New Homes
New Homes
Correction
In our preview Aug. 24 of Sapphire Homes' show home at 16 Medinah Dr. in La Salle, it was incorrectly reported that the home had been sold.
The home remains on the market, listed with Realtor Jeff Stern of Re/Max. For information, contact Stern at 795-9600 or go to jeffstern.com
The Free Press regrets the error.
New Homes
A nice little Niche to call home
For the longest time, a compact parcel of land sat empty at the corner of Grant Avenue and Niagara Street.To the naked eye, nothing was going on. As it turns out, that was perception, not reality. Come early winter of 2009, Niche Condominiums, a collaboration between Karma Development Corporation and architect Ernie Walter and Walter Corporation, will feature a cutting-edge, eight unit condominium complex on that prime piece of River Heights real estate.
"We actually bought this property over two years ago," said Marc Kipnes, who along with partner Myles Kraut runs Winnipeg-based Karma Development Corp. "It's taken this long to get the zoning and other technical elements of the project done. We also got the neighbourhood involved to ensure that the project fit into the area. Now that we've got their approval and Ernie Walter to do the building design -- he's the only architect who could do this -- we're ready to move forward. Construction will start in spring 2009."
Yaron Walter, president of Walter Corp., says it was a challenge to come up with a design to fit the compact lot.
"It definitely was a challenge," he said. "This is going to be one of the first buildings of its type in Winnipeg. It took some doing, but we managed to maximize the square footage and living space so that residents wouldn't feel boxed in. It will be a very innovative design -- there will be three one-level units, and the other five will be two-storey units. Size will range from 1,253 sq. ft. to 1,724 sq. ft." Units will start at $350,000.
Just as the building has been designed to maximize space, it has also been designed to be very, very green from top to bottom, Walter added.
"To start off, it will feature ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction, which is not only durable and offers great insulation values (R32 walls and R60 roof), but it will also eliminate a lot of product waste. That will make for a more ecologically friendly building," he said. "It's going to be a very comfortable and soundproof design that will also be energy-efficient and safe and healthy to live in."
Other green features will include low-flow Kohler fixtures, dual-flush toilets, polished concrete floors, low V.O.C. paint, Kitchen Aid stainless Energy Star appliances, and a selection of green flooring products to choose from should buyers want to go with something other than concrete flooring.
Suite interiors will be open-concept in nature, with amenities such as nine-foot ceilings, four-season sunrooms with skylights (some will have balconies) and large windows (full ceiling height) to let in lots of natural light. Each unit will have two private entrances -- one from the front and an entrance leading from heated indoor parking directly into the suite.
"All the finishes and appliances will be top-end (including CaesarStone countertops, glass backsplashes and flat laminate cabinetry with environment-friendly cores)," said Kipnes, adding that each suite will have its own heating and cooling controls, with electric furnace and HRV unit.
"Our goal is to make units where people can pick the design they like and just move in. Hopefully, there won't be any need to upgrade. People can also expect units that have more of a townhouse, rather than condominium feel."
Walter said it's been a pleasure working with Karma Development Corporation to make such a cutting-edge design a reality.
"Marc and Myles have been willing to go a little bit extra in every area to make for a top-quality project. The result will be a leading-edge design that is integrated with the neighbourhood in a way that people have never seen before. Most importantly, it will have the style, space and green features that people are looking for."
Barry Greenberg of Newman, Greenberg and Associates, who is marketing Niche Condominiums with partner Monica Newman, says the project is a perfect fit for the area.
"Two things stand out about this project: the location, which is just superb. You're close to everything, and the area has one of the highest resale values in Winnipeg. I also like the fact that this is a smaller project. That makes it so much more personal and customer-friendly. Personal touches like private entrances and courtyards and an innovative, green design are going to make this a great place to call home."
For more information on Niche Condominiums -- its display centre will open Saturday, Sept. 6 -- call Newman, Greenberg and Associates at 784-3555 or see www.nichecondominiums.com.
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
Feast for the senses
So, you're looking for a new place to live, and you have an unlimited budget to work with.Unwilling to settle, you're searching for a two-storey home that has space to burn, is finished in only the finest materials, and has a water view -- just for starters. In short, you want a work of art that's not only a visual feast, but is flawless from an ergonomic standpoint.
A tall order, no doubt. Nevertheless, we think we've found a show home worthy of your consideration: 7 Prominence Point in Bridgwater Forest in Waverley West.
Just opened for the first weekend of the Fall Parade of Homes, the 2,864 sq. ft, two-storey show home (with walk-out basement) is already drawing rave reviews for its imaginative design, says Gino Homes' marketing representative, Sutton Realty's Jeff Brown.
"Everyone who viewed the home was absolutely blown away by what they saw," says Brown. "It's a beautifully laid-out home that's finished with top-quality materials such as solid oak doors, one-and-a-half-inch granite countertops, maple hardwoods and ceramic tile. Not one detail has been missed. That's why this is such an incredible home."
