Standing 34 storeys into the sky, this sandstone-and-stucco highrise is a masterpiece of architecture and design. Astoria on 10th’s attention to detail, combined with its sleek, clean, and classic lines has resulted in a building unlike any other found in the city.

“We wanted to build a landmark building, something that would be fresh and exciting for the Calgary skyline,” says Michael Myers, general manager of the condominium division of Arcus. “We sought out the advice and expertise of an international architectural firm and they were able to pull some ideas from Chicago and New York that had strong flair, strong tradition, and a newness Western Canada wasn’t seeing.”

Breaking ground on the 229-unit high rise in July, Astoria on 10th is selling its units in stages to give people an opportunity to appreciate and experience the Astoria on 10th show suite, on display Monday to Friday between noon and 6 p.m. or by appointment, at the sales centre located at #110, 999-8 St. S.W.

The show suite boasts everything from a mosaic tile panel above the front door, available in all units, to a full-sized patio and replicated view of the city. It is a standard one-bedroom unit and provides potential condo owners with a snapshot into what the Astoria lifestyle has to offer.

Clients are able to walk across the stained maple hardwood flooring and Berber carpets, while admiring the hardwood cabinetry and granite and laminate countertops found in the kitchen and bathroom. Recessed pot lights and surface mounted fixtures complement the stainless appliances, polished chrome hardware and Nysan manual roller shade window coverings, coming together to create a living space ideal for anyone seeking sanctuary at home.

Tanya Wesley, project sales manager, says its level of comfort and attention to detail awes everyone walking into the show suite. “It feels like home, it doesn’t feel like a show suite,” she says. “There’s a ‘wow factor’ in here, yet the suite is simple, meaning there is a flow, a distinct pattern, and it’s appealing to the eye. It says
a lot about our style.”

Arcus worked closely with Jerilyn Wright and Associates of Calgary to develop an interior design that would reflect Astoria on 10th’s image and attract a wide range of buyers.The building itself was designed by Kirkor Architects and Planners of Toronto, along with the Tarjan Group of Calgary.

Reminiscent of architectural marvels such as the Waldorf Astoria Hotel or the Chrysler Building, the tower features a high-peaked roofline and an art deco style, making it both contemporary and classic.

“We see Calgary as becoming a more mature, more sophisticated city as it develops and evolves. We want our design to break away from the standard and set the bar at a new level,” says Myers.

With suites ranging between the mid-$300,000 mark and more than $1 million, they are available in one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, and two-bedroom units. With ten different floor plans to offer, suites range in size between 580- and 1,113-square-feet. There are also two 3,300-square-foot penthouse suites on the top floor.

The base of the Astoria on 10th will include retail space on the ground level, and commercial space on the second and third floors. The fourth floor, which is the first residential floor, will include a fitness room, common room, and a rooftop patio featuring green space, gardens, and an open barbecue area ideal for entertaining guests. CL