Comparing condominiums can be deceiving. Take two units with approximately 900 square feet of space and two bedrooms, said Glen MacAngus of Royal LePage Top Producers. While the space, finishes and amenities might be comparable, there's a good chance construction isn't. "These days, new two-bedroom wood-frame units are selling for around $250,000," he said. "While wood-frame construction has improved, it's not the same quality (in terms of noise reduction) as a concrete and steel building. Just because a building is newer doesn't mean it's better. There are many older concrete and steel buildings out there that offer tremendous value."
One of those buildings is Fort Garry's Sterling Towers, a concrete and steel structure built in 1989. And it just so happens that MacAngus has a well-maintained, 917 sq. ft., two-bedroom unit listed there for under $200,000.
"In my opinion, this unit represents the best value in the complex," he said. "It's a penthouse (top floor) unit with nine-foot ceilings, a river view -- and concrete construction -- that offers incredible value at $194,900. You won't find many suites like this in the city for under $200,000."
The first thing that strikes you about the suite is its spacious feel. Unlike many apartment-style suites, unit 2705 features a recessed kitchen to the left of the foyer. That leaves additional space for an easy transition into the bedroom wing to the left; it also opens up the foyer nicely.
There's also a handy feature directly to the right of the foyer, said MacAngus. "At first, it just looks like a coat closet with its bi-fold doors, but when you open them up, it turns out to be a deep closet. The front has an area for coats; the rear is perfect for storage."
From there, the foyer opens up onto an open-concept living room dining room that's spacious and bright. "The nine-foot ceiling really comes into play here," he said. "Because this is a penthouse suite, you get an extra foot of ceiling height, and it makes a huge difference. It makes a good-sized area feel that much bigger -- there's plenty of room for a sofa and loveseat in the living room, and the dining room can hold a table for six that can be extended to hold more -- and really allows natural light to fill it."
That natural light comes from a rear wall literally filled with glass -- in this case, a sliding patio door with two large vertical windows on either side of it. "It's a great feature, and one that's quite rare. In most cases, you just get a patio door and no windows. The extra glass on either side makes a huge difference in terms of the amount of natural light that comes into the living room and dining room," MacAngus said. "The area has a nice bright, airy feel."
He added the balcony -- it measures in at approximately 12 feet wide by six feet deep -- is a great spot to relax or visit on. "It features a spectacular south side view that looks right down the Red River - it's incredible during the summer months with everything in bloom. It's also covered so you can barbeque, and is quiet because the complex is set well back from Pembina Highway."
Meanwhile, the adjacent kitchen -- which features dual entrances off the foyer and hallway -- is tucked neatly off to the side. It turns out, it's a highly functional space.
"There's plenty of room to move and even space to put a small table in it to eat at. It comes with newer (Frigidaire) appliances, and there's ample cabinet and counter space," he said.
Turn down the nearby bedroom wing, and you can't help but appreciate all the function it contains. "Storage space isn't an issue in this suite. Not only do you have the large closet off the foyer, but you also have two large closets with tons of shelving at the start of the hallway. There's also a huge storage closet at the end of the hallway too."
Both bedrooms -- they're located on the south-facing right-hand wall -- are larger than normal with double bi-fold closets; the master suite (which measures in at 17.6 feet by 10 feet) is carpeted, while the second bedroom features newer laminate flooring. Both bedrooms are also privy to the river view.
The four-piece bath also houses another handy feature. "This unit also comes with in-suite laundry that's hidden behind bi-fold doors," MacAngus said. "The (front-loading) washer and dryer are newer, too."
While some condo complexes come with a bare minimum of amenities, Sterling Towers isn't one of them. "There's a clubhouse that comes with a pool, hot tub, sauna, squash court, gym and pool table. Not only that, but the condo fees cover everything (including cable TV) except hydro. This is a quiet, spacious penthouse suite in a great location off Pembina Highway that would be perfect for an empty nest couple, or ideal for a family to buy for a university student so they can be just minutes from the U of M."
lewys@mts.net