Exhibit A is the island kitchen, which is notable for a variety of reasons, says Brown.
"First of all, it's a deluxe, oversize gourmet kitchen. With its two-tone maple cabinetry, black granite counter, island with double stainless sink and eating nook for three -- and an amazing appliance package (natural gas stove, industrial-quality fridge/freezer combo) -- it's a great place to cook. Add in a custom brown/black floor with 18-inch ceramic tile and two-tone ceramic backsplash, and it's a kitchen that just begs to be used."
As ornate as the kitchen is, it's also practically designed, too. The door from the three-car garage opens right into the kitchen; across from the door is (no wire racks here) a dark-stained oak storage unit to house coats, sports equipment and other odds and ends. At the other end of the kitchen is a huge dinette area framed by no fewer than five large windows.
Then, there's the adjacent great room with its 20-foot ceiling, wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, medium-colour maple hardwoods (which also run through the kitchen) and gas fireplace.
"The expansive feel that the home's floor plan creates is exceptional," he says. "Flow from the kitchen to great room is, in a word, smooth. A five-foot-wide hallway then takes you through to the dining room at the front of the home; separation is provided by a three-sided gas fireplace that can be enjoyed from both the great room and dining room (which sports a smashing tray ceiling). It looks spectacular at night, whether you're entertaining or just relaxing with the family."
A quick trip up the angular staircase reveals an upper level that matches the main level's spacious, richly finished feel. Light is abundant, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room below; thanks to the balcony (great place to view the great room), a jog in the far wall -- and an extra-wide hallway -- there will be no rubbing shoulders in the morning before work or school.
With earth tone browns, gorgeous oak trim and textured brown berber carpet, the upper level is both easy on the eyes and easy to navigate. The two secondary bedrooms are bigger than usual, with one sporting a walk-in closet. As well-appointed as the two bedrooms are (there's also a large four-piece main bathroom, too), the master bedroom is the unquestioned show stealer.
"It's everything a master bedroom in a home of this calibre should be -- its size, shape and style is unbelievable," Brown says. "You get a double door entrance, water view and room to arrange the bedroom exactly to your personal tastes; the ensuite has a huge corner jetted tub wrapped in cultured stone and ceramic tile, and a five-foot tempered glass shower encased in beige ceramic tile. The walk-in closet even has custom cabinetry, and the chocolate brown/medium brown/midnight blue colour scheme strikes just the right balance."
Downstairs, the home's crowning touch awaits: a walk-out basement that adds more than 1,200 sq. ft. of livable space to bring total square footage to over 4,000.
"With six windows, a nine-foot ceiling and no teleposts, the lower level is bright, has a water view and room for a games area, sitting area (with another gas fireplace), and a fourth bedroom," he says. "There's also a hidden garage in back, which is a neat feature, too. This home has everything -- a great location, huge lot with water view -- and is immaculate in and out. It's craftsmanship -- and detail -- at its finest."
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
95 new homes are entered in Fall Parade
Today marks the second day of the annual Fall Parade of Homes. From Sept. 6 through Sept. 28, 95 new homes are on display for the public to enjoy. These 95 homes represent the expertise of 32 of Manitoba's finest builders located in 30 different subdivisions.
Two days ago, Mayor Sam Katz, Energy Minister Jim Rondeau, Coun. Russ Wyatt and Genstar Vice-President Jerry Klein launched the official opening of the Parade in front of five beautiful new homes in Kildonan Green. More than 200 people were in attendance, including news media, builders and suppliers.
The fall Parade is unique in many ways. In addition to Winnipeg, there are show homes in Headingley, Brandon, Niverville, Gimli, Oakbank, LaSalle, Lorette and Selkirk. As well, there are nine condominiums entered this year. The Power Smart flag is flying at many of the homes. Housing affordability is a major focus with a wide variety of prices being offered.
The Fall Parade of Homes has something for everyone. If you're looking for a first new home, this is your opportunity to see the widest variety at one time. If you're considering selling your existing home for more space, less space, more yard, less yard, newer amenities and a different design, everything you could possibly be looking for awaits you.
If you're thinking of making some changes in your existing home, nowhere else will you see so many new and dynamic building styles and techniques. If you just want to see the best of the best and envision your dream home, this is the place to do it. After all, dreams do come true.
The show homes of the 2008 Fall Parade of Homes are open for viewing Monday to Thursday 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. They are closed on Friday except by appointment.
Sales staff are available in each show home ready to explain its unique and special features. Ask about the builders and the suppliers. Manitoba is noted for featuring some of the best built homes in Canada and Manitoba's best are featured in the Parade.
Come out early and come out often. Enjoy the 2008 Fall Parade of Homes.
This column prepared by the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
