The sale of one, two and three bedroom condos at a new complex next to Costco and Sobeys in Erin Ridge North begins today and according to the developer, “are going to go fast.”
Sage Gardens, a 214-unit condominium complex with prices ranging from $200,000 to 340,000, is slated to break ground in the spring of 2014.
Units are between 600 and 1,100 square feet.
The building has been designed on the concept of “a balanced approach to living,” boasting sustainable building features such as self dimming lights that reduce electricity usage according to the angle of the sun and carpets made from reclaimed fishing nets.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $50 and $55 million.
“Cultivating life is something they’ve really taken to heart as they’ve designed the building. It celebrates the notion of people coming together and getting to know each other,” said Dwayne Stewart, of the B.C.-based building company Pacific Rim Services that has undertaken the project with developer Vision Investment Properties.
He described the esthetics of the four-level building that has 17 unique floor plans, outdoor landscaping and a rooftop winter garden and barbecue area as “echo(ing) the legacy of some of the agricultural and horticultural heritage that is vibrant here in St. Albert.”
The complex will also feature a 3,000 square foot daycare centre for 80 children and a playground in the building’s enclosed courtyard. In the retail space below the condos there will be a physiotherapy clinic.
“There is such a backlog of day care centres that are needed here right now,” said Manson Osmond, vice president of marketing and operations with Vision properties. He noted the condominium is targeted at young families as much as it is first time home buyers and young professionals.
He said people aged 55 years and up – empty nesters and those looking to downsize from a house – have drummed up the most interest in the condos so far. The physiotherapy clinic will also meet the high demand for it in the community.
The building site for Sage Gardens is located near the Sturgeon Community Hospital, schools, churches, shopping centres and walking trails.
Interior designer Katrina Walker said the vision for the complex, which was designed by Vancouver-born architect David Wong, was based on sustainability and health.
There will be dual flush toilets in every suite, floor plans were designed to allow as much natural daylight into each condo as possible, carpet will be made from reclaimed fishing nets and the quartz in the countertops will be quarried in Quebec.
Walker explained the building materials would also be sourced locally, which will minimize off-gassing and the emission of volatile organic compounds.
Buyers can choose from the basic package, which includes stainless steel appliances and laminate floors or upgrade to hardwood floors and additional tile work for $5,000 to $10,000 more.
Suites are also available in two colour schemes: spring or autumn.
“The colour schemes are intentionally neutral so the homeowners can really put their stamp on it. With a little bit of injection of colour it really becomes a different space,” said Walker.
The unveiling of Sage Gardens comes after the release of 81 single family lots east of the Costco site by St. Albert-based Landrex Developers in September.
The Elements features homes that include move-up, lake lot and luxury estate homes.
Waters Edge is another multi-family, apartment-style development in Erin Ridge North. The four buildings brought in by Seymour Pacific Developments will consist of 254 units.
The grand opening of the Sage Gardens sales centre takes place Saturday at 12 noon at 25 Element Dr.
