condo - calgary heraldcondo contents sobow, located near pearce estate park, is an inglewood-focused...

CONDO

CALGARY’S GUIDE TO CONDO LIVING FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013 NUmbER 28

Enjoy grand corner-suite views from the 36th floor and up. Soak it all in frommassive wraparound balconies and entertain friends in your sleek imported ItalianArmony Cucine kitchen with integrated appliances.1,256 sq. ft. two bed, two bath to 1,830 sq. ft. two bed, two bath with media room and den. Each suite comes with two side-by-side

parking spots to extend the Paramount standard from the top of The Guardian to the bottom. STARTING AT $710,900

T H E G U A R D I A N C A L G A R Y. C O MPRESENTATION CENTRE 456-12TH AVENUE SE

PARAMOUNTSUITES

CONDO

CONTENTS SoBow, located near pearce eState park, iS an inglewood-focuSed development By m2i development corp. conSiSting of two BuildingS: grande houSe (120 unitS) and 1912croSS, (120 condoS and two-Storey townhomeS). sobowcondos.com

on the cover

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

CONDO XTRA EDITOR/DESIGNER:Karen Petkau: 403-235-7513; [email protected]

CONTRIbUTORS:Wil AndruschakColleen biondi

Cara CaseyRennay Craatsmarty Hope

meghan JessimanJacqueline Louie

Karen PetkauGerald Vander Pyl

Julie Van RosendaalAdrian Shellard

Photo courtesy of m2i Developments Corp.

kathy haveling Bought in clearBrook villaS of fireSide.Photo by Adrian Shellard

buyer profile6

FRIDAY, June 7, 2013 numbeR 28

VIsIt onlIne At cAlgARY-heRAlD.com/conDoxtRA

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 7 , 2 0 1 3 3

Living at The Guardian, the latest development by Hon Towers, is paramount.

Not only does the prestigious sky-scraper offer a bird’s-eye view of pic-turesque Calgary, but it also provides the perfect place for Calgarians who work in the core to have a luxurious home close to where they work and play. And at The Guardian, there’s no more supreme unit to choose than the Paramount Suites.

“If you’re looking for luxury urban living in Calgary, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything superior to the Paramount Suites at The Guardian,” says Steven Cox, the principal and creative director of Cause+Affect, the brand and market-ing team behind The Guardian. “In terms of design, space, views, finish-ing, appliances, location and value, there just isn’t anything that matches The Paramount Suites.”

On floors 36 to 41 of the tall-est residential tower in Calgary, the Paramount Suites’ offerings range from 1,256-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom units to 1,830-square-foot two-bedroom,

two-bathroom units with a media room and den.

With only four suites per floor, each Paramount Suite will have grand views of the city, rivers and mountains, particularly from its mas-sive balcony, which spans up to 472 square feet — the perfect vantage point from which to entertain while barbecuing using the installed natu-ral gas lines.

“The Paramount Suites are a per-fect combination of lifestyle, luxury and location,” Cox says.

The Paramount Suites are equipped with integrated Miele appliances in the kitchen, boast over-height ceilings and come with two side-by-side parking spots. And like all suites at The Guardian, they are outfitted with kitchen and bath-room cabinets from esteemed Italian company Armony Cucine, adding to their sleek, modern design.

“We are very proud to be the first to bring Armony Cucine to Calgary,” says Cox. “They’re fantastic products that I think have set the bar for qual-ity in this city.”

Those lucky few who live in the

Paramount Suites will also have access to all of The Guardian’s many amenities: fitness centre and yoga studio; workshop; and the luxurious social lounge that opens onto a tran-quil garden terrace.

“The Guardian sits atop one of the most ideal locations of the city. It’s minutes from downtown, steps from Stampede Park, connected to East Village by the 4th Street underpass and right next to the RiverWalk pathways,” says Cox.

“East Village is undergoing a massive revitalization and will be

home to many new businesses and amenities, including the new Central Library and the National Music Centre.”

Moreover, Victoria Park — The Guardian’s neighbourhood — is also undergoing a rebirth, as the Calgary developer New Urban plans the first Renaissance ClubSport hotel and fit-ness resort in Canada just one block west of The Guardian on the corner of 12th Avenue and Macleod Trail S.E.

In addition, Cox says the addition of nearby Stampede Trail, a western-

style retail-, restaurant- and amenity-laden strip between 12th and 14th avenues along Olympic Way, will also make the area more vibrant.

The trail is being developed by Alberta Development Partners and Calgary Stampede and will transform Stampede Park into a year-round travel destination. One bedrooms in The Guardian start at $254,900, two-bedrooms start at $423,900 and Paramount Suites start at $710,900.

For more information, visit the-guardiancalgary.com.

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe

The Guardian caters to buyers with sights for luxurious living

4 CONDO SHOPPPING multi-family Sam winners dish on market trends.

12 DESIGN INFUSION designers give developments trendy purchasing appeal.

14 HOT GRILL TIPS heat up your summer plate with our grill suggestions and tips.

18 SUmmER TRAVEL with your new lock-and-leave lifestyle comes the freedom to explore.

20 NEIGHbOURHOODS Silverado no one-horse town. read what this up-and-coming locale has to offer.

22 PATIO PLACES calgary’s abundance of sunshine is perfect for patio dining, so here are some picks.

24 DECKING OUT THE DECK you’ve got a deck but how do you deck it out? get expert advice on décor.

25 à LA CART get some trendy lighting, lounging set and cooler ideas.

26 THE EDIbLE GARDEN turn your patio into a veritable vegetable oasis, with potted tadders and beans.

16 bUYER SNAPSHOTS new condo buyers share their experiences and advice to like-minded home hunters.27

&

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 7 , 2 0 1 3

one way potential buyers can gauge the condo market offerings is by turning to

accolades earned for any given condo project.

each year, the calgary mortgage and housing corp. holds its Sales and marketing awards, honouring the industry players for their projects and creativity — a prime go-to ground for buyers to find their home sweet home.

the annual Sam awards celebrate the best of the best in calgary’s home building industry, whether they be in the single-family or multi-family markets.

on the multi-family side of things, two of the

accomplished builders honoured this spring were avi urban and Streetside development corporation for their contributions to the industry in 2012.

for the grand Sam multi-Builder of the year winner, Streetside development corp., the win was all a matter of timing.

“we launched four projects in five months last year; that is a lot of activity,” says vice-president of multi-family development for southern alberta, lisa feist.

Streetside also has a diverse portfolio, from a

hybrid tower in kensington to apartment-style condos and row townhomes in evanston to exclusive properties in royal oak and in okotoks.

this myriad of selection not only keeps the buying pool “wide open for any price point and lifestyle,” but also, quite likely, intrigued colleagues, peers and the judging crew for this year’s awards, adds feist.

“you also must have a formula to manage that kind of growth,” adds feist.

at Streetside, the team is committed to developing a strategy, a process and a timely implementation schedule, along with selecting responsible partners and working in an integrated fashion to succeed with every project.

“that is a little bit of our secret sauce. we’re pretty on purpose about what we do and when we do it. knowing who we are and what we stand for is important for the consumer.”

finally, buyers notice the “heart and passion” of the staff as they get to know the organization. in turn, Streetside develops long-term rapport with buyers. “we are responsive to them, even after the fact. we keep talking to them — one, two, five years later. we have a vested interest in their homes and their communities. we dedicate ourselves there, first and foremost.”

avi urban picked up the multi-family community award for the victoria cross project (phase 2) in currie Barracks.

continued y 10

Multi-family projects get nods at SAMs

condo shopping liSa feiSt with StreetSide’S Sam award for multi-Builder of the year.

Calgary Herald file photo

building a ‘street’ rep

Large living spaces, sweeping views overlooking downtown Calgary and the Bow River,

a superb riverfront location and superior construction detail: this is Evolution.

Developed by Embassy Bosa Inc., a Vancouver-based company build-ing in Calgary since the early 1990s, Evolution meets a need in the mar-ketplace for large homes with expan-sive views — creating unparalleled value in Calgary’s downtown core.

Evolution’s sought-after location in the East Village’s master plan offers not only proximity to work and play but to the essentials of life, bolstering its value on the pre-sale and resale market.

“Calgary has a mandate to bring forward greater vertical density in the downtown core. Evolution has achieved this without losing sight of what Calgarians are after: size, con-venience and views,” says Embassy Bosa vice-president of sales and marketing Robert Marchand.

