When Karma Development Corporation bought a five-acre plot of land in South Pointe, its brain trust -- Marc Kipnes and Myles Kraut -- decided to do something different with it.
Instead of embarking on a high-density, apartment-style condominium project, they decided to do just the opposite: design a low-density project with 46 semi-attached bungalows spread out within that five-acre space.
"Basically, we wanted to create a hybrid -- a project that bridged the gap between condominium living and the single-family lifestyle that people enjoy with single-family homes," said Kraut. "Our goal was to create a condominium community that closely resembled the atmosphere that people associate with living in a single-family home."
Kipnes said the vast expanse of land provided them the topographical palette required to make that goal a reality.
"It's a community that features a great setting, as it's surrounded by parks and pathways. You'll have the ability to literally walk out your back yard into a park. It's a community that's ideal for empty nesters looking to downsize from a two-storey home to a bungalow with everything on one level," he said.
Moreover, said Kraut, residents will feel like they're living in a single-family setting.
"By taking the low-density route, we were able to design in more room for side yards and green space -- there's just going to be more room to breathe, which I think people will enjoy. We could have put 200 apartment-style units on the five acres, but chose to do only 46 because it made for a quieter, and more spacious, adult-oriented community."
Just as the surroundings will be spacious, so too will the semi-attached units. Six of the bungalows will measure 1,171 square feet, while 40 will come in at 1,400 square feet.
"Interiors will be bright and open-concept in their design, with nine-foot ceilings," said Kipnes. "Best of all, a host of luxurious options -- granite countertops, hardwood and tile floors (foyer, bathroom), soft close maple shaker cabinets and tiled backsplashes -- will be included in the price. Buyers will also get an attached garage, full basement, covered deck and full driveway."
While you'll feel as though you're living in a single-family home, you won't be obligated to perform the upkeep that comes with owning one, said Kraut.
"Owners will enjoy a very unique lifestyle -- there won't be any snow to shovel or grass to cut. It will feel as though you're living in a house, yet you'll be able to live a turnkey lifestyle. If you go away in the winter or have a cottage, you can simply lock the door and know everything will be taken care of for you."
When you're home, you can enjoy a home that's both livable, and well-located.
"You'll be able to enjoy features such as a bathroom with luxurious, tiled shower, wide doorways, and few steps to climb -- the homes will be beautifully appointed and very livable," Kipnes said. "You're also in a central area that's close to shopping, restaurants and services (on Kenaston Boulevard), as well as the (University of Manitoba) and Investors Group Field. And if you want to go to the lake, you can access the Perimeter to head out to the Whiteshell or cottage country in and around Lake Winnipeg."
If you're looking to purchase a unit, you'd best act quickly, said Kipnes.
"We sold five units the first weekend our display centre (located at 330 John Angus Dr.) was open," he said, adding prices run from the mid-$300,000 to low $400,000 range.
"Right now, we have a three per cent discount for our grand opening, which amounts to savings of up to $13,000. First possession dates are estimated for summer 2016."
To find out more about Cypress Ridge, visit www.cypressridge.ca or call 204-891-8777 to book an appointment at the presentation centre at 330 John Angus Dr.
lewys@mymts.net
