with its location on East Lake Boulevard, near the ever-expanding Genesis Place recreation centre, Bert Church Theatre, a diverse local commercial scene. It’s also a short drive from CrossIron Mills.

“Because of the unique design of our building and its loca-tion, The Edge is attracting a broad range of buyers,” says marketing manager Steve Hobbs. “We’re seeing first-time buy-ers and empty-nesters who enjoy having a superior variety of amenities nearby.”

This includes not only local transit, but easy access to regional transit into Calgary — the Intercity Express (ICE).

“Our buyers have an active lifestyle and enjoy the facilities that the nearby Genesis Place has to offer, as well as having quick access out of town to Calgary or to the mountains,” adds Hobbs.

The Edge offers 119 suites featuring a variety of unique one- and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 582 to 982 square feet, starting from the $150,000s.

Oh yes, the price is cool, too. In Airdrie, $150,000 goes a lot further than similar condo properties in Calgary.

“Our interior finishes are unique and modern and are part of Streetside Development’s signature in providing three contem-porary designer colour palettes to choose from,” says Hobbs,

adding maple cabinets, a four-piece appliance package and a variety of flooring options are also available.

“The four-storey design of The Edge has a lot of character in its architecture, which translates into a variety of suite lay-outs to choose from, including a select number of fourth-floor suites with vaulted ceilings.”

Streetside also has a cool incentive for buyers that’s likely to make them fall in love with The Edge even faster.

“If you purchase today, you will be eligible to take advantage of $10,000 in free upgrades,” says Hobbs. “These upgrades allow the buyer to put those personal touches on their new home.”

The $10,000-free-upgrades package is a limited-time offer, however, so visit the sales centre today to find out more.

Phase 2 is already under construction, with on-site parkade already completed (residents have access to not only heated underground parking with elevator access, but The Edge also offers surface parking for owners and guests). First occupan-cies are expected by summer 2013, Hobbs says.

For more information, visit the sales centre in Phase 1 at Suite 1104 604 East Lake Blvd. N.E. Hours are Monday to Thursday, 1 to 7 p.m., Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Visit coolfactory.ca or call 403-980-2817 for an appoint-ment.

Streetside’s The Edge delivers cool features at a price so cool it’s hot

Left: Phase 1 of The Edge, which is sold out. Streetside Development Corp. is now selling Phase 2. Right: The Edge’s sales centre’s kitchen.

AIRDRIE’S COOL FACTORY

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CoolFactory.ca403.980.2817

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Take the East Lake Crescent exit off ofthe Queen Elizabeth Highway and followthe signs.

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Continued from 4

then the board, usually working in conjunction with the property manager, factors in any major repairs that may be coming down the pipe, such as to the roof, elevators or parking garage.

so while low condo fees may sound appealing, Bergeron warns it could lead to a dire situation in the future.

Without an adequate reserve fund, tenants may need to pay a special assessment — essentially, an additional fee needed to cover the cost of a major repair that was not properly saved for and even for the occasional operational expense shortfall.

this unpleasant, and sometimes expensive, fee is most often associated with repairs to the exterior of buildings in calgary, due in large part to the city’s wild weather, Bergeron says.

condo fees, he says, should ultimately increase with the cost of living.

that being said, the recent 2012 td canada trust condo poll found 41 per cent of calgarians would need to find a new place to live if their condo fees increased suddenly.

“many people are not aware that condo fees are not necessarily a fixed cost,” says jessy Bilodeau, td canada trust mobile mortgage specialist. “if you want the perks of condo living, you need to budget for the fees, which can increase at any time.”

the first step is to determine the amount you can afford to pay every month for condo fees.

roughly one half of the monthly condo fees will

be factored into the purchasing price to determine whether a buyer qualifies for a mortgage (projected monthly mortgage payment, property taxes, utilities and gross monthly income are also included in the calculation).

But Bilodeau stresses condo fees will be an additional expense on top of monthly mortgage payments, so it’s important for shoppers to incorporate condo fees into their monthly budget to see if its something they can truly afford now –

and down the road.she also advises condo owners build a buffer into

their monthly housing budget to save for future condo fee hikes.

“that way if fees go up, it won’t be a major shock to your cash flow,” Bilodeau says. “if they don’t increase, you have extra money to put aside in savings or toward your mortgage so long as there are no penalties for making a lump sum payment on your mortgage.” y Paula Trotter


aBout one haLf of the monthLy condo fees WiLL Be factored into the purchasing price to determine Whether a Buyer quaLifies for a mortgage.

Calgary herald Archive photo

CONdOs

ADveRtIsIng FeAtuRe

The Next level in inner-city condo liv-ing is taking shape in Bridgeland.

Located just off Edmonton Trail N.E., Next is the latest success story for Bucci Developments Ltd., which was hon-oured as Multi-Family Builder of the Year at the 2011 SAM Awards.

The four-storey apartment-style condo’s location, mere minutes from the Bow River and downtown, has made it a prime destina-tion for young professionals, says sales and marketing manager Shane Styles.

“Next has a lot of really well-priced one-bedroom suites that have been selling incredibly well to first-time homeowners working downtown — accountants, engineers — because it’s so easy to get downtown from here,” he says.

But it’s not just proximity to downtown that’s a selling feature. Next is located in Bridgeland, which has undergone a true renaissance.

“Bridgeland is really coming into its own,” says Styles. “And the prices here are just that much better because we’re not right down-town — our buyers don’t want the downtown feel; they want the community feel.”

But desiring a community feel doesn’t

mean skimping on the details. From gas-burning cooktops and quartz countertops to nine-foot ceilings and triple-glaze windows, “everything is already upgraded at Next,” says Styles, adding on-site amenities include two gyms and heated underground parking.

“We usually see two types of buyers: someone who is a first-time buyer and downsizers, or ‘life-sizers,’ who’ve owned a home for a long time, but have never bought a condo before,” says Styles. “Life-sizers are really focussed on the freedom that condo living offers.”

To help answer these queries, and keep

current and potential buyers in the loop as construction proceeds, the BucciLiving YouTube channel was created.

The channel hosts regular video updates on the construction of both Next and Bucci’s sister development in Mission, Tribeca.

“We’re only about nine months from clos-ing, so you’ll be able to move into Next in early 2013,” says Styles. “In the meantime, our goal is to do a new video every week for each project.

“For example, I recently did an interview at Next with the building envelope engineer, who goes through every nuance of the exte-

rior waterproofing membrane and makes sure it meets specifications.

“It’s all about peace of mind.”Next will consist of 132 suites. Remaining

floor plans include one-bedrooms from 638, square feet priced from $240,707 to $271,707, and two-bedrooms from 902 to 1,128 square feet, priced from $373,721 to $425,707.

“We have also worked a deal with TD Bank to lock in mortgages to completion. You can own for as little as $900 a month.”

For more information, visit the Next pre-sentation centre at 921 First Ave. N.E., bucci.com or youtube.com/user/bucciliving.

