PROVIDENCE AT KENSINGTON, the sequel to the developer’s successful San Francisco-inspired Bankview low-rise under the Providence Development Group umbrella is now selling its third and final phase.

“It’s the only project in the history of Kensington that has received the approval of the community and we’re very proud of that,” says Dianne Johnston, vice-president of sales and marketing for Providence Development Group.

Johnston is referring to the initial challenge the project received from the Hillhurst-Sunnyside community association—which culminated with support by residents as well as unanimous support from the community’s planning committee for its go-ahead.

“We feel we won’t ever have this great a location again,” says Johnston, citing proximity to boutiques and cafes along Kensington Road and 10 Street, the Bow River and the core.   Kensington is an appealing address, but to find a quiet location within the community that has downtown views, and proximity to all the amenities nearby is a dream, she adds.
Interest in owning at Providence at Kensington would support that claim, as would the history of quick sell-outs of suites as soon as they come onto the market.

Case in point: the first phase’s 14 units on the second level saw 65 reservations and would-be buyers camping out for the best choice when the project launched a year ago from the Bankview sales centre’s site. When the Kensington sales centre opened in August 2006, its main-floor addresses were spoken for by September, when it closed to let construction catch up. The sales centre is again up and running a final time, with prime third- and fourth-storey digs now up for grabs, but going fast.

“We saved the best for last. We have dramatic views of the downtown from the south side and on the north side you’re looking into the charm of Kensington,” says Johnston of the four-storey address designed to mesh with the architecture of the area, punctuated by traditional brick and sandstone.

The project’s architects at IBI mindfully worked garden elements into the project’s landscape, including eight- to nine-metre yards around the building to lend residents some welcome privacy and ease community members’ concerns.

“It’s more diverse here. It’s been primarily young professionals as well as  people downsizing to a maintenance-free life in an incredible location,” says Johnston of the future residents. “The vast majority of people work downtown, and some work right here in Kensington.  In Kensington it is all about the lifestyle and convenience this location affords.”

Seven floor plans are available, with an average size suite of 1,050-square-feet and the lion’s share comprised of two well-sized bedrooms and two full bathrooms.  A few one-bedroom-plus-dens, in addition to three enviable two-storey townhomes, which are priced from $820,000 plus GST, are also among the final-phase offerings. Meanwhile, single-storey suites ring in from $492,000 before GST.

Finishing will be the height of luxury and will feature granite countertops and built-in computer desks; ensuite bathrooms boasting double glass vessel sinks and walk-through closets to bedrooms; oversize tile and hardwood underfoot; and upscale appliances in stainless steel, including cook tops and side-by-side refrigerators.

Those fortunate enough to secure one of the trio of two-storey townhomes will not only enjoy scores of space (at 1,589- to 1,661-square-feet), they will also net grand balconies poised to make a splash with guests. “These are deluxe units, with the fourth floor more or less a master suite with a den, large walk-in closet, huge ensuite plus oversized balconies with a hot tub included,” says Johnston.

Along with a hip home base within walking distance to careers, coffee houses, pubs, boutiques, and entertainment, Providence at Kensington will also sport a fitness centre in-house for on-the-go owners to squeeze in well-earned workouts. Meanwhile, resident runners can pull on their Nikes and hit the trails along the Bow within minutes.
“It is only 51 units, so it is rare to have amenities in this kind of project. Plus we also feel the amenity is the location,” notes Johnston.

Construction is underway, and first possessions are slated for September. CL


To learn more, visit the sales centre (1321 Kensington Close), open Saturday through Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with extended hours on Thursday evenings (until 9 p.m.). Or visit http://www.providencedevelopment.ca