City views from Evolution are unobstructed of the evolving Calgary skyline such as the Bow, Calgary Tower and many other iconic land-

marks. Sales for Evolution’s Tower One have gone extremely well, and Embassy Bosa is now focusing on Phase 2, which will include 31 stories and a little more than 270 homes.

“One of the big differentiating factors for Evolution is the size of our homes,” Marchand says, noting Evolution features a full mix of floor plans, from one-bedroom through two-bedroom-and-den.

“What’s really unique is that at Evolution, our homes average over 1,000 square feet, while still main-taining a great price point. This, combined with a prime river location and our level of finishing, makes Evolution an easy choice,” says Marchand.

“Developers have different core strengths. Some are great financial strategists, and some are great at land assembly. We feel we do all of these very well, but our core strength is in concrete construction. There are things we do, standard, that the mar-ket does not do.”

For example, Marchand says by putting the load-bearing structure in the demising wall between homes,

Evolution offers a much quieter and more private living experience.

Evolution’s central location is ideal.

The East Village is developing rapidly, with the recent announce-ment of a new grocery store and home-décor shops coming soon to the neighbourhood.

The newly renovated St. Patrick’s Island Park, easy access to the Bow River and new pathway system, walking distance to Plus-15, the Bow and other downtown office towers are prime examples of the fact that the city is focusing East.

“As Calgary gets busier, people are looking for ways to minimize their commutes,” Marchand says. “They want to stay close to where they work, live and play.”

And Evolution helps them achieve this. Homes at Evolution start from the low $300,000s.

For more information, visit the Evolution presentation centre, 553 Riverfront Ave S.E. (open noon to 6 p.m. Saturday through Thursday; closed Friday), call 403-290-0992, email [email protected] or visit online at evolutioncalgary.com.

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe

Experience the Evolution: Livable homes with amazing views

EMBASSY BOSADELIVERS BIG

· BIG BOLD LIVING SPACES UP TO 31 STOREYS ABOVETHE CALGARY SKYLINE

· BOSA SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: CONCRETE WALLS& BETTER DESIGN

· CONVENIENT GROUND FLOOR SHOPS & SERVICES

· 24,000 SF OF PRIVATE ELEVATED GARDENS

· STUNNING CITY OR WATER VIEWS FROM EVERY HOME

SALES CENTRE 553 RIVERFRONT AVENUE SE. CALGARYMON – THURS 12 – 6, SAT & SUN 1 1 – 5, CLOSED FRIDAYS

LIVING IN DOWNTOWN CALGARYIS CHANGING AND EVOLUTION ISCALGARY’S HOTTEST NEWADDRESS

STARTING FROM THE LOW $300'S EVOLUTIONCALGARY.COM 403 290 0992WE ARE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION


buyer profile

it was just another stop in a five-year search for the right villa.

after shopping the markets in calgary and surrounding communities, it was a visit to a resale open house in Sunset ridge on the east side of cochrane with her daughter, who was looking for a place for herself, that led kathy haveling to purchase a new villa across the valley in the developing community of fireside.

“it was this past fall that i toured the open house; it had a great open-concept floor plan,” says haveling. “But i was really looking for something new.”

Shortly after, she visited the calbridge homes development and found the company was building a next-generation villa — clearbrook villas of fireside — a followup to its appealing Sunset ridge development.

to date, about 40 per cent of the 28 side-by-side duplexes have been sold. they are priced from $430,000, with condo fees of $243 per month.

“calbridge already experienced a huge success with the Sunset ridge villas, and based on feedback from customers we made a few changes to our layouts when we introduced them to fireside,” says calbridge chief executive officer larry thomson.

there is no show suite as yet for the clearbrook villas but based on her recollection of that Sunset ridge villa and the available brochures showing the various floor plans, she put down a deposit.

that was in december, and haveling is scheduled to take possession sometime this fall.

what she bought was the willow model, a calgary region Sam award

finalist for Builder of the year winner calbridge for best new multi-family design in the 1,200 to 1,499-square-foot category. “i fell in love with the floor plan as soon as i saw it,” says the administrative assistant at foothills hospital.

the bungalow boasts an open-concept design with one bedroom

and one-and-a-half baths, den, l-shaped kitchen, great room and main-floor laundry within its 1,372 square feet on the

main floor. other standard features include stainless steel appliances, tile, hardwood and carpet, fireplace with mantel, and a hard and wrought iron banister. haveling also opted to have her basement developed for two bedrooms, full bath, and an entertainment area.

continued y 8

A buyer’s quest ends in Fireside

kathy haveling at the SaleS centre after purchaSing the willow.

Adrian Shellard photos

condo buyer

3d interior rendering for the willow.

the WilloW

I Fell In loVe WIth the FlooR PlAn As

soon As I sAW It


Sabal Homes knows what homebuyers want: huge living spaces, comfortable and functional kitchens, great natural

light and extras that come standard. This award-winning developer’s homes certainly don’t disappoint.

Chalet No4, the latest edition in the 65-unit Copperfield development in the city’s southeast, offers spacious two-storey town houses with a variety of floor plans and options.

Some models feature a rear-drive garage and large front porch, while others boast a front-yard garage and a 10-x-10-foot deck off the back. Buyers can customize their upper level to include two bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms, two bedrooms and two full bathrooms or two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a study.

“And the standard spec is wonderful — laminate throughout the main floor, ceramic tile in the entranceways, bath-rooms and laundry rooms, stainless-steel appliances and nine-foot knockdown ceil-ings,” says Sydney Forman, Chalet area manager.

Homeowners enjoy other perks includ-ing roughed-in Vacuflo and Sabal throws in window blinds, in addition to covering legal fees. To further sweeten the deal, until June 30 Sabal Homes is offering buyers a granite countertop upgrade and a stainless under-mount sink in the kitchen, as well as a free washer and dryer.

The outdoor features within the develop-ment and nearby community complement the beautiful design of the Chalet town-houses perfectly.

“There will be a nice courtyard in the middle with a gazebo and we’re a 30- second walk from a one-hectare park and big ponds and walking paths. It’s really a lovely location,” says Forman.

The Chalets are also located close to schools, recreational amenities, and South Trail Crossing and other fantastic shop-ping outlets.

Copperfield is a highly coveted and rap-idly growing area, and Chalet townhouses are going fast. With units ranging from 1,464 to 1,520 square feet, and running between $291,000 and $309,000, it’s no wonder that there are only a few front-garage units and around a dozen rear-garage units still available.

The Chalets in Copperfield evoke the feeling of a ski resort with the alpine-inspired design while merging sophistica-tion with warmth and upscale living with the comforts of home. For more infor-mation, visit sabalchalet.com or visit the show home at 514 Copperpond Blvd S.E.

Chalet living in Calgary’s

Copperfield

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe


ON THE SIDE

3d interior rendering for the willow ShowcaSeS the open-concept floor plan and aBundant windowS.Photos courtesy Clearbrook

Villas of Fireside

villa-vieWs

if you are thinking of moving to cochrane, here

are some facts you should consider:

Location: cochrane is ideally situated at the junction of highways 22 and 1a, and 20 minutes from the trans-canada highway (highway 1). cochrane is 25 minutes from downtown calgary or calgary international airport.

community: cochrane combines modern physical and technological infrastructure, small-town ambiance and an incredible natural setting to create an unparalleled business and life experience.

Demographics: cochrane is an affluent, educated community with more than 16,000 local consumers. the trading area within 50 square kilometres exceeds one million consumers. cochrane’s commercial, industrial and residential property prices are among the most affordable in the calgary region.

Why move: with more than a century of history, cochrane has always been a desirable location to put down roots. although much has changed since the days of the original cp rail Station, stone quarry and brick plants, the entrepreneurial spirit and handshake hospitality of cochrane remains true to its western heritage.

neW communities: fireside at cochrane; riversong cochrane; Sunset ridge cochrane. for information about any of these communities, visit livecochrane.com

amenities: home to mackay’s ice cream cone, cochrane has 24 playgrounds, 11 soccer pitches, eight ball diamonds, two tennis courts, two outdoor rinks, a swimming pool, a skateboard park and more than 30 kilometres of paved and red shale pathways. in addition, cochrane offers an array of conveniences to enhance your lifestyle, including shopping, services and restaurants.

more information: to find out more, visit cochrane.ca or livecochrane.com

Continued from 6

“i wanted a home with a large laundry room on the main floor, lots of cabinets in the kitchen and a large island. i also wanted to be in a nice location, and here i look onto a park with lots of walking area,” she says.

in some respects, haveling’s purchase of a villa was a lifestyle decision, and thomson says that is the basic premise behind the clearbrook project.

