WHEN it comes to condominium conversions, there are two types: minor retrofits and major ones.
The newly-redone condominium complex at 317 Edison Ave. in East Kildonan would definitely fit into the second category, said RE/MAX Professionals' Cory Kehler, lead realtor for the project.
"We had two things in mind going into the project," he said. "First, we wanted to provide people in the area with an affordable option that would give them the opportunity to buy rather than rent. Second, after we took a look at things, it was obvious that a full retrofit was required to bring the building up to speed. Doing a partial, superficial retrofit was out of the question. We wanted to do things right."
Doing things right entailed addressing key areas of the building, both inside and out. Both the plumbing and electrical systems were redone, as was the roof. The building's old boiler was removed and replaced with an electric baseboard heating system.
"All those areas were addressed with one thing in mind -- keeping condominium fees as low as possible. The only way to do that is to ensure the building is sound in every way," said Kehler. "With the roof, we had M.J. Roofing install a two-ply 20-year SRS membrane system, so there won't be any issues there. We even put in extra insulation to make the building more efficient; concrete block walls add sound insulation, as well. The baseboard heating will enable us to better control heating costs to keep condo fees as low as possible."
Additionally, another key area of the complex has been addressed -- the parking lot.
"With the parking lot repaved, roof done and no central heating to drive up costs, condo fees should be very reasonable. Two-bedroom suites should come in at $144 per month, while one-bedroom units will be $110 per month," he said. "And that should be where the fees stay, because we actually went to a property management company (Stephenson Management) and had them cost everything out right down to snow removal and garbage hauling."
As for the interiors of the units, they've been redone, added Kehler.
"Both units are open-concept in design and will feature kitchens with maple cabinets, a tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances," Kehler said.
"There will be durable laminate flooring in the main living areas, while hallways and bedrooms will be carpeted. Master bedrooms are generously sized with double closets, the windows are newer dual-pane units and bathrooms will come with a tile tub surround."
Other amenities will include in-suite laundry (two-bedroom units only), on-site parking (not included in one-bedroom prices), an outdoor fenced common area and storage lockers for each suite. Bus service will be available in front of the building, which comes with a security entry system.
Prices, meanwhile, figure to be very reasonable.
"One-bedroom units will start at $119,900, while two-bedroom units will start at $149,900," said Kehler, adding the project is 50 per cent sold. We're very pleased with how the project has turned out. The quality is excellent and we've done our best to think things through in every possible area. The bottom line is that we do a lot of business, so we weren't going to stake our reputation on a building that will have problems down the road."
For more information on 317 Edison condos, visit www.317edisoncondos.com or call Cory Kehler at 292-9966.
