“The demand so far has been overwhelming. We have had hundreds of registrations for Penncross,” says Kendra Milne, marketing co-ordinator for Streetside Development Corporation.

While a pair of gazebos on site will resemble impressive amenities included in previous Streetside’s projects up-and-coming and dotting the Calgary landscape, such as Robson and Red Haus, brand new to Penncross are two putting greens for exclusive use of residents and guests to practise on before hitting the fairways.
The four-storey building will house 147 apartment-style condominiums in total, the lion’s share (131) of which will be generous two-bedroom suites. The remaining 16 one-bedroom units will be much larger-than-average, all spanning 700-square-feet.

“I think the primary difference between this and other projects is our research in Okotoks has told us people are looking for space. So our floor plans are significantly larger,” explains Milne, adding two-bedroom suites will span upwards of 1,200-square-feet.

The golf course isn’t the only green surrounding the condo community. “There are environmentally-conscious elements in the new Penncross community. Some of these will include solar-powered lighting for exterior lights, low-water use landscaping for all common areas, and energy-saving appliances,” says Milne.

And just because the condo community will be sensible, doesn’t mean it will blend plainly into the Okotoks landscape. Streetside will put its usual emphasis on exterior curb appeal, including Victorian-inspired streetscapes, complete with turrets, scores of windows, and splashes of colour, says Milne.

“The building exterior will have some interesting elements. It’s a really visually appealing building, and the turrets add a nice element to the exterior,” she says, adding outdoor courtyards, plants and trees aplenty and walking and running paths are all part of the exterior elements poised to appeal to residents.

Included features will be similar to what’s been offered at previous Streetside addresses, with a few extra perks added, such as two included parking stalls in surface and/or underground heated facilities. A full kitchen appliance package in black, balconies, a choice of four colour palettes and storage lockers are all part of the purchase price. “Streetside does offer a quality level of finishing. Plus, residents will have the option to upgrade to things like tile and berber carpet, and washers and dryers,” explains Milne.

Penncross is by no means the developer’s first swing at the Okotoks market. Tucker Hill, which still has attached bungalow homes available, now starting in the mid-$300,000s, has proved a popular address for Calgarians looking to get away from big-city noise, with a bonus of leaving home maintenance behind. Meanwhile, Turnbury @  Crystal Shores  — a 76-multi-level townhome, completely “wired e-community” with single garages and full driveways — proved popular with young singles, families and empty nesters alike.

While final prices are still in the works, Penncross — slated to usher in first residents by the fall of 2008 — is expected to be selling with unit prices from the mid-$200,000s.
“That’s one of the beauties of building in the outlying areas,” says Milne.” You do get better value-per-square-foot in Okotoks.” CL

For more information on Penncross, go to http://www.penncrosscondos.com