To the naked eye, nothing was going on. As it turns out, that was perception, not reality. Come early winter of 2009, Niche Condominiums, a collaboration between Karma Development Corporation and architect Ernie Walter and Walter Corporation, will feature a cutting-edge, eight unit condominium complex on that prime piece of River Heights real estate.
"We actually bought this property over two years ago," said Marc Kipnes, who along with partner Myles Kraut runs Winnipeg-based Karma Development Corp. "It's taken this long to get the zoning and other technical elements of the project done. We also got the neighbourhood involved to ensure that the project fit into the area. Now that we've got their approval and Ernie Walter to do the building design -- he's the only architect who could do this -- we're ready to move forward. Construction will start in spring 2009."
Yaron Walter, president of Walter Corp., says it was a challenge to come up with a design to fit the compact lot.
"It definitely was a challenge," he said. "This is going to be one of the first buildings of its type in Winnipeg. It took some doing, but we managed to maximize the square footage and living space so that residents wouldn't feel boxed in. It will be a very innovative design -- there will be three one-level units, and the other five will be two-storey units. Size will range from 1,253 sq. ft. to 1,724 sq. ft." Units will start at $350,000.
Just as the building has been designed to maximize space, it has also been designed to be very, very green from top to bottom, Walter added.
"To start off, it will feature ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction, which is not only durable and offers great insulation values (R32 walls and R60 roof), but it will also eliminate a lot of product waste. That will make for a more ecologically friendly building," he said. "It's going to be a very comfortable and soundproof design that will also be energy-efficient and safe and healthy to live in."
Other green features will include low-flow Kohler fixtures, dual-flush toilets, polished concrete floors, low V.O.C. paint, Kitchen Aid stainless Energy Star appliances, and a selection of green flooring products to choose from should buyers want to go with something other than concrete flooring.
Suite interiors will be open-concept in nature, with amenities such as nine-foot ceilings, four-season sunrooms with skylights (some will have balconies) and large windows (full ceiling height) to let in lots of natural light. Each unit will have two private entrances -- one from the front and an entrance leading from heated indoor parking directly into the suite.
"All the finishes and appliances will be top-end (including CaesarStone countertops, glass backsplashes and flat laminate cabinetry with environment-friendly cores)," said Kipnes, adding that each suite will have its own heating and cooling controls, with electric furnace and HRV unit.
"Our goal is to make units where people can pick the design they like and just move in. Hopefully, there won't be any need to upgrade. People can also expect units that have more of a townhouse, rather than condominium feel."
Walter said it's been a pleasure working with Karma Development Corporation to make such a cutting-edge design a reality.
"Marc and Myles have been willing to go a little bit extra in every area to make for a top-quality project. The result will be a leading-edge design that is integrated with the neighbourhood in a way that people have never seen before. Most importantly, it will have the style, space and green features that people are looking for."
Barry Greenberg of Newman, Greenberg and Associates, who is marketing Niche Condominiums with partner Monica Newman, says the project is a perfect fit for the area.
"Two things stand out about this project: the location, which is just superb. You're close to everything, and the area has one of the highest resale values in Winnipeg. I also like the fact that this is a smaller project. That makes it so much more personal and customer-friendly. Personal touches like private entrances and courtyards and an innovative, green design are going to make this a great place to call home."
For more information on Niche Condominiums -- its display centre will open Saturday, Sept. 6 -- call Newman, Greenberg and Associates at 784-3555 or see www.nichecondominiums.com.
lewys@mts.net