“we don’t want people to change their life to fit their home, we build homes to fit their lifestyle,” he says. “and with the growing proportion of baby-boomers and empty-nesters there is more need for this type of home.”

the willow model is one of three being created by calbridge for fireside, and in terms of square footage it is in the middle. the ash has 1,418 square feet and the foxtail measures 1,246 square feet. y marty hope

Buying a beautifully designed home with stunning mountain views and southwest exposure that is located

a stone’s throw from the river and Fish Creek Park in a vibrant, established com-munity seems too good to be true.

The new development of Mosaic Riverstone in Cranston is giving Calgarians a once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy just such a home.

“We are introducing a totally differ-ent home. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this in Calgary,” says Doug Owens, general manager of multi-family division for Brookfield Homes. “These homes have it all and chances are, you may not get this opportunity in Calgary again.”

The unique multi-family development features stacked bungalows — the lower bungalow design called Slate II sits at 1,413 square feet while the upper called Olive II measures 1,612 square feet with a sprawling 8-x-30-foot deck spanning the width of the house.

Inside, there are many interior options to choose from, including two- or three-bedroom layouts with two full bath-rooms, as well as granite or quartz coun-tertops, hardwood and tile flooring, tiled showers, high-end lighting packages and stainless-steel appliances. These elegantly finished, open-concept bungalows were designed with entertaining in mind.

“Both homes take advantage of the great room concept where your kitchen and dining and living area is all com-bined. The optional kitchen layout is best suited for entertaining,” he says.

Outside, the units are designed with French Country flair in keeping with the architectural style of Cranston, and they feature stucco exteriors and cop-per detailing. Units include an attached double-car garage, as well. This boutique development presents a limited opportu-nity; the homebuilder is only offering 32 of each the Slate II and Olive II designs with prices in the mid-$400,000s.

Owens expects Calgarians to jump at the chance to buy when they experience the sophisticated design and ideal loca-tion of Riverstone when show homes are completed next spring. “It’s going to offer an awful lot to south Calgarians,” he says.

For more information on Mosaic Riverstone in Cranston, visit the presen-tation centre at 4 Cranbrook Dr. S.E. or buildwithbrookfield.com

Once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy in city’s southeast

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe


You’ve heard of SoHo — now say hello to Calgary’s own SoBow.

Located next to beautiful Pearce Estate Park in Inglewood, nestled on the Bow River’s south bank, SoBow is where everything comes together.

“We have a vision for this develop-ment, which is community-based and Inglewood-focused,” says Ted Gaisford, marketing program man-ager with M2i Development Corp., a division of Matco. “We have Calgary’s most historical and eclectic neighbourhood at our front door and at our back door is Mother Nature.”

Under the guidance of M2i, con-struction has begun on 1912Cross, the second phase of SoBow, featur-ing a mix of 120 condos and two-storey town homes, with 13 versatile floor plans to choose from.

Gaisford says this large number allows 1912Cross to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers, from young singles and professionals up to empty nesters.

“As only the second building in SoBow (after the sold-out Phase 1, Grande House), 1912Cross offers

outstanding value to those who wish to get into SoBow at the start,” says Gaisford.

Each suite in 1912Cross has an open layout with seven full-size deluxe appliances, in-suite air-con-ditioning and heated underground parking. Concrete construction offers long-term value and imparts a mod-ern, urban esthetic, with extensive use of brick, metal and glass.

“We’re focusing on building inte-grated communities in Calgary’s inner city,” he says. “We’re not just putting up a building that has no relation to where it sits. Everything we do is respectful of the surround-ing neighbourhood. SoBow will take architectural and lifestyle cues from Inglewood as it develops.”

That includes strong connections to next-door 20-hectare Pearce Estate Park with plans to connect via meandering pathways and green space.

With only 694 units planned for the entire six-hectare SoBow devel-opment, it’s not going to be over-crowded, either.

Prices in 1912Cross start at

$297,000 and include heated under-ground parking.

Floor plans range from 694-square-foot studios to 1,632-square-foot penthouses with three bedrooms and three baths.

Residents of 1912Cross and Grande House will share exclusive gym facilities, as well as concierge

and security services, Gaisford says. First possessions at 1912Cross are

expected by the last quarter of 2014, “in plenty of time for Christmas,” says Gaisford. “We’re within 10 minutes of downtown, 15 minutes of the ‘mini-downtown’ they’re build-ing at Quarry Park, 15 minutes to the airport, and we have immediate

access to the Blackfoot and Deerfoot trails. There’s no other site like this in Calgary,” he says.

For more information, visit sobowcondos.com or drop by the sales centre at 1640 17A St. S.E. (just off Blackfoot Trail), email [email protected] or call 587-353-8955.

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe

SoBow so accessible, so beautiful in Inglewood

Continued from 4

the two- and three-level condominium townhomes (there are 45 in all four phases) range from 2,100 to 2,300 square feet and offer two- and three-bedroom and two- and three-bathroom options.

exterior features include James hardie fibre cement siding, painted brick and stylish trim. there are fenced-in backyards with patios, architecturally-designed leed nd (neighbourhood development)

landscaping packages and double, rear-detached garages.

inside each unit are commercial-level kitchen appliances, nine-foot main floor ceilings, steam humidification and formaldehyde-free insulation for comfort and safety.

while mountain views and onsite green spaces honour the environment and provide a peaceful antidote to hectic city living, functional amenities are also essential to the busy urbanite. Bistros, sporting venues, grocery and boutique shopping, churches

and schools are all within walking, cycling or transit range. the area’s military history is represented by stone memorials of past victoria cross recipients, which have been prominently placed at the end of the boulevard.

“the goal of victoria cross was to build a collection of luxury inner-city

townhomes that not only became a statement within the community of currie Barracks, but also built a community within a community,” says chris pollen, sales and marketing manager for avi urban. “we’ve already seen this come to fruition. homeowners are living in and loving their places.” y Colleen biondi


avi urBan’S victoria croSS phaSe 2 proJect earned BeSt multi-family community of the year for 2012 at the recent Sam awardS.

CHbA-Calgary Region photos

honoured hoMes

LOFT INSPIRED LIVINGSTUDIO CONDOS FROM $297KONE, TWO AND THREE BEDROOMCONDOS STARTING AT $300KTWO BEDROOM TOWNHOMES FROM $545K

SALES CENTRE 1640 17A STREET SE // PHONE 587.353.8955

It’s like having26 chefs as yourneighbourruobhgien

NOWBUILDING!

eclecticrestaurantsfree with condo

prospective owners have a lot of considerations to make when selecting

a condo that’s right for them.

is it in the right neighbourhood? what extras does the building offer? how’s the view? and perhaps most importantly, how much work am i going to have to put into this place to get the look that i’m after?

it’s for this last reason that so many condominium developers are going the extra mile on the design front.

if buyers are going to be shelling out top dollar for their future home, it’s only fair that top designers have made the smart choices when it comes to the layout and finishing details of their investments.

one such development is the einstein building in marda loop.

Slated to be completed early in 2014, these two-bedroom, two-bathroom units by the providence group are billed as “smarter than the average living space.”

with a tagline like that, you’d better believe that every aspect of comfortable urban living was considered during the design process.

providence worked with some of yyc’s top interior designers to achieve a look that speaks to a very specific demographic: active, inner-city folks, born in the ’80s.

“we focused on refining and re-

rationalizing spaces in order to focus on achieving highly efficient, yet beautifully appointed homes, explains gary Beyer, president of providence group.

new concepts include floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, which occupy 15 per cent less floor space and give 50 per cent more storage than conventional

closets, flexible kitchen islands and euro baths (full second bathroom).

einstein’s suites maintain a spacious feel even though they are really only 670 to 775 square feet.

“we paid a lot of attention to detail, in terms of craftsmanship and ensuring that the space is efficient and functional,” Beyer says.

“it was the professional interior design team who put all the finishes and colours together in such an evocative way, though.”

