ASK realtor Garry Hirsch to sum up the newly-refurbished condominiums at 1812 Portage Ave., and he does it in succinct fashion.
"Simply put, they're smart condos," he says. "Granted, the units (studios and one-bedrooms) aren't huge, but they use the space available extremely efficiently. The most important thing is that they give people an affordable option to renting. These condos are targeted at the first-time homebuyer, someone who's trying to gain equity through home ownership."
Although the condominiums at 1812 Portage have just come on the market, five units have already sold. It's easy to see why: the units are well laid out and finished to a refreshingly high standard. Not only that, but the new inner skin of the suite doesn't cover aging plumbing and wiring.
"The developers (Sunrex Management) are committed to doing things right," Hirsch says. "They basically gutted the units and redid the wiring and panel, the plumbing and put in new low-e, dual-pane argon windows. They also installed a new high-efficient boiler."
Meanwhile, the interiors of the suites -- all of which come with an LG flat panel TV -- are a deft combination of practicality and creativity.
For example, the studio suite isn't just a wide-open space with a tiny, spartan kitchen, a place to put your bed and dresser and then find room for your couch, TV and a chair or two. On the contrary, there's actually a neat little alcove (with snazzy arched entrance) -- separated from the kitchen -- to place a bed (twin or double) and perhaps a night table.
On the other side of the wall is a galley kitchen that makes the most of the space available. There's a (pleasantly) surprising amount of cabinet and counter space, with the end portion of the counter (facing onto the main living area) providing a spot for a chair that could be used either as an eating nook or notebook computer station.
The kitchen decor is modern, with white vinyl-wrapped cabinets (with floating shelving), glass tile backsplash, stainless steel Amana appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher and microwave) and smart vinyl flooring. The final space in the sequence of rooms that line the suite's right-hand wall is a compact, functional bathroom that comes equipped with a soaker tub (or shower), pedestal sink and low-flush toilet.
"Both of the units come with a lot of nice features," says Hirsch, noting there's even room for a table and chairs in the studio's main living area. "The suites are well-appointed and functional. There's even a literal wall of closets on the wall by the entrance in the studio apartments. Each resident will also get their own locker downstairs."
For those looking for more space, the choice would obviously be a one-bedroom unit, which comes with a good-sized bedroom, a roomier kitchen and larger bathroom. Like the studio units, the windows are oversized, making for a bright, livable space. There's also plenty of storage space.
As do the studio units, the one-bedrooms come standard with grey short twist carpeting, though Hirsch says some one-bedroom units may be available with refinished hardwoods to make for a different look. In short, the condominiums at 1812 Portage aren't your average retrofit.
"Honestly, for the same price elsewhere, you might get 30-year-old appliances, dated bathroom and some new, bargain-priced carpets," he says. "Sunrex consistently goes the extra mile with their developments. Heck, they even put high-grade industrial carpeting in the hallways that will not only last 20 years, but looks good, too."
Hirsch adds that the location of the complex is also extremely handy.
"Everything is within walking distance -- stores, restaurants and services. Plus there's a bus that comes by outside the door every eight minutes or so. If you work downtown or go to school at the U of W, you can just take the bus there. You'll never have to take your car unless you want to. So far, we've sold five of 17 units. I think they offer the best bang for the buck in the city, so act quickly if you're interested."
Prices for the condominiums at 1812 Portage start at $119,900 for first-level studio suites, while third-level (it's a three-storey walk-up) will command a top price of $149,900. Condominium fees will range from $150 to $190 (the only extra is hydro), and parking (if required) will be $50 per month.
For more information on the condos at 1812 Portage Ave., call Garry Hirsch at 228-7030 or Darren Guicheret at 290-8922.
lewys@mts.net
