Purchasing a condominium in a 40-plus-year-old building comes with positives and negatives.
The positives are the unit is often quite affordable, and is in a solid building in a well-located spot. The negatives are the building may be in need of upgrades -- and the suites may be, ahem, somewhat dated.
While a bit of due diligence can alert you to the fact a building is due to be updated (roof, balconies, parking lot, parking stalls) -- thus avoiding the nasty surprise of being hit with a sizeable special assessment -- there's little you can do about the fact a suite might be a relic of the early 1970s.
That is, unless a suite has been meticulously redone from top to bottom. Such is the case with an 812 sq.-ft., two-bedroom suite found at 175 Pulberry St., said Realty Executives First Choice's Eric Neumann.
"This unit has been totally redone in every area," he said. "Most importantly, the renovation was done professionally, with great care and attention to detail. Before all the updates, it was, to say the least, a dated unit. Now, it's an absolutely stunning unit that's contemporary throughout."
The first thing that alerts you to the fact unit 101 is no longer linked to an era dominated by bell bottom jeans and platform shoes is the suite's flooring. No tired (rust-coloured shag, for example) carpeting here.
Instead, the flooring is now as modern as you can get.
"The flooring choice is absolutely outstanding -- hand-scraped (high-end laminate) ash flooring that's textured and has a nice grain to it," noted Neumann. "It runs through the entire unit, with the exception of the bathroom. It not only looks great, but it's very low-maintenance. You can just clean it up with a dust mop, which is great for anyone with dust allergies. It's also a very durable product, as well."
As Neumann noted, the bathroom doesn't come with laminate hardwoods. Rather, it has been outfitted with a grey ceramic-tile floor that's -- of all things -- heated, adding a welcome touch of luxury to the livability equation.
"It also comes with a five-foot (taupe) tile shower with rolling tempered glass door and rain shower head set in the ceiling," he said. "There's also a beautiful white thermofoil vanity with a glass top, and gorgeous high-end faucet. It's a space that's not only striking, but functional."
Striking and functional would also be a fitting description for the kitchen, which is also thoroughly contemporary, right from its finishes to its layout -- no cramped galley-style kitchen here.
"It's a space that's not only spectacular, but practical," Neumann said. "First of all, flow is excellent because it's an open-concept space. The aisle between the island is nice and wide (better than four feet), making it easy to open the oven and still walk by. The island is about seven feet by four feet, seats three to four, and is an excellent prep space or eating area."
Meanwhile, finishes in the kitchen are pleasingly contemporary: white thermofoil cabinets (including a series of pot drawers on the island's interior), grey glass tile backsplash, black/brown laminate countertops -- and a unique, eye-catching ceiling treatment above.
"There's a custom bulkhead (honeycomb tray ceiling, to be precise) with colour-changing lights and pot lights that add a modern dimension to the kitchen," he said. "It also features a spacious pantry and new stainless steel appliances."
The adjacent living room also comes with another contemporary feature, added Neumann.
"Instead of a blank wall, you get a cool built-in entertainment unit with TV niche for a 50-inch flat panel TV, an electric fireplace below and three display-storage niches either side of the TV and fireplace," he said. "There's lots of room for furniture, and the area is separated from the kitchen by four or five feet of space between the two areas."
At the end of the living room is a bonus: an enclosed balcony that overlooks green space.
"You can enjoy the enclosed area in spring, summer and fall, and go out the screen door to the balcony's uncovered portion to barbeque. It's like having your own yard, and your own three-season sun room. The enclosure also cuts down on noise, ensuring you can watch TV in a nice, quiet atmosphere."
A private wing not only houses the upscale bathroom, but two large bedrooms with the aforementioned laminate hardwoods, good-sized windows and ample closet space. Paint colours are soothing earth tones, while the light fixtures, doors, door handles and closet doors are also new.
"The result is a wonderful interior feel -- this is a quiet, relaxing suite that is enjoyable to spend time in," said Neumann. "It also comes with amenities such as optional indoor parking, storage lockers you can rent for a low fee and an excellent location. You're close to shopping and restaurants on St. Mary's Road, and only a short drive from downtown Winnipeg. This suite is perfect for a young, professional couple looking for a modern, low-maintenance -- and affordable -- home in a great location."
lewys@mts.net