Sometimes, it’s best to leave these things to the pros, it seems.

thanks to the design team’s luxe, seemingly european-influenced, esthetic choice, the look of these suites is slick.

clean lines, bright and open, hints of natural elements and top-of-the-line detailing all come together to create a

space that practically begs to be uploaded to a “places i want to live” board on pinterest.

So what are the advantages of a professionally designed suite for a future condo owner? well, for starters it means there is no work to be done after moving in, which ultimately means less interruptions to their busy, but awesome lifestyle.

“today’s buyers are sophisticated and educated. they are also active and are focused more and more on their quality of life,” says Beyer.

“we have brought together components that have proven timeless, but have a sleek cosmopolitan look that suits the direction calgary is headed.”

less money spent on upgrading fixtures, opening up the kitchen or modernizing colour schemes means more vacations, more weekend

activities and more entertainment dollars for fun-loving, condo-dwelling calgarians. y meghan Jessiman

It was the professional interior design team that

put all the finishes and colours together in such

an evocative way


condo amenities one of the lateSt trendS in condo deSign iS incorporating floor-to-ceiling wardroBeS.

Thinkstock photos

Mile-high Wardrobes

Designers strut their stuff in new developments

TWO OR THREE BEDROOM,THREE-STOREY HOMES

$1423*

Starting

From

Monthly, Including,Property Taxes,GST and Condo Fees.

Everyone’s looking to the northeast forgreat value and more space. Kintalla givesyou all that and more!

Artistic representation only, may not be exactly as shown. Developer reserves the right to make changes.

Visit our sales centre at150 Redstone Grove NEor call 587.353.9201

Artistic representation only, may not be exactly as shown. Developer reserves the right to make changes.

redstone

plazane

red

stone

st

redstone dr ne

metis

trail

ne

red

stone

grove

ne

128 ave ne

SALESCENTRE

Register at kintalla.com

*Based on a mortgage amount of $239,000 + GST with 5% down payment, 3 year term at 2.99% for 25 years withmonthly payments. GST and Monthly Condo fees included. Price and renderings subject to change at developer discretion.

@StreetsideYYC

THE BEST TOWNHOMESIN REDSTONE.THE BEST TOWNHOMESIN REDSTONE.

2012

CHBA - Calgary Region

Multi-FamilyBuilder of the Year


Families know about value. They understand the need to stretch each dollar further and make sure

each purchase is a sound one.But with value should come an ease of

life. In one of Calgary’s newest northeast communities, a new townhouse develop-ment has taken that mantra onboard fully.

Kintalla at Redstone features large square footages, with minimal condo fees to pay for snow removal, landscap-ing, maintenance and waste removal — well worth it for most Calgarians who have braved -30C to shovel their sidewalks.

Each townhome in this community has two or three bedrooms set over three levels. The main floor’s open-concept floor plan with nine-foot ceilings makes it easy to entertain guests at the kitchen island or just watch a movie with family.

With glass-tile accents and urban colour choices, chances are you’ll want to invite your friends over to show it off.

Lead sales consultant at Streetside Developments, Lindsey Michalchuk, says what separates this development from other townhomes in the city is not only its location to Calgary’s major roadways but also that it is being built with the whole picture in mind.

“When the plan for the commu-nity was created, we could have fit more townhomes within the space,” says Michalchuk. “But that’s not what Streetside Developments is about.

“Our philosophy is to create beautiful neighbourhoods that are open, spacious and full of green spaces for residents to enjoy.”

Part of the city’s newest set of neigh-bourhoods in the northeast, Redstone will be home to future schools and sports fields as well as a ton of young families.

The nearby amenities in Skyview feature everything from gas stations to dental offices, and even a pub.

In the near future, Redstone will also have corner stores and green spaces that are great for both kids and pets.

The first two buildings in the devel-opment are nearly sold out and will have their new owners moving in this October.

The next two buildings will have their owners take possession by May 2014.

For more information on Kintalla at Redstone, go to kintalla.com

Kintalla at Redstone offers

family value

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe

food for thought

Getting your GRILL on

c a lg a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d ox t r a14 J u n e 7 , 2 0 1 3 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 7 , 2 0 1 3 15

on the sideInfuse a little grill into

your dinner or socializing routine with some simple ideas:Planked Brie: soak a cedar plank for at least an hour. Place on a preheated grill for about 10 minutes, until charred; meanwhile slice the rind off the top of a small wheel of Brie, leaving the rest intact. Flip the plank over and place the brie on top (on the charred side), close the grill and cook for just a few minutes, until the cheese starts melting. (Keep an eye on it — Brie melts quickly.) Serve straight from the plank, surrounded with crackers or crusty baguette.SParkling StrawBerry lemonade: Mash 1 cup strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar in a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup lemon juice and bring to a simmer; cook for 15 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and gets syrupy. Chill completely; add a spoonful to a glass and top with sparkling water to taste.

Summertime means dining al fresco; if you can do your cooking outside too, all the

better.

Backyard barbecues are a popular way to entertain when the weather warms up, providing the opportunity to ex-pand the party into the great outdoors,

whether you own a townhome with access to a yard or patio or an apartment-

style suite with a balcony that overlooks Calgary’s majestic views, be they mountainous or

cityscape. Grilled food is typically more casual, often allow-

ing guests to eat with their fingers, minimizing the need for more dishes (and for clean-up afterward).

When you’re hosting a party outdoors, think beyond the usual burgers and dogs; while there are plenty of high-tech tools for the backyard cook, a simple cedar plank can be as useful as far more expensive barbecue accessories. Try planking a Brie for a quick, impressive appie, or adding

a smoldering leftover plank to the back of your grill to add the flavour of a wood-fired oven to your next grilled pizza. For a fun way to serve cold drinks to a crowd, fill 250 millilitre

screw-top jars with lemonade and set out in a large open bucket filled with ice. Guests can remove the lid and drink straight from the jar.

grilled asian Steak with Sweet ginger SlawQuickly marinated sirloin or striploin steak goes deliciously with a sweet

ginger slaw; perfect for a party, it also makes an easy weeknight meal. Adapted from Bon Appétit.

1/4 cup soy sauce1 Tbsp. canola oil2 tsp. sesame oil (optional)1 Tbsp. grated ginger2 garlic cloves, crushed or

sliced1 to 1 1/2 lbs. sirloin or strip-

loin steak1/4 cup rice vinegar1/4 cup sugarpinch red pepper flakes4-5 cups thinly sliced cabbage (or half a bag of prepared coleslaw)2 green onions, choppedStir together the soy sauce, canola oil, sesame oil, half the ginger and

garlic in a zip-lock bag or bowl; add the steaks and turn to coat. Let them sit for at least half an hour, or refrigerate overnight.

In a small saucepan, whisk together the rice vinegar and sugar and bring to a simmer; add the ginger and red pepper flakes and remove from heat. In a medium bowl, toss together the cabbage and green on-ions. Drizzle the warm vinegar mixture overtop and toss to coat.

Preheat your grill and grill the steaks to your desired done-ness: 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain and serving atop (or alongside) the slaw. Serves 4.

grilled Strawberry Pound CakeHere’s a delicious alternative to the usual strawberry shortcake

— that doesn’t require you to turn on the oven.1 plain pound cake

3 cups sliced strawberries2 Tbsp. sugar, or to taste

sweetened whipped creamThickly slice the pound cake, and grill on

a pre-heated grill for a few minutes, until toasted and char-marked.

Toss the strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar and pile on a large square or rectangle of foil.

Fold up the sides and ends of the foil to seal them into a little packet and toss them on the hot grill for a few minutes, just until they release

their juices. Carefully open the packet and pour out the

warm berries and their juices over the grilled pound cake; top with whipped cream or a

scoop of ice cream. Serves 6. y Julie Van Rosendaal

GRILL OF MY DREAMS

ToP PHoTo: . GRilled AsiAn steAk with sweet GinGeR slAw. ABoVe: GRilled stRAwBeRRy Pound CAke.

Photos by Julie Van Rosendaal

What she bought: a 1,300-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom, three-storey townhouse-style condo with garage in Skyview ranch. cost: approximately $270,000. condo fees: $135 per month.

What she likes about the project: the units are spacious with big windows which bring in lots of daylight. there is a green space with tot lot planned for the centre of the project, which will be a safe place for reyes’s four-year-old daughter roxanne to play. the sales representatives from partners development group were friendly and responsive as she made her purchasing decision. they also booked a “meet and greet” for new buyers at

a local pub (and treated the group to first-round drinks and a platter of wings) so that soon-to-be

neighbours could introduce themselves to one another.