First-time buyers flock to Next in Bridgeland for homes from $900/month

NORTH

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Two Bedroom + DenCondos in MissionFrom $420,000

visit the Tribeca show suite located at 1905 4th street sw.Open saturday – Thursday: 12pm-6pm (Closed Friday).

Start Downsizing.Own at Tribeca.A rare offering of brand new one, two and three-bedroom condos.

This is our fasTesT-selling floor plan.

from$240,707

The Developer reserves the right to make changes and modifications to maintain the highstandards of these homes. Price is approximate. E. & O.E.

CHBA - Calgary Region

2008

403.225.0023 | nextliving.ca

VisiT us ToDaY and move into your newBridgeland home in early 2013.

stop by our sHoW suItE921 1st Avenue NE, Calgary, AlbertaSaturday – Thursday: 12pm – 6 pm | Friday: Closed

Tribeca is right where you need it to be. Here, all of your favourite

places – not to mention life’s little necessities – are within walking

distance. The independent shops and eateries of 4th Street SW are

around the corner. 17th Ave is three blocks away. It’s the perfect

neighbourhood for you.

Want to live in an award-winning home? At the lowest inner city one–bedroom price you can find? With parking included? Unmatchedfeatures and move-in only 10 months away? You’ll want to get herebefore it’s too late.

au claire is a nice community to visit — but it’s an even better place to live.

residents have the natural beauty and many festivals of prince’s island practically at their

doorstep, and the dining, shopping and culture of downtown just a short walk away.

“We have easy access to everything down here, which is great,” says paul denaeghel, president of the eau claire community association. “We’re right downtown, which is not far from stephen avenue mall and everything that it has to offer; chinatown to the east; and kensington to the west.”

although eau claire has been long well-situated, the community hasn’t always been vibrant. it began as the site of the eau claire Bow river Lumber company’s sawmill, which was built in 1886 (the lumber company’s one-time office now houses the 1886 Buffalo cafe).

the mill’s primarily norwegian workers settled in the surrounding area, but a century later, many of the community’s houses and businesses were torn down, replaced by parking lots, the greyhound Bus

garage and not much else. few traces remained

of the past, and most of the many amenities and condo complexes present today had yet to be built.

Blaise mcneil, owner of the 1886 Buffalo cafe for the past 25 years, has seen many changes in

the neighbourhood during that time.

“When i came here, there was just the bus barns, nothing else around,” he says. “no ymca, no joey tomatoes, no Barley mill, no market, no sheraton

suites, no anything.”eau claire’s changed considerably since then, and

several projects now underway will further reshape the neighbourhood. gWL realty is planning to build a mixed residential/commercial development that will take over two city blocks now filled by parking lots.

concord pacific is also finalizing the design for a new luxury condominium complex and cadillac-fairview has begun development on a 36-storey office and retail tower.

“you’re going to see a number of cool-looking buildings and interesting architecture,” says realtor chris fenemore, who’s placed many clients in eau claire.

he anticipates continued growth in eau claire’s luxury condo market, driven mostly by so-called “ruppies” (retired urban professionals). most have moved from the inner city to suburbia to raise a family, but have since returned, drawn by the well-situated, spacious and hassle-free condo projects.

“you can get large units — large condos that would support all of your furniture and everything — which you can simply lock and leave. you don’t need to worry about the lawn being mowed or the fences being painted, that sort of thing,” he says.

Whatever course development takes, denaeghel hopes eau claire will become a better community for everyone, whether or not they live here. “i think, like all communities, we certainly want to have a safe, vibrant community — a gathering place for people, not just in the community, but for all calgarians,” denaeghel says. y Kenzie Love

ideal juNCTiONpauL denaegheL, president of the eau cLaire community association, says eau cLaire is at a trendy doWntoWn junction.

Kenzie Love photoeau-vOluTiON1886 BuffaLo cafe oWner BLaise mcneiL.

Kenzie Love photo

for more photos: caLgaryheraLd.com/condoxtra


Easy access, historic sites make an ideal locale

neighbourhoods

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Eau Claire more than a place to visit

chris fenemore

c a lg a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d ox t r a j u n e 8 , 2 0 1 2 9

Style has arrived in the west end of downtown Calgary — and its name is Vogue.

When completed, Vogue — the latest luxury development by the LaCaille Group — will be a striking, 34-storey tower offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom suites and penthouses right in the heart of the city.

“Vogue has been designed with incred-ible elegance, with an impressive podium with intricate stone details that really bring to mind Calgary’s signature sand-stone buildings of the past,” says Tamara Rosenblum, president of marketing agency Mantaray Creative.

“And because it’s in such a developed and established area of town, you won’t be living in a construction zone for years. You’re close to the pathway to Eau Claire, the Peace Bridge is close by, so is Kensington and you’re only a block from the Plus 15.”

This wealth of amenities is why LaCaille focuses on developing quality residential towers in the West End, says LaCaille vice-president Al Schmidt.

“We recognize the advantages living in the West End and Eau Claire gives people, from a lifestyle perspective,” he says. “We’ve had opportunities to go into other areas but the lifestyle opportunities just weren’t there.”

Schmidt says Vogue, which will feature 210 suites ranging from 550 to 1,400 square feet, fits LaCaille’s vision of what a residential tower should be, meet-ing the same standard previously set by developments such as Five West and Park Place.

For example, Vogue will have its own concierge and a hotel lobby-style entry complete with coffee shop and wine bar, Rosenblum says.

Residents can also access an in-house fitness centre and dry-cleaning service.

The suites themselves include high-standard features such as hardwood, Fisher & Paykel appliances, floor-to-ceiling windows and air conditioning.

“Vogue isn’t just about living in style — it’s a true lifestyle,” says Rosenblum.

Prices start in the mid-$200,000s.Vogue will be built on Sixth Avenue

between Eight and Ninth streets. The sales centre is located at 912

Fifth Ave. S.W. Hours are Monday to Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. and Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit liveinvogue.com.

West End gets ‘in Vogue’ with

luxurious project

ADveRtIsIng FeAtuRe

inding the perfect home is no small feat. from light fixtures to paint shades, floor

materials to yard space, determining which style best suits your lifestyle requires work,

patience and persistence. take the experience of robyn Leslie, a 25-year-

old administrator from calgary, for example. a single buyer at the time of her search, Leslie was a property virgin looking for a home in the southeast area of the city with minimal outdoor upkeep and lots of room and style inside.

then there’s john hooper* — a 50-something semi-retired business man who was on a quest to find a maintenance-free lifestyle to enjoy with his wife, sandra.*

hooper also has a vacation home and a severe case of wanderlust, so a lock-and-leave lifestyle was a must. But he also wanted to be downtown.

Condo search takes Leslie out of the boxafter initially thinking she wanted to live in a

standard condo, Leslie discovered, upon starting her search, that wasn’t what she wanted after all.

