A landman at a small oil and gas company in downtown Calgary, Aaron looked around many inner city neighbourhoods before deciding on his condo in Connaught. “I have a northwest alliance, after growing up in Rosemont and then Scenic Acres, so I started looking in Kensington, but the prices were high. Then I looked in Mission, Lower Mount Royal and Victoria Park. I knew I wanted to be in a neighbourhood that wasn’t in transition. And, I wanted to be able to walk to work. I had taken the train for a year and was having trouble finding a parking spot at the C-Train stations when I was living at home in Scenic Acres. I was getting frustrated with public transit.”

Aaron found the ideal location. Close to trendy 17th Avenue SW, he is able to walk to restaurants and coffee shops with his girlfriend, Sarah, or meet up with friends. “I like the idea that I can walk to get groceries or a video. There is no shortage of exercise and I have a lot less kilometres on my car! I love to go out on Saturday morning to Nellie’s. It is a nice, relaxing way to start the day!” Being active is important to this 26-year-old. “I use my car to go golfing or to play soccer, as well as make my way to the gym.”

Within Emerald Stone, there is a small gym as well as a golf simulator, both of which Aaron uses from time to time. These are included in his condo fees, as well as Internet access, heat, and water. Most importantly, though, is the central air conditioning! “Sarah and some friends think I keep it cool in here, but I like it that way.”

Looking at this condominium as more of an investment than permanent address, Aaron “would love to have the luxury of keeping it to rent it out,” but the reality he sees is he may have to sell it for his next residence, which he hopes will be in the inner city again. “I’ve gotten used to having everything close by and within walking distance.”

Aaron has a great view of the mature neighbourhood through his south and west windows. “It’s nice not to have any towering buildings nearby. I like to watch the activity down below: people going for walks, jogs; just doing the day to day stuff.”

“My bedroom and patio are the most neglected areas. My condo is definitely a work in progress!” he laughs. “When I first moved in, all I had was my bedroom furniture.” With help from his girlfriend and mother, he has purchased all new furniture in the living spaces, including his unique glass-topped table from Killian. It expands to double the size for when he hosts social gatherings. “I’m very happy with the table. It was my first big purchase! I didn’t realize all what I had to buy, as I hadn’t accumulated a lot of things before moving out on my own.”

Displayed in a place of prominence on the wall in the dining area is a large modern painting by Donna Rupert entitled City Shadows. “My parents had taken us out for dinner to celebrate my graduation from university, and Donna’s work was there.” The colours in the painting pull out the greenish grey hints in the walls.

Aaron is the second owner of this unit. “When I first saw it, the people who lived here before had very traditional furnishings and filled it with plants. I had to visualize the space as my own. I liked the layout because initially I thought I would have a roommate and wanted two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It seemed strange with all their things in here, but once they moved out, it became a blank canvas.” Aaron has chosen a contemporary look for his space, including a grey microfibre couch from Urban Barn, a black ottoman and black wooden bar stools, placed up to his breakfast bar. “I did keep the curtains, though!” He is looking at getting some black-out blinds for his bedroom.

If he could make any changes to his home, he would have preferred hardwood flooring instead of the berber carpet. “I think the designers were off by about six months when they thought of the space for the TV and electronic equipment.” He would like to modify the space for his television, to accommodate a flat screen plasma tv rather than the bulkier projection TV. He is also looking to add more to his 12-foot by 22-foot deck. “I am waiting for some loungers,” to add to the metal patio furniture and gas barbeque. Parking is also a bit of an issue. He, himself, has one underground. However, when Sarah, family or friends come for a visit, there are a few complaints. A spot right in front can be found, if they are lucky, but sometimes they have to park a block or two away. “They are developing their parallel parking skills,” he chuckles.

In the warm-toned ceramic-tiled foyer, three black and white photographs grace the wall, and also do double duty to hide the electric panel. “My grandfather took these pictures back in the 1960s of Stephen Avenue. I framed them myself.” Another black and white photo is found on the wall above the dining table, taken by chance while Aaron was in Australia, reminding him of a moment in time when he was 19 years old.

 Aaron has made his first place personal and comfortable, and sees the great potential and smart investment in his contemporary home.