What she likes about the coMMunity: there is good access to other parts of the city via Stoney and deerfoot trails. there are bike paths and parks already within walking distance and significant future development will bring in additional amenities such as shopping, recreational facilities and schools. reyes was downsizing as a result of a divorce, so required an affordable living space for her and her daughter. She found that at Skyview ranch.

advice to other buyers: if you are thinking of buying a condo, remember that it is different from having a single-family home. you will not have control over your outer living space, for example, but the upside is shovelling snow and landscaping is all covered in the maintenance fees. you are living very closely to neighbours, so you will need to respect one another’s lives and lifestyles. when you are selecting cabinet styles and tile choices, give yourself at least four hours of time. and don’t do it alone. “it can be overwhelming,” says reyes, “so bring along a friend to be that second pair of eyes.” y colleen Biondi

bUYER SNAPSHOT

liSa reyeSnaMe:

arrive at Skyview ranch

project:

reyeS workS in the accounting department of a conStruction company

occupation:

www.arrivehome.caWebsite:

liSa reyeS with four-year-old daughter roXanne in their two-Bedroom condo in Skyview ranch.

Colleen biondi photo

faMily connection


Finally you can have it all — at a price you never before thought possible. Alberta’s top-selling

condo builder is upping the ante with competitive pricing on two new projects in Calgary’s northeast and southeast quadrants.

One such project is Lakeview at Saddleridge by the Carlisle Group, featuring two-bedroom suites afford-ably priced from the $120,000s.

Located in northeast Calgary, these units offer direct access to Stoney Trail and are only minutes away from the Saddletowne LRT station, numerous parks, schools, hospitals, dining options and leisure venues, including the new Genesis Place.

Lakeview had an “incredibly suc-cessful launch” to the public May 25, but there are still a good selection of desirable suites available. Albert Park will launch this Saturday, June 8.

“We have a deposit-incentive program that allows a purchaser to reserve a unit with a payment of only $1,000 at the opening launch,” says vice-president of sales Jim Bryce. “The purchaser makes up their five

per cent deposit in equal payments over a five-month period.”

At these prices, homeowners can qualify for a mortgage with a house-hold income of only $32,300. That translates to biweekly payments of only $245, which is far less than the average monthly rent in Calgary.

For this reason, “we attract a lot of first-time homebuyers, empty-nesters and investors. We also build in communities where there are a lot of extended families,” says Bryce, adding home prices are expected to increase again in the near future, making now the time to buy with current low interest rates.

Another hot project also offering two-bedroom suites at affordable prices is Albert Park Station in southeast Calgary — a mere five-minute drive from downtown.

These conveniently located two-bedroom units, starting in the $140,000s, offer access to all major traffic corridors, the LRT and all the shopping and dining amenities one could desire on International Avenue.

With an eye on quality and a focus

on value, suites at both properties feature efficient floor plans, profes-sionally co-ordinated interior finish-ing packages, underground heated parking, and free digital television and internet for a year.

A third-party warranty guarantees the quality of the final product.

“Carlisle is able to offer a price point, quality and size of home that is unmatched in the industry,” says Bryce.

For more information on Lakeview at Saddleridge, go to liveatlakeview.ca and for informa-tion on Albert Park Station, go to

albertparkstation.ca. Show suites are located at 102, 7210 80th Ave. N.E., where further information on finishes, site layout, area amenities and floor plans can be obtained.

Visit the central sales office at 352 4th Ave. S.E. (across from Bookers) or call 403-228-5872.

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe

Two new Carlisle projects give new buyers north-south options


without a doubt, one of the best aspects of condo living is the ability to pick up and leave town at the drop of a hat. it’s not that homeowners can’t do the same, it’s just that there is a lot more to consider and prepare for — especially when an unattended yard or

stack of newspapers on the front

porch

are a dead giveaway that no one is around. count your lucky stars you have no lawn to mow and consider one of these hot ticket destinations for this year’s summer vacation.

in our oWn BackyarDthe beauty of living on the edge

of the canadian rockies is we don’t have to go very far for some incredible scenery and serenity.

nothing could be more true of the breathtaking backdrop that surrounds you at mount engadine lodge.

a scenic 40 minute drive out of canmore will land you at the door of this beautifully maintained boutique bed and breakfast.

though it can sleep 19, the lodge does book up fast, especially during the music in the meadow series (kicking off June 22nd) during which mt. engadine plays host to a handful of canada’s most celebrated blues, roots and folk musicians for intimate concert events.

if a bed’s not available, pick from one of the many charming accommodation options in canmore and drop by mount engadine for a family-style dinner or their outstanding “afternoon tea” spread. your chances of spotting the neighbourhood mascot, white Socks the moose, lounging in the valley are pretty darn good. 403-678-4080, mountengadine.com.

BeLize us, it’s Worth iton the verge of becoming the next

adventure travel destination du jour, Belize allows travellers to rough it

or lap up luxury depending on their personal preference and the canadian dollar still goes pretty far.

Belize’s rich history, geographical location and lush jungle climate mean exploring monkey sanctuaries, kayaking in the caribbean Sea, indulging in an eco-retreat like Belcampo and climbing a mayan temple are all realities of this central american gem. if you missed out on costa rica before it became a tourist hub, you will want to act fast in getting yourself to Belize.

czech it outprague has been a popular

backpacker destination since the early ’90s, but it’s amazing how many travellers miss out on all of its cobblestoned glory on their first, second or third visits to europe.

today, the capital of the czech republic offers all metropolitan delights (think shopping, dining and nightlife) of the ever-popular western european capitals (think london, paris and rome), but still maintains some of the lesser-explored mysteries of the Soviet Bloc if you are willing to wander off the beaten path.

take in the stunning architecture and the iconic charles Bridge on a sight-jogging tour, venture out of town to the Bone church (all the furniture is made from human bones), dance all night at one of the hippest underground clubs and learn the real deal about absinthe and you may just leave with a sense of what prague is really about. y meghan Jessiman

life style mount engadine lodge iS Surrounded By maJeStic Beauty.

Courtesy, mount Engadine Lodge

Mountain retreat

Get a case of wanderlust this summer

wanderlust can kick in any time of year, but something about

the summer months makes most people want to pack a bag and hit the road (or water, or air, as the case may be) for a little time away.

touriStS crowd along charleS Bridge in the czech repuBlic.

Calgary Herald File

Metropolitan delight

a room in the Belcampo eco-retreat.

Courtesy, belcampo

beautifulbelize

Smarter than your average living space.Discover all the elements of Einstein at einsteincalgary.com

Inner City Living in Desirable Marda Loop.Location of the Discovery Centre is on the corner of 17th and 1st SE. Hours of the Centre are Mon-Thurs 12-6 & Sat/Sun 11-4.Call Christina at 587.433.4416

Your left brain and right brain can finally get along.1 bedrooms at $199k and 2 bedrooms at $255k


Many people dream of liv-ing in a great inner city community, but think

they have to make compromises to find a condominium within their budget.

That’s why the smart option is Einstein, a stylish new develop-ment in Marda Loop that includes two-bedroom, two-bath units priced from $250,000 to $350,000.

Einstein has tremendous appeal for younger buyers who want to

live in the inner city and be close to work and all the things they enjoy, says Providence Group presi-dent Gary Beyer, adding up to now, that usually meant settling for a one-bedroom condo, or giving up features.

However with Einstein, Providence has managed to provide everything a buyer could want at a great price.

Beyer says all aspects of the liv-ing spaces were considered when

designing Einstein.Instead of devoting space to a

dining room many people will not use, kitchens were designed with a flex island, which serves as a food preparation area and eating bar, but can also turn into a dining table with seating on all sides.

In the bedrooms, the use of floor-to-ceiling wardrobes with closet organizers used 15 per cent less square footage than a tradi-tional closet, while providing 50

per cent more storage.The result is enough room in a

master bedroom for a king-size bed, and in the second bedroom, a queen-size bed.

Another feature is Eurobath, which fits a three-piece bathroom into the same space as a half-bath, a plus for houseguests or room-mates. And adding a landscaped rooftop patio was a way to give all buyers in Einstein the opportunity for a million-dollar view, even if

they don’t buy a unit with a view.Other features include a vehicle

elevator to a heated, underground parking, and a high-tech system that allows owners to control lights, heat and open doors with an app on their cell phone or tablet.

