Buyers at one unique new development by Homburg-Centron Teamworks dubbed Churchill Estates will have the opposite experience. That’s because the developers did something virtually unheard of—they built the building before marketing began.

“It’s not something typically done in Calgary. Because buildings of this calibre take so long to build, it’s rare in that it gives us and buyers a good gauge on the market as well as construction costs,” says Allison Clark, sales and marketing manager for the Centron Group of Companies.

Walking through the completed suites at 701 - 3 Avenue S.W. it’s no surprise to learn a handful of addresses in the exclusive 11-storey inspired by English architecture are spoken for. With far-from-standard fare ranging from expansive floor plans (one- bedrooms are just shy of 900-square-feet), to finer details from nine- to 14-foot ceilings with coffering, built-in cabinetry in dining rooms and bedrooms, in-floor heat, steam showers, dual vessel sinks and designer tubs, and patios with seemingly endless space, this is no cookie-cutter condo.

“One of the biggest features is the expansive patios—the smallest patio on the second floor is just over 200-square-feet while the largest is close to 1,200,” says Clark of the Eau Claire-area residences.

Buyers have a choice of “transitional” or modern design, characterized in details from fireplace mantles (all but two suites boast fireplaces, some two-way), to cabinet stain and profile to countertop and lighting selections. Rich broadloom in wool and nylon, polished limestone accents and hardwood floors also help deliver the upscale effect one would expect in condominiums starting in the neighbourhood of $700,000.

And what English residence would be complete without a grand library in the foyer, complete with an inviting fireplace, built-in bookshelves for housing Shakespeare’s works and opulent Brazilian cherry in a herringbone pattern underfoot. Meanwhile, only invited guests and residents will have access to the building, thanks to an entry-phone system with cameras and uniformed security staff at the up-front concierge desk 16 hours a day.

Prized rides are also safe and sound, with secure underground parking—and two stalls with two-bedroom units—included in Churchill Estates ownership.

Two show suites, a one-bedroom on the first floor and a two-bedroom a floor up, are open Tuesday through Thursday noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays, weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m. to give an impression of how Churchill Estates addresses will appear once polished. Here, Ingenium Design Group worked its magic to showcase modern and French provincial variations in the European-inspired building with a distinctly Calgary flair—and that doesn’t include drafts or poor water pressure.

“Described to us by the design team is that typically our design cues are taken from European-inspired architecture; however, this isn’t very London-inspired because of its size. Although it definitely integrates that style into its design, but with a Calgary twist,” says Clark, adding a third show suite is also in the works.

One modern touch is these digs come media-ready, with built-in speakers with separate volume controls throughout, wiring for Dolby surround sound in living rooms, as well as hi-tech data lines including Plasma screen pre-wiring in living rooms and master bedrooms.

The eleven-storey residence which Winston, himself, would deem brilliant to come home to boasts 15 choices of suites, ranging from 887-square-feet to 3,391-square-feet, donning smashing names from Burberry to Tottenham. “We’re seeing young professionals and possibly empty-nesters in this area and although we don’t restrict children, it’s likely (going to attract) people without children who like living downtown,” notes Clark.

One thing buyers won’t find at Churchill Estates is addresses that fall flat on style.

“There’s a lot of customization in this project and we have a team of professionals who worked on the design in this build—which means buyers don’t have to make those tough decisions. The exterior design and the choice between two main different styles and six different colour packages is very unique,” explains Clark.

Amenities were left out of the mix to keep condo contributions low and let residents take advantage of the perks nearby, whether that’s dining, jogging or strolling at nearby Eau Claire, hitting the nightlife or high-end boutiques along Stephen Avenue, or taking advantage of a quick commute on foot to careers in the core.

Also atypical is being able to call the movers straight away—first residents take possession in May, while the remainder of suites will sell as they are completed. CL


For more information about Churchill Estates visit http://www.churchillcalgary.com