A new condominium development -- Murano Gardens of Linden Woods -- is offering a different take on buying a condominium.
"Our goal with Murano Gardens is to get away from the upgrade mentality typical of so many new developments," said developer Anupam Kothari, president of Toronto-based Kothari Group. "We want to offer buyers affordable luxury, while simplifying the buying process by including everything in the price. Doing that just makes the whole buying process that much easier."
Located across from the Caboto Centre at 1044 Wilkes Ave., Murano Gardens is slated to begin construction in mid-July. By the time the project is completed in fall 2016, the complex will offer eight suite models that encompass one, two and three bedroom suites ranging in size from 704 sq. ft. to 1,412 sq. ft..
The suites -- all of which will feature open-concept floor plans with nine-foot ceilings (10 feet in suites on the top floor) -- will come standard with luxurious finishes, said Kothari.
"Finishes will feature high-end laminate flooring, quartz countertops, modern thermofoil cabinets (glossy white or woodgrain veneer) subway tile backsplashes and stainless steel Whirlpool kitchen appliances," he said. "Other standard features include eight-foot balcony doors (rather than six-foot doors), large balconies (some wrap-around) oversized triple-glazed windows and coloured glass panels and LED lighting in the pressurized hallways."
Kothari added buyers are also likely to be partial to a few other standard features.
"As far as parking is concerned, one bedroom suites will come with an outdoor parking stall included in the price, two bedroom suites will include one indoor parking stall and three bedroom units will come with two parking stalls included in the price. A storage locker will also be included with each suite, and each unit will come with in-suite laundry."
Amenities at Murano Gardens also figure to be impressive. There will be a bright, state-of-the art gym, a huge common room and a generous foyer, said Kothari.
"The gym will have all kinds of windows to let in as much natural light as possible, and will be equipped with elliptical machines, treadmills and exercise bikes," he said. "The common room will be very generous in size at 1,500 sq. ft., and the lobby will be large, luxurious and contemporary, and will come with two elevators."
Murano Gardens' exterior will also be striking, and durable, featuring a combination of acrylic stucco and a new cultured stone exterior, that to the best of Kothari's knowledge, has never been used in Winnipeg.
"It's called Terraneo," he said. "We've been using it on other projects because it's more durable, has a better sheen and has a nice, rich Italian look. We want to provide quality not only in the suites, but throughout the entire building, right out to its exterior."
Location is another of Murano Gardens' strong points. Not only is it centrally located, but it's also looking like residents will be able to enjoy an oasis of green space nearby.
"There are six acres of land beside the complex that is potentially going to be turned into a city park," said Kothari. "You're also close to Kenaston Boulevard and a host of amenities, the U of M, Investors Group Field and amenities on Pembina Highway, and in south St. Vital."
Prices will range from $199,500 for one-bedroom suites to $249,900 for two-bedroom/one bath units, $299,900 for two-bedroom/two bath units up to $434,900 for three-bedroom/two bath penthouse (fourth floor) suites.
For more information on Murano Gardens of Linden Woods, visit www.muranogardens.com or call sales representatives Cathy or Nikki Burgess of Century 21 carrie.com at (204) 963-1044.
lewys@mymts.net