Einstein is located in Marda Loop at 1521 26th Ave. S.W. For more information on Einstein, visit einsteincalgary.com or the discov-ery centre at 139 17th Ave. S.E., 587-433-4416.

Buying in Einstein the smartest decision Calgarians can makeADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe


neighbourhoods

Photos by Cara Casey

this ain’t no one-horse town. in fact, there’s a whole lotta equine round these parts. tucked to the south of

highway 22X, just off Sheriff king Street, is the new community of Silverado.

its horsey feel came out of its location to neighbouring Spruce meadows, as well as its proximity to the stunning foothills with mountains off in the distance. development of this community started in 2005 and since then, more than 5,000 people have chosen to call Silverado home.

existing amenities that made the location a desirable spot to build was not only Spruce meadows but nearby Sirocco golf course. for those that love to get to the mountains, the location makes it easy to bypass local traffic, as well.

today, Silverado is a family neighbourhood. kids cruise the streets on their bikes, parents gather on their decks with a few brews and new moms walk to the new Starbucks with their little bundles in tow. with the Shawnessy lrt station within walking distance, its appeal is endless.

the new mini-mall off Sheriff king Street is just starting to get tenants in and get up and running.

Business owner of kidsplay-allday, an indoor jungle gym and play centre in the marketplace, orlando phillips says although not many people know about the neighbourhood, he’s hopeful it will quickly become a destination for families.

“its very accessible to lots of communities in the south such as chaparral,” says phillips. “it’s 90 per cent young families. i think young families want to raise their kids next to lots of other young kids and families.”

the home selection within the community offers everything from lower-priced, attached townhomes up to million-dollar luxury estate homes adjacent to Spruce meadows. the average sale price for the first quarter of 2013 was $416,000.

there are also new condo projects that are nearly completely sold, such as Sawyer in Silverado, which offers condo’s starting from $180,000.

with such a high standard of finishing for such a reasonable price, many calgarians are willing to spend a little longer on their commute to come home to luxury.

Joe Samson of re/max realty professionals lives just outside of the neighbourhood and says a major appeal is in the country within urban limits.

“there’s an option for just about everybody in terms of homes,” says Samson. “for people keen on recreational activities, it’s right on the edge of

the city so you can jump on your bike and ride out to Bragg creek or go skiing. it’s a really quick exit out of the city. you can bypass traffic completely.”

in terms of amenities, the only thing that’s missing is a school, says ron carriere of re/max landan real estate. however, there is one planned for the near future and many families are willing to bus for now. homeowners get so much for your money, though, he adds.

“once you get there, you’re away from the hustle and bustle,” says carriere. “it’s a really nice feeling to exhale and feel like you’re getting away from it all.” y Cara Casey

On the road to Silverado

there’s an option for just about

everybody in terms of homes.

condosinairdrie.com

SUMMER 2013 MOVE-INS

Condos in Airdrie from the $160,000s with BBQ-readydecks, big kitchens, high ceilings and heated parking.Show suite now open at 604 East Lake Blvd NE. Closeto Tim’s, Genesis Centre, CrossIron Mills.The Edge. Big life. Great value.

YOU CAN BBQ ON YOURPATIO AT& WATCHTV AT THESAME TIME.

2012

CHBA - Calgary Region

Multi-FamilyBuilder of the Year

@StreetsideYYC


Ask most people for advice on buy-ing your first home and they’ll say the same thing: “You have to

make sacrifices on your first place and you won’t be able to have everything.”

Well, they’re wrong.With one-bedroom-plus-den units

starting in the $160,000s, the price at Airdre’s new condo building, The Edge, is affordable for most people in the market for their first home or just those looking to make a change.

“With it being so close to the core and every amenity you could ever need, this project has been incredibly popular,” says Streetside Developments lead sales consultant Lindsey Michalchuk. “It’s 10 minutes to CrossIron Mills, a large shop-ping destination, as well as the airport, so the location is excellent.”

Not only is this development in Airdre close to Calgary, the units feature high-end finishings, such as Huntwood Maple Sonora cabinets. In addition, units either include underground parking or surface stalls.

The chic corrugated siding gives a super contemporary feel to the exterior, while the flexible outdoor space on the indi-vidual patios link the building to nature.

Its location next door to Genesis Place also makes it easy to hit the gym, play a game of soccer or take a yoga class at the world-class facility.

Backing onto East Lake Athletic Park, there is a feeling of solitude as it’s the only multi-unit development in the neighbourhood.

Streetside Developments is part of The Qualico Group of Companies, west-ern Canada’s largest privately owned developer and builder. An expert in how Western Canadian’s live, the company was winner of Multi-Family Builder of the Year award at this year’s Sales and Marketing Awards put on by the Calgary Homebuilder’s Association.

Streetside Development is critically acclaimed in the their condo develop-ments making it easy to rest assured that you’re truly getting a solid investment.

“Our name is what sets us apart,” said Michalchuk. “It’s knowing that we’re not just every other multi-family builder. We work hard to ensure our name is repre-sentative of a quality product.”

For more information on The Edge in Airdrie, visit condosinairdrie.com or the show suite at 604 East Lake Blvd. N.E., Airdrie

Living at the Edge a cut above the rest

in condo lifestyle

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe

the sun is shining; the beer is cold and all around you, the bright colours of flapping umbrellas in

a calgary summer breeze add to the laughter and chatter of the meal.

yes, it is patio season in cowtown.whether you live in the burbs or in the core of the

city, there is something about relaxing with a cold drink, whether it is alcoholic or not, a good meal and light conversation while soaking in the sunshine that drives away the memories of winter’s chills.

and there are many to choose from in our fair city, which happens to be the sunniest in canada by the way, averaging 2,567 hours of sun a year, according to current results.

Just recently, a jaunt down to marda loop with my girlfriend cathy brought me to fergus & Bix restau-rant and Beer market, where a cold ice tea made me forget the sun heating up my freckled white arms (thank goodness for the prompt of 60 Spf sunscreen by my proactive hubby before departing our subur-bia home).

the wait for a patio table was worth it on this 25-degree Saturday, and while the food was what you would expect from a pub-style restaurant, it was the patio experience my friend and i had ventured outside of our northwest digs for.

there are many patios to partake of this summer, and here is just a taste:

aLLoy: 220 42nd. ave. S.e. alloydining.com the draw: great food served up in a courtyard patio be-fitting a calming retreat, with mediterranean-, latin- and asian-influenced dishes delivered under the lush green-surrounded pergola.

BarLey miLL: 201 Barclay parade S.w. (eau claire) millgrouppubs.com the draw: the building. the Bow river Barley mill is oozing as much history as it is a great place to gather for great food on a patio, and if you’re a scotch drinker, well this ought to be one of your hot spots for summer outdoor dining.

Bonterra trattoria: 1016 8th St. S.w bon-terra.ca the draw: a restaurant that likes its patio so

much to have an annual summer patio party has to be a place to check out, especially when you factor in the climbing vines, wrought-iron décor on linen-laden round tables — a piece of italian countryside dining in calgary.

