When Maurice and Linda Lapierre go somewhere, more often than not, they walk.
For the Lapierres, staying active is important, so it was no accident that the Calgary couple bought a unit at a condo tower surrounded by walkable amenities.
The Lapierres moved last year into Waterfront, a condo development by Anthem Properties next to the Bow River on Riverfront Ave. S.W.
The two say it puts them right in the middle of everything they need. “You can really get around without a car down here,” says Maurice.
Waterfront is less than a block from the Plus 15 pedestrian walkway network linking much of downtown Calgary.
“You can go anywhere, regardless of the weather,” he says.
Plus 15 is a draw for many of the project’s residents, says Robert Marchand, marketing director for Anthem Properties.
“We’re the only development that I can think of that has one block connectivity to Plus 15,” he says.
Not only that, Waterfront is near many choice restaurants, a bicycle path system and Prince’s Island Park.
“It’s a great park with a lot of beauty to it,” says Maurice, adding that he and Linda regularly use the space to walk their dog, Bailey.
The couple also likes that the park is a hub for activity, hosting events ranging from the Calgary International Folk Festival to Shakespeare in the Park.
The buzz around the park in all weather conditions is a sign that Calgary ranks among the most active cities in Canada, says Marchand.
“I have never seen so many people in the winter with their running gear on — and they’re heading for Prince’s Island Park,” he says. “We are sitting on the doorstep to probably one of the largest natural recreation facilities in Calgary.”
The Lapierres’ two-bedroom apartment is on the southwest corner of the building. From their balcony, they enjoy views of downtown and the river.
While two towers have been constructed at Waterfront, the 2.1-hectare development is to include four buildings.
The first tower contains 22 storeys, while the second tower is 24 storeys. Both buildings are made of glass and concrete.
The two towers are connected by a six-storey podium with a rooftop garden.
Including its podium units, the project’s existing two towers will contain more than 550 residences. While amenities outside the developments were a draw, so were features within Waterfront, itself, says Maurice.
“Everything that you would be interested in having is available,” he says. It includes a concierge service, theatre, fitness centre and lounge.
The lounge boasts a pool table and fully-equipped kitchen and is available for owners to host events such as wine and cheese parties.
Owners can continue to entertain guests in the private 16-seat theatre with a 115 inch screen.
The fitness facility includes a whirlpool, steam room and yoga studio — all “penthouse grade,” says Marchand.
On top of that, Linda says Waterfront works well for the Lapierres because of its “lock-and-leave lifestyle.”
It includes being able to travel without worrying about frozen pipes or shovelling the walk, says Linda. “You just have more freedom.”
The next units at Waterfront go on sale today. These residences are located from the podium level up to the 15th level of the first building, and up to the 10th level of the second building.
The units are available for $280,000, which is the low end of the price range at Waterfront.
The highest-priced units are its penthouses, which are more than $3.5 million and will be available for sale sometime this fall.
Units at the development include high-end finishings such as wide-plank hardwood flooring, a gas fireplace, oversized windows, ceilings up to eight feet, eight inches, and entertainment-sized patios.
The kitchens feature soft touch drawers and cabinets, polished stone countertops, a stainless-steel appliance package and frosted glass pantry doors.
A presentation centre for Waterfront is at 216 Riverfront Ave. S.W.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Project: Waterfront is a condo development that is to include four towers. Two of the towers have been constructed — one 21 storeys and the other 24 storeys. New units are to be released today.
Developer: Anthem Properties
Location: 216 Riverfront Ave S.W. in Eau Claire. This is also the location of Waterfront’s presentation centre.
Price: Units at Waterfront start at $280,000. However, penthouses planned for sale in the fall are priced at more $3.5 million.
Information: Visit the website at waterfrontcalgary.com
COMBINED VISION
The look and feel of Waterfront came through the vision of two Vancouver-based companies.
The architecture was handled by Rafii Architects Inc. and the interior design came through Insight
Design Group.
Since opening in 1983, Rafii has an extensive portfolio that includes projects in Alberta, the Greater
Vancouver area, Vancouver Island and the U.S.
Insight Design Group started in 1995 and has worked on residential, commercial and hospitality projects across Canada.
For more information on Insight Design Group, visit insightdesigninc.com To learn more about Rafii
Architects, visit rafiiarchitects.com.
BILLION-DOLLAR DREAM
With the motto, “creating real estate that works,” Anthem Properties has developed more than 120 projects since 1991.
In total, the company’s developments are valued at more than $1 billion. The company’s developments span 22 cities in Alberta and B.C.
In addition to residential property, Anthem has also developed shopping centres, offices and industrial buildings.
For more information, visit the website at anthemproperties.com
E-mail jskapin@calgaryherald.com. Follow twitter.com/CalHeraldHomes
BY JOSH SKAPIN, CALGARY HERALD APRIL 13, 2012 4:40 PM
Maurice and Linda Lapierre sit in front of a view of downtown in their inner-city condo in the Waterfront complex in Eau Claire near Prince’s Island Park (click on the photo for our 13-picture tour).
Photograph by: Stuart Gradon, Calgary Herald