“i realized i couldn’t see myself living in that sort of place for the long term,” she says, which is when her focus switched to townhomes.

“i initially was looking at older homes, which weren’t right for me because of the renovations almost all of them required. i heard that cardel Lifestyles was building townhomes in an area of the city i was interested in living in, so i took a look and fell in love with the whole kit and caboodle right away.”

Leslie ended up buying a 1,287-square-foot townhome in cardel’s riverside project in chaparral valley. her riverwalk floor plan has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.

some of the most attractive features are obvious, she says: she wakes up to views of a pristine golf course, there’s access to transit nearby and her home is loaded with amenities (among them, a yard to call her own, extra space for guests and an open-concept layout for entertaining).

But Leslie says it was the personal touches from

cardel Lifestyles that ultimately won her over.

“i loved that the builders made every detail important, and i truly couldn’t have picked a more perfect home for me if i tried. every room has a touch of my personality in it, from the colour of the walls to the design of the kitchen, and that’s all because of how encouraged i was to be involved in the process,” she says.

Leslie also loves the idea of never moving again. “part of what makes my home so great is my wonderful neighbours, an amazing view, that i’m surrounded by peaceful tranquility and that there’s so much room for the future. i could not have asked for a better building experience.”

Couple finds lock-and-leave the perfect fitfor john hooper* of calgary, though size and

location were the key factors he and his wife were most interested in initially, it was the total package offered by the river — a luxury residential development developed by 26th avenue river investments inc., an affiliate of Ledcor properties inc. — that played into their decision to buy.

“my wife and i are in our 50s, are empty-nesters, travel a lot and have a winter home in the phoenix area. We knew we were ready to buy a condo when i took semi-retirement and our children had been gone for a few years,” he says.

knowing that they wanted a roomy condo in the inner core of the city that offered high-quality features was the first step. and after considering many similar condo developers with projects happening in their desired area, they opted to buy a suite in the the river tower because of the

project’s location, high-quality features and the quality of its team.

slated to start construction by the end of this summer, the river consists of 27-suite tower and 11 townhomes near the corner of 26th avenue and first street s.W., along the elbow river pathway.

“this condo project has everything,” says hooper. “it has the best location in town. the floor plans have the best layouts, and the interior has the best quality materials and appliances.

“We came into this knowing what we wanted, and we have achieved pretty much everything we were looking for. We’re close to all the amenities we desire, it’s on the river, is quiet and surrounded with beautiful scenery in the heart of the city. it’s a five-minute walk to our health club and since it’s on the city’s bike path, it encourages a healthy, active lifestyle. there are also great restaurants and shopping around the corner, and it’s easy to get to the downtown area without having to live there. it meets our lifestyle needs for the next 20 to 25 years.” y Liz bruckner

(*John and Sandra hooper’s name have been changed upon request.)

fTwo homeowners;

two different paths to homeownership

life styleTOwNhOme sTyleroByn LesLie in her 1,287-square-foot riverside toWnhome By cardeL LifestyLes in chaparraL vaLLey.

Wil Andruschak photo


apaRTmeNT sTylejohn and sandra hooper* purchased in the river. pictured is the project’s shoW suite.Calgary Archive

photo

Tale of Two Condos


You know you’re living in style when your next-door neighbour is the historic Lougheed House.

Calla, by Qualex-Landmark, is the new-est addition to the trendy Beltline area, overlooking the iconic site and Beaulieu Gardens.

“We’re coming out of the ground now,” says Parham Mahboubi, vice-president of marketing and new developments with Vancouver-based Qualex-Landmark.

“As a company, we’ve shown we can deliver on our promises, and that goes a long way towards customer confidence.”

In fact, demand for Calla’s 168 Parkside Home suites has gone through the roof, with sales now topping 80 per cent – dou-ble what it was only a few months ago.

“What we keep hearing from our buy-ers is they love the location,” says Parham Mahboubi, vice-president of marketing and new developments with Qualex-Landmark. “On top of that, the specs they get with each suite — they find it’s just incredible value.

“Plus, Calla is located in an established neighbourhood. You have everything in place already — all the key amenities — and that’s a huge bonus.”

At Calla, you get the best of both worlds.

Currently under construction at 626 14 Ave. S.W., you’re only a few blocks from all the shopping and dining on 17th Avenue’s Red Mile. Head a few blocks the other way and you find 11th Avenue’s Design District. Downtown is also nearby.

Calla continues Qualex-Landmark’s tradition of building condominiums that offer exceptional quality, beautiful finish-ings and contemporary designs at afford-able prices.

Each suite has a balcony or patio, air conditioning is standard. You also get satin chrome door hardware, chrome faucets and bath accessories, a stainless-steel appliance package, choice of quartz or marble countertops and the security of keyless access and nightly security patrols.

A guest suite and out-of-suite storage lockers are available. Residents receive access to a fitness and yoga space and steam room. All this at prices starting at only $235,800 for a one-bedroom suite; floor plans range from 549 to 1,332 square feet. First possessions are expected in summer 2013. Calla’s Discovery Centre at 628 11 Ave. S.W. is open daily except Friday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit callaliving.com or call 403-452-7006.

Calla ‘comes out of the ground’ amid skyrocketing sales

ADveRtIsIng FeAtuRe

ooking for more space, michael ross and Wade Wiley-ross decided to purchase a large, two-storey house in the deep southwest community of silverado.But it didn’t take long for their 2,300-square-

foot suburban home to start cramping their lifestyle.

“We’re both spending 45 minutes each way to get to and from work,” says ross, who works downtown as a business analyst.

the lengthy drive to work is just part of the equation that has seen the hours these two spend behind the wheel multiple rapidly.

they make the rush-hour commute home daily to let out their dogs, and then turn back around to spend most evenings in the downtown core.

“it really doesn’t make any sense,” admits ross.so in early february, they started scouring

inner-city communities between victoria park and crowchild trail in search of a new home.

as determined as they were to move back to a more central location, ross and Wiley-ross had no desire to return to the boxed-in life of a highrise.

“part of the reason why we wanted to be in the suburbs was because we didn’t like feeling like

we’re all living on top of one another,” says Wiley-ross, a travel agency manager who cringes at the memory of his days spent renting a suite on the 22nd floor of a building.

equally important for the couple was finding a spacious condo that will make their friends go: “Wow.”

ross knew he had found their new home when he walked into the Block sales centre at 200, 1022 17th ave. s.W.

“i wrote a cheque without Wade even seeing it,” he says.

the Block is a boutique-style condominium project currently being built in Lower mount royal at 1750 9a street s.W. once the avi urban development is complete in late summer or early fall 2013, it will have 58 different suites: one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment-style units, as well as nine, two-bedroom townhouses, all of which range from 650 to nearly 1,500 square feet. the

townhouses will be zoned as live/work residences, giving owners the opportunity set up shop on the street level of their homes.

the Block is contemporary in style — featuring clean, structured lines and modern finishes — and every suite is designed with an open concept that

makes even the smallest quarters feel roomy.