BoxWooD café: 340 13th ave. S.w. (central me-morial park) boxwoodcafe.ca the draw: even if the fresh oysters & Bubbles friday special isn’t up your alley, the fresh produce from the café’s own garden probably is, and if the patio wasn’t outdoorsy enough for you, get your meal to go and have a picnic in the park.

sunterra market: 200 12th ave. S.e. (keynote) the draw: the rooftop patio, of course, and the fresh fla-vours combine for a grand recipe for outdoor dining. with busy macleod trail below, the rooftop tables atop keynote is a great place to explore the locally grown fruits of calgar-ians’ labours.

fergus anD Bix: 2018 33rd. ave. S.w. (marda loop) and 2000, 873 85th St. S.w. (west Springs) fergusandbix.com the draw: nice patio, gluten-free pasta and bread choices and the buzz of good natu-rally crafted beers and pedestrian chatter.

toWa sushi: 2116 4th St. S.w. towasushi.com the draw: as one of the few sushi bars in the city that offers patio dining, towa also encourages hand-eating ( just wash off your sunscreen first) to fully enjoy the traditional sushi experience.

ciBo: 1012 17th ave. S.w. cibocalgary.com the draw: the large patio with wood and potted plant accents feels like a secluded garden — a great place to enjoy cibo’ s wood-fired pizzas ($5-pizza happy hour is also hot attraction) and sip a cold mill Street beer.

uno pizza anD Wine: 618 17th ave. S.w. (uptown 17th avenue) the draw: friendly to gluten-free, vegans, families, couples and late-night partiers,

uno is a main attraction for its great food but partake in the palate pleasures on uno’s outdoor dining room for authentic thin-crust pizzas.

oak tree tavern: 124 10th St. n.w. (kensington) facebook.com/oaktreetav-ern the draw: night-time patio lights bring this tucked-away patio to life on a hot summer eve, and the

local village Brewery beers on tap, savoury burgers and entertainment make it a go-to joint.

notaBLe: 4611 Bowness rd. (montgomery) no-tabletherestaurant.ca the draw: dungeness crab and shrimp bake, organic salmon, succulent porchetta, gluten-aware menu and a dining patio to make this “notable” restaurant worth adding to your to-go-to list.

whether you try these, or venture out to discover your own, calgary patios are the place to be during the summer. Because before you know it, frigid fall breezes will be blowing leaves around faster than you can cough up a mosquito. y Karen Petkau


life style

Tis the season for the patio

palate

fergus & bixa crowded ferguS & BiX patio on a hot Saturday in marda loop.

Photo by Karen Petkau

before you know it, frigid fall breezes

will be blowing leaves around faster than you can cough up a

mosquito.

N


Luxury living in a desirable northwest Calgary community has never been easier than at Uniti in Kincora.

Uniti is the latest project by respected builder ReidBuilt Homes and includes a selection of duplexes with six creative floor plans ranging in size from 1,304 to 1,746 square feet, and prices starting in the mid-$300,000s.

All models are three-bedroom, 2.5-bath layouts, and include two-car, front-drive garages, island kitchens, a fabulous master bedroom with ensuite and a long list of standard features.

The low maintenance exteriors of Uniti include premium siding, James Hardie sid-ing and shake accents and double-glazed windows, complemented by free landscap-ing in the front yards with sod and trees, rear sundecks and two-car garages that come fully insulated and drywalled.

Inside each home in Uniti are Kohler faucets in the bathrooms, Builders’ Select kitchen cabinets in oak or maple, a double stainless-steel sink and a sizable kitchen island with eating bar.

Upgrades are offered, such as the granite counter tops and undermount sinks that can be seen in the showhome already open for viewing at 7 Kincora Cres. N.W.

Other standard features include Dakota series lighting fixtures, fiberglass tub and shower units, a 95 per cent high-efficiency furnace, 50-gallon hot water tank, roughed in basement and upper-floor laundry in all but one floor plan.

Uniti is located in the highly sought after northwest community of Kincora, instantly recognizable with its Celtic-themed entry to the community that includes a tower, stone walls and lantern street lights.

Kincora has more than 120 acres of green space in parks and environmental reserves, including a wonderfully land-scaped pond near a playground and gazebo that can be reached by pathways through-out the community.

Uniti in Kincora has convenient access to plenty of nearby shopping, including the Creekside Shopping Centre.

The community is only two minutes drive to Stoney Trail, making it easy to access other areas of the city, or head north or west out of town.

As an added incentive to buy with ReidBuilt Homes, the company is offering up to 10,000 Air Miles reward miles upon the purchase of your Uniti home.

For more information on Uniti in Kincora, visit liveinuniti.ca.

Unique Uniti loaded with Celtic charm in Kincora

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe


no other city embraces patio sea-son quite as wholeheartedly as calgary.

likely because our summer season is so brief, as soon as the weather turns fair every outdoor dining and drinking space becomes full to capacity. it makes perfect sense, then, that more and more condo own-ers are looking to expand their living space into the great outdoors. there’s no need to fight for a seat on a rooftop patio when your home address is the best bar in town.

these days, the chic and well-planned design esthetics of the indoor living space is transition-ing to decks, balconies and patios of all shapes and sizes. we tracked down one of yyc’s outdoor décor experts, ashley dasent of amanda hamilton interior design, to get the scoop on livening up your out-door living space.

think Before you act“Budget, space and lifestyle all need to be be con-

sidered carefully when designing an outdoor space,” dasent says.

outdoor furniture can range immensely in price, and while there are often cute and affordable op-tions available at stores such as home depot or walmart. if you want pieces that will last you a few years and maintain their chic design esthetic, you may want to invest a little more — dasent recom-mends design district boutiques such as chintz and company, maria tomas, domaine or domicile.

“really consider how much time you will be spend-ing in your space and act accordingly,” she advises. “do you leave town every weekend and only spend a couple nights a week out there, or do you intend to live in your outdoor space every day? do you want

an oasis retreat for yourself or will you be entertain-ing a lot?”

all of these elements factor into the furniture you choose and the design elements you will need, so give it some thought before you hit the shops.

size Does matterdo be conscious of the size of your living space.

can you fit a 10-person dining table or is a six-per-son set really the limit? “Small balconies can be quite beautiful and cozy, providing you select the right scale and amount of furnishings and décor,” dasent explains.“

you don’t want to cram two large lounge chairs in a space that doesn’t allow it; it will only make it look smaller. “if your space isn’t expansive, look to add interest and luxury with pops of colour and life, with small planters, flowers, accent pillows and even a small rugs,” she adds. “if it will fit, a rug will really pull everything together visually.”

the ruLes of attractionwhen deciding on the look of your space, das-

ent suggests ignoring design trends and going with what attracts you. “if you are drawn to the french bistro or a californian esthetic, then that is what you should do,” she says. “trendy usually turns out to be a temporary fix. go with something that suits your own personal style and you will enjoy it longer.”

Let there Be Lightthough it’s often overlooked, lighting is a must for

any outdoor space, especially if you want to use it

well into the evening hours. “go for a soft ambient glow, rather than harsher

lighting choices,” advises dasent. “String lights, lanterns and candles are great choices for outdoor spaces, and they don’t require any electrical installa-tion.”

outdoor heating extends outdoor playtime and should be considered where possible.

“patio heaters and portable outdoor fireplaces are quite popular right now, and there are some beauti-ful affordable options out there,” she says.

no matter what the size of your space, lighting, be it from lanterns, candles or a fireplace, are a simple way to turn up the ambiance. y meghan Jessiman

life style

Taking it

patio poWerpatioS and BalconieS are great placeS to eXpand your living Space, no matter the Size.

Thinkstock photos

outsideCourtesy, Chintz & Company

solaris scroll lantern

Scrolly artwork-deSigned orBS. two SizeS. Available at Pottery barn, 6455 macleod Tr. S.W. (Chinook Centre), potterybarn.com

patio heatertaBle-top

pedeStal Style propane patio

heater includeS lava rockS. Available at Sears, sears.ca

fabric lanterns

ten faBric lanternS with clear incandeScent BulBS. Available at Canadian Tire, many local locations, canadiantire.ca

à la carte

Padding the patiocool off this summer with an

evening gathering on your bal-cony or patio.

all you need is the right furniture and lighting to create your ambiance, and then supplement it with some great party food and drinks to kick your patio party mojo into high gear.

solvindenpendant laMpSolar/wind-powered lamp.

Available at Ikea Calgary, 8000 11th St. S.E.,

ikea.com/ca


Wonderful Wickerpalm harBor converSion Set. Available at Wicker Land Patio Furniture, 6125 Centre St. S., wickerland.ca

palMetto setall-weather wicker rounded Sectional Set. Available at Pottery barn, 6455 macleod Tr. S.W. (Chinook Centre), potterybarn.com

retro cooler

Brightly coloured 80-Quart retro cooler. Available at barbecues Galore, 3505 Edmonton Tr. N.E. and 5875 9th St. S.E., barbecuesgalore.ca

backyard cooleroutdoor ventureS wooden Backyard cooler — ruStic

and hip. Available at barbecues Galore, 3505 Edmonton Tr. N.E. and 5875 9th St. S.E., barbecuesgalore.ca

teak patio barlaguna teak patio Bar Set. Available at Patioline Hot Tubs, Patio & more, 6227 Centre St. S.W. patioline.ca

you don’t need a massive backyard to stretch your green thumb, and you

certainly don’t need hectares of farmland to grow your own food, says avid gardener Bar-bara wanhill.

an elementary school art teacher, wanhill has been getting into vegetable gardening — she planted garlic in the fall, and will be planting beans soon.

