Turns out, Bridgwater Forest (a.k.a. Waverley West) isn't the only new housing development in southwest Winnipeg.
The other? Richmond Green, a new condominium complex by A & S Homes located on a five-acre plot of mature land at 99 Keslar Road off Lee Boulevard (on the east side of Waverley Street).
"It was actually the last piece of available land in the area -- the whole neighbourhood is otherwise developed," says A & S Homes sales representative Garry Loewen, of Coldwell Banker Nationally Preferred. "We opened the show home just under a month ago, and are pre-selling the 60 units."
While 60 units might sound like a high number, it isn't, thanks to the size of the lot. With five acres to work with, the various units -- nine bungalow condominiums measuring 1,703 sq. ft., 17 two-storey condominiums of 1,942 sq. ft., and 34 two-storey condominiums 1,551 sq. ft. in size -- will be spread out so there's plenty of room to move.
According to Loewen, the same philosophy was followed in laying out the condominiums, which come in five separate models -- The Aspen (two and three-bedroom units), The Maple (rear master bedroom/front master bedroom) and The Linden, which will comprise the nine bungalow designs.
A custom home builder, A&S Homes has carried its home building philosophy over into the design of the units at Richmond Green, he adds.
"The first thing is that all the units have been built on piles, something you don't always see," Loewen says. "Second, because A&S had experienced architects and interior designers collaborate on the project -- they also drew on the feedback from past purchasers of their condominiums -- the floor plans really work. They're very functional, stylish and livable."
From the outset, the goal was to build condos that had a house-like feel.
"A couple of design features really lend the condominiums that kind of feel -- staircases aren't tied into the walls of neighbouring units so there's no sound transference from the neighbouring structure, and soundproofing between units that is three times greater than the building code requires," he says. "The dual-wall construction is 50 per cent better than standard concrete walls."
Other features, such as the wide staircase leading to the upper level of two-storey units, and an expansive (ceramic) foyer -- and nine-foot ceilings -- make you feel you're in a house rather than a condominium.
"The floor plans A & S come up with are just so good -- they're always tweaking them to make them better. Take the upper level, for example. The landing is very compact, so no space is wasted -- that allowed the two bedrooms to be made larger," explains Loewen. "In this version (1,551 sq. ft.), you get a master suite with double doors and ensuite, and a large second bedroom with its own four-piece bath and walk-in closet. It's actually so large, you can use it as a bedroom, plus office."
Two other features -- one that increases livability, and another that adds a welcome dash of style into the mix -- combine to make you feel as if you're in a detached, rather than attached home: a full basement, and a finishing quality that rivals a custom-built home.
"The basement adds 440 sq. ft. of living space into a unit that already has two large bedrooms and a kitchen/great room area with incredible flow," Loewen adds. "Steel beam construction makes for a wide-open basement with a huge window where a third bedroom can be placed, if necessary. And there's still room for a rec room area and storage. Without a bedroom, there's all kinds of room to do what you want."
Finally there's the quality of the interior decor.
"You get dark maple hardwoods, an island kitchen with maple cabinets and a great room with two huge windows on either side of a gas fireplace set in beige ceramic tile (bordered by dark maple trim). In short, you're getting all the style, livability and comforts of a house without having to do all the yardwork and maintenance," he says. "A & S has done an excellent job of spending the money where it counts -- both physically, and cosmetically. To top it off, this is as ideal a location as you'd hope to plan for. We already have nine deposits on units, and counting."
Details
Richmond Green Condominiums, 99 Keslar Road
Builder: A & S Homes
Models: 5 - The Aspen (2), The Maple (2), The Linden (bungalow)
Size: 1,551 sq. ft to 1,942 sq. ft. (with basement and attached garage)
Bedrooms: 2 to 3, depending on model
Bathrooms: 2
Price: From $354,000
Condominium Fees: $140 to $175
Contact: Garry Loewen @ 985-4300