What makes this development particularly alluring, however, is it will centre around a courtyard.

covered walkways will wrap around

this verdant common space on the exterior of the building, ultimately replacing the drab, interior hallways that are typical of apartment-style buildings.

this layout makes it possible for large windows to fill the walls on both ends of every unit, bringing more natural light and cool summer breezes inside.

once he saw the show suite for himself, Wiley-ross


buyer profile

must-have checklist fulfilled in trendy Avi Urban development

We will both be gaining more than an hour back to our day. You can’t put

a price on that.

Suburban commute fuels

search for perfect condo

l

made no objection to ross’ rash purchase.“this place ticked off all the boxes on our list and

then some,” Wiley-ross says.spaciousness — check.the couple purchased an 833-square-foot,

two-bedroom corner suite that includes two full bathrooms and a 248-square-foot balcony. and the 14-foot ceiling just breathes more room into the space.

pets allowed — check.their two dogs, a shih tzu and a Bichon shih tzu,

are more than welcomed at the Block, as are most animals.

standard features that they actually like — check.solid surface countertops, engineered flooring,

tile flooring, eco-wood cabinets and stainless-steel appliances all come standard at the Block.

“the standard features here are what other places have for upgrades,” Wiley-ross says. “their upgrade list isn’t this big, long thing.”

a lively, inner-city location — check.With trendy 17th avenue s.W. across the street,

ross and Wiley-ross are already placing bets on what will become their “backyard” hot spots once they take possession. With an eclectic array of

shops, restaurants and galleries — more than 200 — it will likely take them some time to narrow down a list of favourites.

sense of community — check.Whether gathering in the landscaped

courtyard or running into neighbours at the nearest coffee shop, the Block will be a welcoming environment where you’ll know everyone by name.

“We’re trying to create a community within a community,” says joy syratt, homes by avi marketing and communications co-ordinator.

and that’s exactly what ross and Wiley-ross are searching for. “i like to get to know my neighbours,” says Wiley-ross. “it’s really important for me to get energy off other people.”

and while the couple is thrilled to find a new home that offers all of these appealing features, the main selling point remains the elimination of lengthy commutes.

“We will both be gaining more than an hour back to our day,” says ross. “you can’t put a price on that.” y Paula Trotter


michaeL ross and Wade WiLey-ross in the shoW suite of their neW 833-square-foot, tWo-Bedroom, tWo-Bathroom condo in avi urBan’s the BLock.

for more photos: caLgaryheraLd.com/condoxtra

ichael ross and Wade Wily-

ross already know what their favourite hot spots in their new neighbourhood: coffee shops and crepes & cravings, respectively. But uptown 17th boasts more than 200 locally owned shops, restaurants and galleries, as well as 200 professional services between second and 14th streets s.W. here are a few within walking distance from the Block.Restaurantsn nellie’s cosmic cafén farmn tubby dogn the coupn metropolitan grilln ristorante italiano Buon giornon melrose café and BarCoffeen Waves coffee housen caffè Beanon chiasso coffee companyn good earth coffeehouse and Bakeryn starbucksn kawa espresso Barn tim hortonsShoppingn the galleryn purr clothingn gravity popen aluminum planetn the rocketn eye candyFitnessn 30 minute hitn heavens fitnessn yoga passageClosest LRT stationthe eighth street s.W. and 10th street s.W. Lrt stops along the seventh avenue free fare Zone are less than two kilometers away.Parkstompkins park is the closest, but others within walking distance include central memorial park and olympic plaza.hospitalthe sheldon m. chumir health centre and foothills medical centre are short drives away.

ON ThE SIDE

Pho

tos

by m

iche

lle h

ofe

r

The blOCK m


Let the sunshine in, and not the damage

life style

or skin as new as the day you were born, beauty experts urge you to avoid

sunbathing. and as if that’s not enough to put a wrinkle

in your plans to bask in the sun, calgary’s condominiums and their floor-to-ceiling windows can be just as menacing to your precious hide — the one on your pricey designer leather sofa.

“think about it: if you were to sit in the window day in, day out like a piece of furniture, you’re going to get fried,” says gail thomson, owner at cricklewood interiors.

thomson’s 30 years of experience furnishing homes in calgary’s climate has given her a first-hand view of cracked dining tables and sumptuous buttery leathers turned crispy and faded into horrific washed-out versions of their former hues.

“Browns fade to purple, red turns to pink,” she says of the unintended clownish colours possible with neglect.

“it would be comedic if it weren’t such a waste of money,” she says, adding many warranties won’t cover sun damage.

she strongly advises customers to be kind to their floors, fabric, furniture and leather.

“i warn customers they must put up window coverings. they might say they have this beautiful view and don’t want to block it, but it takes nothing to turn down the blinds while they’re at work during the day. you will never stop any kind of fading if you don’t control the light,” she says, adding many styles of blinds still allow views and block sun.

thomson cautions not to depend on the special coatings on windows to prevent uv penetration — those low-e treatments are designed to cool potential heat gain and not necessarily the bleaching effects of sunlight.

among thomson’s customers was a man who left his beautifully furnished residence for

six months of travel, only to return home to a mismatched pair of sofas. he didn’t close his blinds before departing, so one sofa still looked new, and the other had to be replaced because of being placed near a naked window for half a year.

Leather conditioners for furniture work much like moisturizing after-sun balm for people, and can improve the pliable texture and sometimes bring back the dye in the cowhide. But depending on the degree of damage, colour variations may be permanent, says thomson.

many condominiums include window coverings. a favourite for higher-end developers are the roller shades with screen fabric, which block a good portion of heat and light, but appear transparent through the collective effect of the tiny holes, says cathy orr, vice-president of the window coverings division at rgo office products.

“it is typically a very contemporary esthetic — designers are using this type of product in modern homes with clean lines,” she says.

clients began noticing them in restaurants, and they’re now commonly ordered for homes at approximately $350 per five-foot-by-eight-foot panel, installed.

orr worked with designers for the 19-storey castello condominium constructed in 2008 at 12th avenue s.W. and fifth street s.W. there, exterior walls are nearly entirely glass — a beautiful feature to showcase calgary’s famous big skies. But with nine- to 18-foot-high ceilings in the luxury properties, designers knew the residents would want some protection from the uv rays, and included hunter douglas blinds.

increasingly common are james Bond-esque remote-control blinds, which may even be linked to home automation systems operable from an iphone, for example. plus, the screen fabric not only blocks out the searing rays, but unwanted eyes during the day. however at night, with

backlighting, interior dwellers be warned — you are fully exposed to onlookers.

to eliminate this downside, orr suggests going with an opaque shade, such as those fitted for the castello bedrooms.

