At long last, prospective homebuyers in west Winnipeg have a new -- and distinctive -- housing option to look at.
That option comes in the form of a 20-unit condominium development called Riverside Glen at the intersection of St. Charles Street and Augier Avenue set well back in a private tract of land to the south of Portage Avenue.
Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate's Blair Sonnichsen, who's marketing the development with Royal LePage stablemate Chris Pennycook, said the bungalow condominiums are going to offer buyers a fresh new option.
"A lot of people, whether they be empty nesters, professional couples or young families, are looking at resale homes in Crestview that are 50 and 60 years old that are selling for $250,000 and above," he said. "In many cases, their square footage is smaller and they come with detached garages."
Not so with Riverside Glen's condominium bungalows. Every house-like unit is 1,260 sq. ft., and comes with an insulated basement and double attached garage. With a basement that provides 1,000-plus square feet of liveable space -- ideal for a rec room, third bedroom, four-piece bath and loads of storage -- and you have a home that measures in at over 2,200 sq. ft.
"You can step up in size and amenities for a difference of about $70,000 to $80,000," added Sonnichsen. "The biggest difference, though, is that you're getting a new home with a piled foundation that's new from top to bottom."
With regard to amenities, it's rare that resale homes feature modern finishes -- unless they've been extensively updated. There are no such worries at Riverside Glen.
"Base specifications of the units are vinyl floors, maple hardwoods and laminate cabinets. The finishes are based on our customers' budgets. If the basic finishes work for them, great. If they want to upgrade, we can accommodate them. For countertops, you can choose from cement, granite or Caesar stone. With cabinets, you can upgrade to maple or cherry -- whatever you like," he said. "With us, all finishes will be selected according to a customer's budget."
An emphasis has also been placed of liveability, too. The unit's main floor features an open-concept main living area with island kitchen (with seating for two to three at its eating nook), a generous dining area and big living room with a large window and patio doors on its rear wall. The patio doors provide access to a backyard deck (or optional sunroom) -- and let in lots of daylight.
Meanwhile, the master suite is generously sized with the same maple hardwoods that run through the main living area, a large window to let in copious amounts of daylight -- and a stylish three-piece ensuite.
"In this case, the owners decided to go with an (espresso-stained) maple vanity with (brown) granite countertop, tan tile floor and corner tile shower with tempered glass enclosure," Sonnichsen said. "Again, the finishes can be selected based on which ones best meet your tastes, and budget."
Additional utility is derived from a bedroom off the foyer residents can use as a guest room, or office. There's also a main-floor laundry and the bonus of the attached double garage; no scraping off the car on snowy winter days.
"Each property also comes with yard space plus an exterior storage facility -- a space separate from the garage where you can put items like bikes, lawn chairs and other accessories. Unit exteriors will be stucco and cultured stone, along with powder-coated aluminum," he said. "Condo fees are going to be low at $125 per month due to the fact that the condo corporation will choose what they want to upgrade, and there shouldn't be anything to do for years and years."
In short, Riverside Glen represents an opportunity to tap into affordable living that combines the best of a single-family home and condominium living.
"These units offer a turnkey lifestyle -- all the chores (snow-clearing and grass-cutting) are done for you, and there's no maintenance to worry about," said Sonnichsen. "For $70,000 to $80,000 extra, you get a brand-new home in a great location (quiet, close to shopping, public transportation and the Perimeter Highway) that you can simply move in and enjoy. It's new-home affordability without having to worry about all the work that goes along with a home -- especially one that's 50 or 60 years old."
For more information on Riverside Glen -- there are 11 units left, with completion of the development expected in fall 2013 -- see www.winnipeghomes.com or call Blair Sonnichsen or Chris Pennycook at 989-5000.
