Think of turn-of-the century condominiums, and the tendency (and rightly so) is to think of the city's historic Exchange District.
With their exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, big windows and voluminous interiors, they personify urban chic with a historic twist thrown in. Nothing like owning a historic condominium in downtown's warehouse district, you say to yourself; a crying shame that they're so pricey.
Well, what if you could find a chic condominium with those features several kilometres west, at roughly one-third of the price? Is this fantasy, or reality?
-- -- --
Reality, says Realty Executives' Eric Neumann.
"I was really excited when I saw this condominium," he says. "To me, it's kind of a hidden gem -- there aren't a lot of condominiums of this calibre or vintage in the city's west end."
And how. One of three buildings erected in 1911 on St. Paul Avenue -- an innocuous little street that runs between Arlington Street and Burnell Avenue, a short walk from Portage Avenue -- unit eight, 817 St. Paul is on the topmost floor of a rather plain-looking red brick building. To say the least, the building's average cosmetic appeal belies what lies inside the handsome 1,107 sq. ft., two-bedroom unit.
"It was totally renovated in 2009 -- the interior brick wall was sandblasted, and the drywall, flooring and windows were all replaced, as were the appliances -- the (electric) furnace was even outfitted with an HRV system," Neumann says. "It's also the only unit that comes with a fully-covered carport. The paint and fixtures are next to new, as well."
Although the unit doesn't come with the high ceilings and hand-hewn fir rafters that come part-and-parcel with Exchange District condominiums, unit 8-817 St. Paul features a mix of materials that deftly teams modern design with a touch of historic flair.
For starters, the kitchen floor -- as well as the long hallway that houses the four-piece bathroom, master bedroom and good-sized second bedroom -- is a warm tan ceramic tile set that teams with the sand-coloured brick walls to creates an interior that oozes character by way of the different colours and textures.
Not only that, but the unit is essentially broken up into two halves. The rear portion with the two bedrooms, bathroom (again totally redone with ceramic floor and new acrylic tub/shower surround); and the front portion, which is comprised of an island kitchen, dining area and living room.
Surrounded by four large windows, the great room area is impressive from both an ergonomic and finishing standpoint. First, there's lots of room to move in the kitchen, which comes equipped with dark oak veneer Ikea cabinets, copper/brown laminate counter tops, beige ceramic backsplash and stainless appliances.
With a raised eating nook for two that opens on to a generous dining area -- there's plenty of room to entertain. Because the area is basically a long rectangle, there's also ample space for a healthy sprinkling of furniture (and the requisite flat panel TV) in the living room. The brick wall -- which runs down the right-hand side -- puts the area over the top with a welcome infusion of yesteryear charm.
"Combined, the area is about 29 feet long by 13 feet wide," adds Neumann. "The kitchen is defined by the ceramic tile, while the living room is on beautiful maple hardwoods. It's very tastefully done."
Meanwhile, the unit also gets high functionality marks in the bedroom/bathroom wing. The master bedroom -- which is on the (quieter) Burnell Street side is big with a good-sized walk-in closet and large window, and the second bedroom isn't just a tiny afterthought -- it could serve capably as either an office or second bedroom. Thanks to new double pane windows, the interior is surprisingly quiet.
Most importantly, says Neumann, 8-817 St. Paul offers something an Exchange District condominium can't: an affordable price tag.
"It's not only affordable, but it has character with the brick, which you see mainly in the Exchange area. It will appeal to people who appreciate the layout, architecture and unique style."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 8-817 St. Paul Avenue
Size: 1,107 sq. ft.
Year Built: 1911
Style: Condominium
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Price: $174,900
Condominium Fees: $193.50/month
Contact: Eric Neumann, Realty Executives First Choice @ 885-8999