But if minimalism is too stark for your tastes, eclectic homeowners can easily add a layer of soft drapery panels beside the functional blinds, she says, explaining they’re meant to blend in versus take. y Lindsay holden

f Invest in a ‘shady’ solution

even your condo needs shades. these hunter dougLas roLLer shades in screen faBric BLock the rays from harming your furniture.

hunter Douglas photo

shades

www.montreuxvillas.com

Prices starting from the mid $500’ss’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirPPrices starting from the mid $500’ss’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirPPrices starting from the mid $500’ss’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirPPrices starting from the mid $500’ss’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirPPrices starting from the mid $500’ss’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirPPrices starting from the mid $500’ss’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirPPrices starting from the mid $500’ss’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirPPrices starting from the mid $500’ss’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirP s’005$ dim eht morf gnitrats secirPPrices starting from the mid $500’s

� 30 Executive Villa Styled Bungalows� Maintenance Free Living� Tuscany Inspired Design

� Relaxed Lifestyle

Visit our Sales Centre295 Tremblant Way SW403.452.9530

Hurryin

only 10 Villas

remaining!


Once in a while, something comes along that is the perfect fit for people’s palettes and lifestyles.

For those looking for a modern bun-galow floor plan in a maintenance-free community with a southwest address, Montreux Villas is it.

Montreux Villas opened its doors in March, and currently has only 10 villas remaining for sale of the 30 semi-attached and detached homes, which have two open-design floor plans.

Montreux Villas is a Tuscan-inspired property that offers a tranquil community with all the best city amenities right out-side its doors.

Located on the southwest corner of 17th Avenue and 85th Street S.W., the area is home to two shopping centres, res-taurants, grocery stores, a recreation centre and schools, as well as several parks.

For commuters, the west LRT station is scheduled to open next spring.

Buyers will love the fine finishings, including 14-foot vaulted ceilings in the main living area; granite countertops with eight-foot kitchen cabinets; choice of hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile flooring; stainless-steel appliances; and gas fireplace.

The luxurious bathrooms are fitted with floor-to-ceiling tile tub surrounds, while the walk-in showers boast 10-millimetre clear-tempered tiled glass and pivot, clear shower doors.

The white laundry set includes a desir-able eight-cycle front-loading washer and seven-cycle dryer.

For the moments when you want to sip a glass of vino and relax, or visit friends and family, paving stone patios with gas lines for barbecues make entertaining easy.

Prices for the two available plans range from the mid-$500,000s to the mid-$600,000s.

“This development is geared toward empty-nesters, downsizers and snow-birds,” says Clark Hogan, vice-president of marketing.

“Calgarians who invest will get a presti-gious southwest address, as well as limited availabilities for villa-style bungalows in a maintenance-free community.”

Prospective buyers can check out the show home at the Montreux Villas sales centre on 295 Tremblant Wy. S.W. The centre is open Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from noon to 5 p.m.; and closed Fridays.

Early possessions take place in November 2012. For more information, visit MontreuxVillas.com.

Montreux Villas, like a fine wine,

is selling fast

ADveRtIsIng FeAtuRe

we know you don’t need the super jet 5000 ultramas-sage shower head and you don’t need a damn chande-lier either. That stuff is great I’m sure but you havemoreimportant things to spend your hard earnedmoney on.You’re looking for

and comeswith someoptions to

You need things that make sense like heated under-ground parking, a cool gym and some nice cabinetry.Sowhen you’re done looking at those flashy pads andyou’re interested in something real, take a short driveout to Cochrane and

From the$130’smonthly from$586

Sunset Blvd

SunsetDrive

Trans Canada to Calgary

Glenbow Rd.

BowValley Trail

Ranch House Rd

Highw

ay1A

BowValley

TrailTow

nof

Cochrane

201 Sunset Drive, CochraneShowhome Hours:Mon to Thurs: 2-8 pmSat/Sun: 12-5 pm 403.981.4438

1 and 2 bedroomCONDOS

3 Showsuites to view

UnobstructedMountain views

Courtyard views

qualifying income

$27,605

11 floor plans


Quartz gives kitchens an appetizing

style

amenities

s leek in appearance and compatible with the trend in minimalist style often found in concrete- and steel-constructed condominiums, quartz

is a now a formidable rival to granite, which has long held top spot as a material choice in kitchen countertops.

When it comes to a surface where hands will lovingly toil in the production of a tasty meal, quartz’s hardness makes it an ideally hygienic foundation for food preparation. and for party guests who may gather at the kitchen island and rest their cocktail glass, its glossy surface subtly reflects light and sparkles just like the statement jewelry dangling from necklines and wrists.

in any case, quartz lends an appetizing style that kitchen designers and homeowners are eating up, say experts.

“the main benefit is its hardness, scratch resistance, durability and heat resistance, and you don’t have to seal it as you would granite, which by contrast is naturally porous,” says clare mackey, assistant professor in mount royal university’s bachelor of applied interior design program.

she has witnessed the natural qualities of granite, and warns clients the lovely vein patterns are exactly where fractures may form in weak spots.

meanwhile, quartz is also natural stone, but made from 93 to 97 per cent mineral crystals. “the remaining portion is a mix of colours, resins and binders, making it extremely durable,” says ryan costain, account manager with jade stone Ltd, a calgary retailer of stone surface products.

quartz marries the best of both worlds in mother nature’s alluring simplicity, and the manufacturing world’s precision and limitless production possibilities.

granite slab sizes rarely exceed 12 feet because they’re limited to how they’re found in quarries and fit into shipping containers. Larger spans of kitchen countertops, therefore, require granite sections to be fused with

Alternative to granite gains in popularity

Harvest Mosaic in Cranston offers a bounty of lifestyle opportunitiesand an abundance of reasons to call Harvest Home.

Let maintenance-free living open your schedule for river walks and FishCreek Park explorations. Harvest Mosaic townhomes offer spacious 1, 2and 3 bedroom layoutswith attachedgarages and lifestyle opportunitiesfor everyone. Featuring 2 new bungalow floorplans - the Olive and Slate.

HarvestMosaic.com

$200sTownhomesfrom the

Presentation Centre Now Open!

Lawnmowerfree lifesty

No grass-stained shoesnowasted Sunday

wnmowerfree lifestyle.

ass-stained shoes,ys.

La


seams unless you pay top dollar for those rare oversized pieces.

the lack of seams at any scale of quartz slabs is a key benefit, and particularly important when measuring up to the ever-expanding grand kitchen plans central to open-concept interior designs in chic condos.

quartz crystals happen to be one of earth’s most abundant minerals. once they’re churned out of mixers, they’re pressed and baked into slabs in near limitless lengths, thicknesses and shapes.

in spite of hundreds of hues to choose from, variations on white are currently the most popular choice, carrying cool names such as “blizzard,” “glacier” and “ice.”

Whether you choose quartz or the old standby in granite, it really comes down to personal taste.

