When Sherwood Developments' Fausto Pereira conceived the Enclave a few years ago, he knew he was taking a calculated risk. Previously, Pereira had built condominium communities such as the Waterfront (St. Mary's Road) the Excelsior (Waterfront Drive in the Exchange) and the Renaissance (St. Norbert).
Unlike those communities, in which the suites were for sale, the one- and two-bedroom suites at the Enclave -- which is located at 2000 St. Mary's Rd. in St. Vital -- would be rentals. The hope was those in the 50-plus bracket would gravitate to the idea of renting, rather than buying.
Just over a year after opening the first phase and putting up two more buildings, with one more (Phase 4) currently under construction -- the response to the project has been much better than expected.
"Phase 1 and 2, which offer 162 units are full, with no vacancies," said Pereira. "We recently had occupancy for Phase 3 (44 units), and that building is full. Phase 4 is under construction and once ready, will offer 56 units. It will be ready for occupancy in February, and there aren't many units left."
The reason for the project's popularity? "I think there are a couple. First, I think we offer excellent quality, with suite designs and finishes better than most condominium projects, and that certainly are better than other rental projects. Second, there's the atmosphere -- the landscaping, trees, paths and pond; when you come onto the property, it just looks and feels good."
The atmosphere inside the buildings also exudes quality. Each building is fronted by an atrium-like foyer with high ceiling, granite floors and mod furniture and lighting fixtures -- a bright, stylish way to enter.
Then, the suites (which range in size from 777 square feet to 1,082 sq. ft.) -- were painstakingly designed by Pereira. He said his goal was to provide residents with the best possible environment to live in on a day-in, day-out basis. "Sound is the biggest irritant people have, so we went above and beyond with sound insulation to make sure each unit is as quiet as possible," he said. "The layout of each suite very functional. Main living areas (kitchen, dining area and living room) are spacious and bright and bedrooms are larger than normal with oversized windows and plenty of storage. You also get your own furnace and air-conditioning system."
Style was not compromised either, added Pereira. "Each suite features granite countertops, maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances and high-end laminate plank flooring. I also made great rooms extra-wide and put in nine-foot patio doors so they would be spacious and naturally bright. I even put in a built-in computer nook in one-bedroom units so there would be a designated spot for a computer desk. The suites here are not your typical 50-plus apartment rental."
Add in the fact rental costs are reasonable and each building contains amenities such as a huge, state-of-the-art gym, well-equipped common room and guest suites -- underground parking is also available -- and it's little wonder the Enclave has been a hit.
"Rents run between $1,049 to $1,620 per month -- that includes all utilities, with parking costing extra ($50 for outdoor, $100 for indoor)," he said. "Residents can rent the common room for $75, and visiting guests can reserve a beautiful guest room for $50 per night."
Above all, Pereira wanted the Enclave to simply be a nice place to come home to. "I want people to come home to something special, so the complex is surrounded by mature forest (part of nearby Henteleff Park) and landscaped grounds, and there's a pond with a bench to sit and relax on with hiking trails behind," he said adding a fountain is also being added. "I want the property to look spectacular so that people will be impressed and feel at home the moment they drive in. We wanted to create a community people could enjoy in every way."
Mission accomplished: the Enclave's first three phases are fully occupied, while Phase 4 is nearly full. Phase 5 of seven is on the drawing board, but won't be ready until November 2016. Pereira said the community's popularity has far exceeded his expectations.
"I think people have seen the quality, and they also like the concept that their money isn't tied up in a condo. They can use it to travel, and come and go as they please. Many of our rentals come from word of mouth. Our residents tell friends and family about the community, they come have a look and rent a unit. We're thrilled that people have gravitated to the concept of carefree, elegant and affordable 50-plus living."
lewys@mts.net