She has also experimented with indoor seed starting, after purchasing a small grow light set-up at lee valley.

one of the biggest trends in recent years is growing edibles, she says, every-thing from herbs and vegetables to fruit-bearing shrubs and trees.

“there is an enormous amount of interest in growing your own food,” adds gardening workshop instructor Joanne ogilvie, who recommends seeking out a garden club for advice. “even if they don’t have room for an in-ground vegetable

garden, a lot of people are turning to whatever fits for their space.”

a chef’s planting of herbs, growing car-rots and potatoes in a container on a bal-cony or in a small backyard are just some of the ways you can stretch your green thumb without a large backyard, she says.

growing food is part of a larger trend toward sustainable gardening, which calgary horticultural Society president Scott gedak describes as one of the most exciting trends in calgary in recent years.

“it’s a synthesis of different garden philosophies,” he says. “we’ve had perma-culture come together with food growing, xeriscaping and water-wise gardening — to the point where people realize their gardens are ecosystems and should be functional.

“everyone is getting on board and they’re realizing they can make a differ-ence in their communities and the envi-ronment, one garden at a time.”

gedak says this philosophy ties into local food, with people wanting to know where their food comes from.

“it’s the realization that gardens can be both beautiful and functiona. our soil itself is an ecosystem, and if we feed and

nurture our soil it will feed our plants.”if you’re just starting out in the garden-

ing realm, wanhill suggests joining the calgary horticultural Society and gain from the expertise of experienced gar-deners within the city.

“they have some amazing workshops, and the advanced members are so gra-cious and generous with their informa-tion,” she says. “the horticultural Society has a plant share twice a year, and for new gardeners, it’s a great way to get plants really inexpensively.”

She also suggests visiting local garden centres and joining local garden clubs.

calgary is also home to many other gardening-related organizations, includ-ing the calgary rose Society, calgary rock and alpine garden Society and com-munity gardening clubs, many of which hold regular meetings, featuring speakers, plant sharing and idea sharing.

“it really adds a lot to your own per-sonal home gardening experience, and everybody is so generous with sharing their passion and expertise,” says ogilvie, co-founder of the Queensland garden club, and a self-described “obsessive home gardener.” y Jacqueline Louie

life style

Catching the green-thumb

bug

ON THE SIDElooking for more

information? here are a few gardening websites you may want to check out:caLgary horticuLture society: the society’s mission is to encourage gardening for the enhancement of the environment and quality of life. Some of its events include garden shows, plant shares, mentor talks, lunch-’n’-learn sessions, workshops and seed sharing. calhort.org. i can garDen.com: is a message board for member garden clubs and event calendars, as well as articles, books and suppliers. icangarden.comBaLcony garDener: this helpful site contains information on balcony gardening, growing seasons, plant hardiness, pots and pieces and dealine with calgary’s unpredictable weather. balconygardener.caverge permacuLture: a calgary-based company specializing in systems-design approach to sustainable human habitat and focuses on interconnected elements such as low-energy buildings and food production. it holds permaculture courses and events, as well as consults. the next available course is set for aug. 11-24 (permaculture design certificate-calgary intensive) at winston heights mountainview community hall. vergepermaculture.caBig sky permacuLture: Similar to verge, Big Sky has courses and consults on permaculture, including introduction to permaculture July 20-21 (location has yet to be determined). bigskypermaculture.cacaLgary rose society: a non-profit organization dedicated to growing and enjoying roses in calgary, the society hosts many events, including an annual rose show July 19 and 20 at the north hill Shopping centre. calgaryrosesociety.cacaLgary rock & aLpine garDen society: this non-profit group is dedicated to growing alpine plants in calgary’s challenging climate. Besides monthly meetings, it also has an annual spring plant sale. crags.ca


planting the seedBarBara wanhill, left, and Joanne ogilvie eXamine Some of the panSieS in Joanne’S greenhouSe. . Wil Andruschak photo

Edison at Walden is unlike anything you’ll see in south Calgary right now, and it’s a great fit for homeowners looking for

both value and style.Conveniently located in the community of

Walden, just steps away from shops and local amenities, Edison is brought to you by Avi Urban, a Calgary-based builder of innovative and contemporary multi-family homes.

The development consists of 157 three-storey townhomes, ranging in size from 1,130 to 1,400 square feet.

Each townhome comes with a two-car attached garage, with a driveway for three-car parking, and includes nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, private patio and balcony and mix and match finish options. High-quality features come standard, such as full-height tile back-splashes and extended height cabinets.

Homebuyers can choose from six incredible floor plans, with tons of variations.

Another feature is a fully landscaped court-yard, which is an Avi Urban signature in many of its developments.

It’s no surprise that Edison’s first two build-ings are already sold out; and two new build-ings have just been released.

“We’re so excited about the progress in Edison at Walden,” says Chris Pollen, Avi Urban sales and marketing manager. “It’s been

a hit with homeowners who are moving up from an apartment or rental and starting the next stage of their lives, from young urban pro-fessionals to just-married couples.”

Prices start in the $260,000s. For more information, visit the Edison sales

centre at 285 Walden Dr. S.E. Find out more at aviurban.com/edison.

Sawyer SilveradoSet in the heart of the established commu-

nity of Silverado on Silverado Boulevard S.W., Sawyer features 138 condos in three buildings.

The development, which broke ground in February, consists of two buildings. The first building is nearly 75 per cent sold out, while the second building has just been released, with a full selection of one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ranging from 700 to 1,100 square feet in size.

Homes at Sawyer come with finishes that are anything but standard, including oversized windows and flat-panel cabinets.

There are mix-and-match finish options and underground parking. For an added personal touch, new buyers can choose the colour of their front doors from among five stylish selec-tions.

Buildings are arranged in a U-shape and fea-ture an incredible landscaped circular courtyard,

with about 250 trees throughout the develop-ment.

“The response to the condos at Sawyer Silverado has been tremendous,” says Pollen. “We’ve seen tons of first-time homeowners choosing to call Sawyer home because of the functional floor plans, incredible standard fea-

tures, and the great location in an established community.”

One bedrooms start in the $180,000s, while two bedrooms start in the $210,000s. For more information, visit the Sawyer show suite (the popular two-bedroom A) at 175 Silverado Blvd. S.W. or aviurban.com/sawyer.

ADVeRtIsIng FeAtuRe

Walden, Silverado developments cater to buyers’ stylish sides


bUYER SNAPSHOT

What he bought: a one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 563-square-foot, apartment-style

condo on the fourth (top) floor at ten mount royal in lower mount royal. cost: approximately $300,000. condo fees: $208 per month (varies on the size of the unit). move-in: summer 2014.

What he likes about the project: the east-facing unit is open and bright, with 14-foot vaulted ceilings. there is one underground parking stall and 100 square feet of storage space for winter tires, bike, skies and a futon. the development is small and

friendly at only 47 suites, and it has an attractive exterior with varied depths and overhanging wooden beams jutting out from the roof. “it is not a single face,” says Bell. “i like the contrast.”

What he likes about the community: it is a busy area with lots of young professionals. there are tons of restaurants and bars, but they are nicely counterbalanced by green spaces and parks. the area is quiet and private, being just off 17th avenue S.w., but is close to where the action is. there is easy access to main routes heading out of the city, which suits Bell, who loves to head to the mountains to ski and camp.

advice for other buyers: go online and do research about condo developments; visit a variety of them to see what features you like and want in your place and what you don’t need. determine what is planned for future developments in the neighbourhood, so your view is not going to be obstructed by a still-to-be-built office tower, for example. Spend time in the community at all hours, and on weekdays and weekends, to make sure you feel comfortable and enjoy the atmosphere. don’t pay for fancy pools, common rooms or gyms if you are not planning to use them. “you are spending your hard-earned money,” says Bell, “so take time to do your homework. Be savvy.” y colleen Biondi

mat BellnaMe:

ten mount royalproject:

Bell iS a Structural engineer with fluor

occupation:

tenmountroyal.comWebsite:

perfect 10mat Bell outSide the ten mount royal condo development where he recently purchaSed a unit. Bell moveS in neXt Summer.

Colleen biondi photo

$210’s

Prices subject to change without notice. E&OE

$210’s


$210’s


$210’s


$210’s


condo - calgary heraldcondo contents sobow, located near pearce estate park, is an inglewood-focused...

Documents