Bosa embassy, the company currently marketing the evolution condominium project in calgary’s east village, offers prospective buyers an option to choose either granite or quartz as standard countertops. Both choices are proving to be equally popular, says natalie Bosa, marketing and quality control manager.

continued y 23

ROCKy begiNNiNgs

quartZ is a naturaL stone that consists of 93 to 97 per cent mineraL crystaLs,as WeLL as coLours, resins and Binders. condo Buyers and deveLopers are aLso turning to it for its duraBiLity and Beauty, incLuding avi urBan. the BuiLder’s toWnhome shoW home in currie Barracks utiLiZes the stone in its kitchen.

Lindsay holden photo

Think

stock

Imag

e


whaT They bOughT: 1,300 -square-foot two-storey, three-bedroom townhome with an attached two-car, under-drive garage, 17-foot wide rear deck and contemporary open-concept interior, with hardwood flooring and a gas

fireplace flanked with built-in display cabinets. whaT They liKed abOuT The pROjeCT: for first-time buyers with fashion-forward taste in everything, including interior design, the long list of standard finishing extras had the pair giving the project a serious second look. plus, the soon-to-be married twosome envisioned themselves sharing the property’s dreamy master bedroom featuring a tall vaulted ceiling. “We liked the upscale finishing that was included — knockdown

ceilings and rounded corners for example,” says raskob. the project’s’ Builtgreen features also appealed to their wish for sustainable products and utility savings. “We are saving a lot of money on bills with the Builtgreen features,” says raskob. meanwhile, the quality windows and insulated walls for warmth also offered a barrier to potential exterior and neighbourly noise. “even with construction still in the area, i cannot hear anything outside. it’s really, very soundproof. i haven’t heard my neighbour once.” whaT They liKed abOuT The NeighbOuRhOOd: skyview ranch is steps from area shops, neighbourhood pub and transit shuttle to downtown. the couple had initially ruled out the skyview ranch’s community’s offerings, but by chance decided to make a final stop at a temporary sales trailer they noticed on their way out. there was no show home to view, but they liked what they heard from the on-site staff regarding the project’s features, including the 17-foot wide deck. “the gentleman we dealt with was phenomenal, and probably the reason we ultimately bought, even with no show home to look at,” says raskob.

“as first-time buyers, you need someone who is going to make you comfortable. “he was never pushy, but genuine and turned out to be a fantastic guy,” says raskob.adviCe TO OTheR buyeRs: “Look around,” says raskob. evaluating each property’s value for the dollar is obviously important for number-crunchers, but getting a comfortable gut feeling with the developer’s personnel is also vital, especially for first-time buyers, he explains.“We simply didn’t like the features we saw at the other homes up the block — and some design things which were turn-off,” says raskob, noting the decks offered elsewhere seemed undersized and the finishings were below expectations. y Lindsay holden

bUYER SNAPShOT

chad raskoB and kathryn taBafunda.

Name:

arrive at skyvieW ranch By partners deveLopment

pROjeCT:

raskoB is canada safeWay manager and taBafunda is in document controL at a doWntoWn oiL and gas firm.

OCCupaTiON:

WWW.LiveatskyvieW.ca or WWW.arrivehome.ca

websiTe:

RIVERFRONT URBAN LIVING IN EAST VILLAGE

EVOLUTIONCALGARY.COMSALES CENTRE 553 RIVERFRONT AVE SE. CALGARY · 403 290 0992

LIVE IN THIS ONE BEDROOMFROM $359,000

NOW SELLING FUSE –The First Phase in the Evolution ofUrban Living in Downtown Calgary.

Our one bedroom F Plan suiteshave big, bold spaces that live waybeyond their square footage. Themaster ensuite has ample roomfor a couple. In the open conceptkitchen, roomy cooking spaces withgourmet-worthy appliances makethe difference. It’s the perfect spaceto cook, eat, relax and entertain.

LIVE SMART.

LIVE URBAN.

LIVE LARGE.


whaT he bOughT: a two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,050-square-foot ground-floor southwest corner unit on a quiet street in a multi-storey apartment-style condominium building. the unit, which is still to be built, will

be decked out with stylish standard finishing such as granite countertops and hardwood floors. whaT he liKed abOuT The pROjeCT: for the 30-something buyer, who has already owned a handful of properties over the last 12 years, each homeownership experience has perfected his wish list. fortunately for coombs, a careful search and streetside developments’ st. john’s on tenth project in kensington satisfied each wish with a check mark: close to the action, high-end finishing, pedestrian-friendly streets, paths and parks. “i got everything i have ever wanted,” says coombs. “everything i ever owned before had compromises and some regrets.coombs says he will have it all in his latest real estate acquisition — contemporary high-quality finishing, walls and windows designed for quiet and no handyman duties to cut into his precious time off. whaT he liKed abOuT The

NeighbOuRhOOd: st. john’s on tenth is located steps from the Lrt to downtown, sait polytechnic, river pathways, plus numerous character shops, eateries and entertainment venues in kensington. “i grew up in the northwest, and have always felt at home in this part of town. it was always a goal of mine to live in kensington,” coombs says about his soon-to-be-built home across from neighbourhood landmarks such as safeway and second cup. his former single-family abode in mount pleasant was a great location, but came with strings attached — costly and time-consuming repairs, not to mention thin walls and old windows, which made a good sleep a challenge after shift work. But the yard and street-level entry was perfect for his pet boxer. he also lived in a downtown condo with a lock-and-go lack of maintenance yet as the years passed, it proved to be a little too close to the action. a few blocks from calgary’s famous red mile on 17th avenue was a perfect spot for nights out with like-minded youth, but was no longer a priority for

coombs. st. john’s location puts the avid runner on jogging paths and within walking distance of the northwest fire hall, as well as entertainment spots. But it is also in a quiet community which includes big trees, parks and families. the location of his unit offers the possibility of pet ownership and ground-level enjoyment of a fenced garden and two patios facing neighbouring million-dollar character homes. adviCe TO OTheR buyeRs: “consider resale. Buy the most property you can afford in the best location. i have had very good luck when reselling condos over single-family homes thanks to location.” y Lindsay holden

bUYER SNAPShOT

mason coomBs Name:

st. john’s on 10th street By streetside deveLopment corporation

pROjeCT:

coomBs is a paramedic With aLBerta heaLth services in caLgary.

OCCupaTiON:

WWW.stjohnstenthst.comwebsiTe:

he combination of food and entertainment — dinner and a

show — is a classic evening combo. When oscar season rolls around,

theme parties abound as people take to their couches with nibbles paired with

nominated films. But why limit such an occasion to the

oscars? Whether you’re heading out to the opera, cpo, the theatre, even a movie or concert, it’s fun to come up with a menu to match.

hosting a cosy house party is a great way to extend the evening — before or after — and beat the restaurant rush.

first, plan your timing — nibbles before the show, an early dinner or après-theatre dessert.

finger food is always suitable for a get-together, and appetizers can be easier to get creative with.

the calgary public Library has an impressive cookbook collection. of course the internet provides easy access to recipes galore, making it easier to come up with unique food and drink ideas or authentic ethnic recipes to match whatever production you have tickets to.

assigning a food theme is also a fun way to host a potluck; challenge your guests to come up with a relatable course or snack, and the pressure is off. (the element of competition always inspires creative dishes, too.)

of course as the host, you still have to vacuum — and take care of the bar.

coming up with one mixed drink, beer, wine and nonalcoholic options, along with plenty of ice, should be sufficient when

much of the evening will be spent at the theatre.

pretty much each week, Lolita’s Lounge in inglewood (lolitaslounge.ca) hosts a Latin friday night (with the exception of the first friday of the month), so why not pair the evening out with a Latin-style tapas party to get all your friends in the mood?

most often associated with spanish cuisine, tapas refers to a variety of snacks and appetizers, served with drinks, and is popular throughout Latin america.

these are perfect for Latin friday night because they are light enough to not spoil your appetite if you want to go to the pre-show dinner at the lounge.

your Latin-themed appie menu could include spiced nuts, a baked spanish tortilla (similar to a frittata, made with eggs and potatoes), crostini topped with manchego (a mild spanish sheeps’ milk cheese) and thinly sliced serrano or other cured

ham, chorizo sausage, olives, or even mini tacos stuffed with pulled pork, chicken or shrimp. or try spiced roasted chickpeas, mini spiced beef empanaditas or gazpacho shooters using the recipes below.

But, if you and your friends go a little overboard with the appies and can’t imagine eating a full dinner, pull out some simple desserts and make the appie menu a full-meal deal: a classic caramel flan or warm churros with chocolate sauce for dipping, for example. just make sure you have plenty of napkins. or, better yet, save the dessert for a post-show wind-up party at your place, especially if drippy chocolate is involved. y Julie Van Rosendaal


food for thought

Show-themed parties start your night off rightt

Libraries great resources for show-stopper

recipes

Assigning a food theme is a fun way

to host a potluck.... (the element of

competition always inspires creative

dishes, too).

spiCy gazpaChO shOOTeRscookBook author, food BLogger and food coLumnist juLie van rosendaaL spices up an evening of Latin music With a themed appie party.

Julie Van Rosendaal photos

efore taking in the sounds of Latin America at Lolita’s Lounge, kick off the night out with a themed appie

party, such as this appie menu.

Spiced Roasted Chickpeas with Smoked Paprika

Roasted chickpeas are easy and inexpensive; they’re also better for you than most salty nibbles. Set them out warm, straight from the oven; they’re simple to make, but their crisp texture won’t last more than a few hours. The recipe can be easily doubled for larger groups.

1 19 oz. (540 mL) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup canola or olive oil1 tsp. cumin1-2 tsp. smoked paprika1 tsp coarse salt, or to taste1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black

pepperPreheat oven to 400 F. In a medium

bowl, combine the chickpeas, oil, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Spread out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the chickpeas are golden and crisp. Season with extra salt, if it needs it, and serve immediately. makes about 2

cups.Two-bite Empanaditas

Empanaditas — mini-empanadas — are little half-moon pies that are perfect for a party. They can be assembled ahead of time and frozen unbaked, then slid into the oven half an hour before guests arrive. They can also be baked before the show, then popped into the oven to warm.Filling:

olive or canola oil, for cooking1 small onion, finely chopped227 g (1/2 lb.) glean ground beef or pork1 14 oz. (398 mL.) can diced tomatoes,

drained

1/2 tsp. cumin1 hard-boiled egg, chopped2 tbsp. green olives, chopped2 tbsp. raisins, choppedsalt and pepperpastry for a double crust piePreheat the oven to 400 F. In a heavy skillet set over medium-high

heat, sauté the onion in a drizzle of oil for five minutes, until soft; add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink.

Add the tomatoes and cumin and cook for a few minutes, until the excess moisture has cooked off.

Add the hard-boiled egg, olives and raisins, and mix well.

Season with salt and pepper, and remove from the heat; set aside to cool slightly.

On a lightly floured board, roll out the pastry to less than 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out four-inch rounds, re-rolling scraps once.

Spoon a tablespoon of filling onto each round, and fold into a half-moon shape, crimping the edges shut with a fork.

Place the pies on a baking sheet one inch apart and brush the top of each with the egg wash, if using. Cut three slits in the top of each pie with a sharp knife to let steam escape, and bake until pastry is crisp and golden (about 15-20 minutes). Cool on a wire rack. makes about 1 1/2 dozen empanaditas.

Spicy Gazpacho Shooters

Serve small sips of gazpacho from shot glasses, which are inexpensive at the dollar store or at restaurant supply stores. Gazpacho needs at least an hour — and up to a day — in the fridge to allow the flavours to meld, so it’s ready to go when you are.

2 large tomatoes, chopped1/2 English cucumber, chopped2 roasted red peppers or 1 fresh red bell

pepper, chopped1/4 cup chopped purple onion1/4 cup red wine vinegar2 Tbsp. chopped cilantroa few drops of Tabasco or chipotle

pepper sauce1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oilsalt to tasteCombine everything except the olive oil

and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until chunky. With the machine running, pour in the oil through the feed tube and blend until almost smooth. Season with salt to taste and chill for at least an hour before serving. Serves 12-20.

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17 AVENUE SW

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b ON ThE SIDE


t doesn’t get more local than fresh from your own balcony.condo dwellers need not fret about not having a backyard

to grow their own fruits and vegetables. With the ever-growing popularity of container gardening, there isn’t much these days that

can’t be produced from a patio. there is one restriction, however: sunlight is essential. “you balcony needs to get a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day in

order to have a successful garden,” says david abbott, the owner of chinook Landscaping and design.

“sunlight is crucial. We tell everyone to make a note of when the sun first hits their balcony and when it leaves. if you get enough sun throughout the day, you can pretty much grow anything.”

of course, you will want to read the fine print on your condo contract first to make sure that planters and hanging baskets are allowed. But after that, there is no shortage to what can be grown from five floors up.

abbott recommends first deciding what you want to plant and then maximizing your space to allow for the biggest garden possible.

“after ensuring you get enough sunlight, we always measure the space and map out how to best use it. you want to think about how much time you want to invest in gardening and how you want it to look esthetically,” he says, adding there has been a definite spike in balcony and patio-based vegetable gardens in recent years.

to take advantage of all of your space, consider hanging baskets for

strawberries and tomatoes, saving valuable floor space for the veggies that need it.

carrots can be planted in deep planters, and lettuces can be planted in wide-mouthed pots, for example.

a wide array of cooking herbs can be raised in a small set of flower pots, adding variety not only to the size of the vegetation, but fragrance, too.

if you have a main-floor unit with a patio, abbott recommends a raised bed, typically between four and six feet long by two feet wide, to accommodate the more traditional rows of vegetables.

“the bonus of using raised planters is they retain their heat and vegetables typically do well in them during calgary’s shorter growing season,” he says.

“raised beds and container gardens are also easier to cover if there’s a chance of frost, in some cases you can even bring them in out of the cold.”

the whole-food, slow-cooking and local-food movements have inspired a new legion of green-thumb gardeners

in recent years and condo dwellers are no exception.

y maria Canton

life style

iPlanting the perfect pot of plants

Containers give condo dwellers the green thumb

Thinkstock Images photos


Continued from 17

“each has a very different look and feel. quartz is very striking because it is uniform in colour and clean and crisp. granite offers a beautiful character with colour variations and textures in the piece. it is about a preference,” she says, adding the minimalist look isn’t just a trend for young hipsters and fashionistas as you might assume.

Bosa has seen many downsizing 50-plus empty-nesters also adopt quartz as part of a fresh start in their new ultra-modern oasis. many are also happy to shed the family-home clutter and divorce their decades-old furniture to complete the look she says.

the popularity of quartz has also affected price for the better — it used to come at a premium above granite, says costain.

“as it is becoming more popular, the price on material is coming down now, depending on brand and color,” says costain, adding buyers can expect to pay between $50 to $120 per square foot.

Labour for installation is another factor. some “waterfall” islands which wrap the quartz top in

a continuous u-shaped form down the sides of piece are so cumbersome, they must be placed in homes during framing because they don’t fit through doors, for example.

meanwhile, patriotic “buy-local” advocates will be happy to know hanstone, an international brand of quartz, recently began manufacturing in canada. y Lindsay holden

COsTas quartZ Becomes more popuLar, it is aLso Becoming more affordaBLe. But expect to pay $50-$120 per square foot for the Luxury.

Thinkstock Images

ADveRtIsIng FeAtuRe

It’s not every day that a chance to buy a brand-new, affordable condo right off the Red Mile comes along. But The Block by

Avi Urban offers just such an opportunity.Located steps from 17th Avenue S.W.

where the Beltline and Lower Mount Royal meet, The Block is a courtyard development featuring 58 unique homes with one-bed-room, two-bedroom and townhome options.

“The Block was designed to appeal to a diverse crowd and become a community within a community,” says Charron Ungar, president of Avi Urban. “We decided to build off of 17th Avenue because it’s such a great mix of people just living and doing their thing.”

In designing The Block, Avi Urban decided the last thing 17th Avenue needed is another high-rise.

“We want people to live on 17th Avenue, not above it,” says marketing manager Chris Pollen.

And that’s why The Block is a boutique-style four-storey build-ing, making it easy to run down for a coffee, a hot dog or a news-

paper at one of the shops located close by.Highrises also tend to make neighbours

strangers to each other. Not so at The Block, where a unique central landscaped courtyard, unlike anything else seen on 17th Avenue, features open-air walkways that allow residents to actually get to know each other, fostering that sense of community within community.

Inside The Block, built-in options maxi-mize space, with variations for stor-age, a workspace, or

even a “tech nook,” Pollen says. “Buyers are able to personalize features based on their style, including choosing the colour of their front door and bedroom ‘barn door,’” he says.

Above-standard features include Echo Wood cabinets, engineered hardwood floor-ing, full-height tile backsplashes, rain shower-heads and rectangular vessel sinks.

Pollen says natural

light is also emphasized, with floor plans featuring windows on both sides of the suite, which also allow great views of the courtyard and neighbourhood.

“Sliding patio doors that open to the court-yard help define your space, while still allow-ing you flexibility to enjoy the lifestyle that The Block offers,” says Pollen. “You can visit with your neighbours, have drinks on your patio, or simply hang out in the courtyard.”

The Block’s location off 17th Avenue also allows quick access into down-town by bus or car, with many amenities within walking distance, ranging from restaurants and cafes to banks, a magazine shop and plenty of places to buy unique gifts.

Yet, at the same time, it’s nestled on a quiet side street, away from the hustle and bustle.

Prices at The Block, which will be located at 1750 9A St. S.W.,

start in the mid-$200,000s.For more information, drop by

the show home at 1022 17 Ave. S.W., or visit aviurban.com.

Know your neighbours and enjoy downtown living at The Block

SUITE 200 – 1022 17th AVENUE SW403 536 7238 | [email protected]

650 S.FT.1 BED SUITESOFF 17THAVENUESTARTINGIN THE MID$200’S.

LEAVE ATLAST CALL,NOT AT LASTBUS WHENYOU LIVEATTHEBLOCK.C M

ONLY 10 - 1 BED SUITES REMAIN.

403 536 7245 | 9310 14th Avenue SWhomesbyavi.com/theEnclave

CONTEMPORARY.STYLISH. AFFORDABLE.NEW WESTSIDE TOWNHOMES

$300sFROMTHEMID

1170 - 1450 square foot two & three bedroom townhomes withtwo car attached garages in Aspen Hills. VIP registrations at

homesbyavi.com/theEnclave

FINAL TOWNHOMES NOW RELEASED

AUTHENTICALY URBAN.

403 536 7230 | 136 Victoria Cross Blvd. SW

homesbyavi.com/victoriacross

21002300 SQ.FT.TOWNHOMES

$770’SFROM

THE

12001700 SQ.FT.TERRACE HOMES

$400’SFROM

THEMID

Located in the prestigious inner-city community of Currie Barracks,

life at Victoria Cross is all about distinctive living, fresh new spaces

and an unmatched lifestyle. Discover Calgary’s most unique townhome

opportunity at homesbyavi.com/victoriacross.

SPRING 2012 POSSESSIONS

SUITE 200 – 1022 17th AVENUE SW403 536 7238 | [email protected]

650 S.FT.1 BED SUITESOFF 17THAVENUESTARTINGIN THE MID$200’S.

LEAVE ATLAST CALL,NOT AT LASTBUS WHENYOU LIVEATTHEBLOCK.C M

ONLY 10 - 1 BED SUITES REMAIN.

403 536 7245 | 9310 14th Avenue SWhomesbyavi.com/theEnclave

CONTEMPORARY.STYLISH. AFFORDABLE.NEW WESTSIDE TOWNHOMES

$300sFROMTHEMID

1170 - 1450 square foot two & three bedroom townhomes withtwo car attached garages in Aspen Hills. VIP registrations at

homesbyavi.com/theEnclave

FINAL TOWNHOMES NOW RELEASED

AUTHENTICALY URBAN.

403 536 7230 | 136 Victoria Cross Blvd. SW

homesbyavi.com/victoriacross

21002300 SQ.FT.TOWNHOMES

$770’SFROM

THE

12001700 SQ.FT.TERRACE HOMES

$400’SFROM

THEMID

Located in the prestigious inner-city community of Currie Barracks,

life at Victoria Cross is all about distinctive living, fresh new spaces

and an unmatched lifestyle. Discover Calgary’s most unique townhome

opportunity at homesbyavi.com/victoriacross.

SPRING 2012 POSSESSIONS

condo - calgary herald · purchases and give advice. 18 & 19 june 8, 2012 3 ... bedroom and...

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