However, the town of Airdrie is experiencing a tremendous amount of growth as well, with families, couples and singles looking for less hustle and bustle in their daily living. Some people are choosing to live as far away from Calgary’s city-centre as possible, and Airdrie is only 20 minutes North of Calgary. This is far enough away from the city to experience a tight-knit community with a small-town atmosphere, while still having all the amenities that a big-city community offers. Kent Rupert, Manager of Economic Development in Airdrie, says that the Citizen Satisfaction Survey that is completed each year shows that Airdrie’s residents like where they live because it costs a little less than Calgary, and it still feels like a small town; friendly, quiet, and as one resident said, “It feels like Home.”
“In 2005, we did about 566 single family dwelling development permits, last year it increased to just under 1300, and this year we are expecting between 1600 – 1700.” says Rupert. He also says that in the past Airdrie was comprised mostly of single family homes, but more and more seniors are retiring and moving into multi-family dwellings. As well, young professionals are seeing Airdrie as a great place to start up businesses, and every year more amenities are being added. “This year we are expecting at least 500 multi-family units, and that number may even be higher.” says Rupert. Airdrie offers many of the same big-name stores and great shops, but also has 300 acres of park and green-spaces which include an extensive pathway system that conveniently links most areas. As you can see, Airdrie has been experiencing a lot of growth when it comes to single family developments, but this growth is no longer limited to that alone. Two condominium projects are currently under way, and they are experiencing quite a lot of interest in their communities.

One of the condominium projects that is currently planned for Airdrie is Railtown. Railtown condominiums have sold out the first phase of this impressive project, and Phase Two will be released in April. President of Airdrie Railtown Developments Ltd., Jim Klus, says that the buildings are six stories high, (the first of this height in Airdrie) and they are of steel and concrete construction. Not only does this make the buildings extremely durable, but steel and concrete are also noncombustible, which adds a great safety feature, and this isn’t the only great construction feature of Railtown. “The buildings are designed with tremendous energy efficiency in mind, both in construction and operation,” says Klus. “We are using a specially engineered rigid insulation exterior wall, providing fantastic R-value, with no air leakage.” As well, Klus says that the building heating is in-floor radiant heating cast into the floor slabs, eliminating those cold-floor mornings. “In addition, we are using low flow plumbing fixtures, all energy efficient lighting, which means no incandescent bulbs anywhere, and are providing five EnergyStar compliant appliances as standard items, including a full size front load washer and dryer.” says Klus. When it comes to energy efficiency, Railtown has thought of it all; they will even be recycling captured rainwater for irrigation.

The landscaping will be equally impressive, with walking paths, water features, a fountain and gazebos. Of course the suites themselves will also reflect that same attention to detail, with open floorplans that have beautiful standard features such as elegant porcelain tile floors and backsplashes, warm berber carpets and beautiful appliances. There are 2-storey lofts available, each with a huge master bedroom, ensuite and walk-in closet on the second floor, overlooking an impressive 18-foot vaulted living room. These suites are sure to go very quickly. Railtown is offering One Bedroom with Den from the $130,000s Two Bedroom, two baths with Den from the $160,000s, and Lofts from the $200,000s. Of course many wonderful upgrades are also available, but this offers quite a range that will suit different lifestyles and price-ranges for potential owners.

Only a short distance away is another great condominium project. Crown Shores condominiums offer stylish living in elegant four storey buildings surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. The whole project will be surrounded entirely by water with a private entrance, reflection pools and sparkling fountains.  Only minutes to Airdrie’s downtown shops and a fabulous golf course, Crown Shores is as conveniently located as it is attractive. The presentation center offers a show-suite of one floor plan to help get an idea of what Crown Shores will have to offer, and it’s a very attractive plan at that.

As you enter the Emerald A, you are greeted with warm laminate flooring and attractive lighting, which gives the whole room an elegant look. This open plan concept offers a generous kitchen with a large, raised eating-bar at the island, attractive appliances and lots of counter-space. This room also includes a living room area and dining area which are both open to the kitchen, offering a great place to socialize with friends and family. The large bright window allows sunlight to brighten the main living space, and will offer a great view as well. Of course there’s much more to this show suite than the main living area. Also included in this particular plan is the main bathroom, laundry room, the secondary bedroom, and of course the Master bedroom. This Master bedroom includes an open closet area that could easily include a computer desk or relaxing reading nook, as well as a full ensuite down the hall. The main bedroom area lies beyond these, and includes a nook for a hutch or dresser, and another large window.  Everything about this suite is functional yet attractive, and gives potential buyers a chance to see what may lie in store for them.

Phil Jamieson, Sales Associate with Crown Properties, says that these units are very well priced, ranging from $146,900 to $195,000 plus GST. Crown Shores offers One Bedroom plus Den suites, and Two Bedroom suites, ranging from 910 square feet to 1215 square feet. Each suite also comes standard with vinyl-covered decks, in-floor radiant heating and all appliances. In addition to some of the elegant standards in the suites, such as lever-style door handles and wider baseboards, there are  some great building features as well. “There are two elevators in each building, and there is a full sprinkler system throughout,” says Jamieson. “There is also a choice between underground heated parking, or outside individual garage parking, as well as extra outside stalls with plug-ins.”

With these two great condominium communities to choose from, it’s no wonder that more people who are looking for multi-family living, are moving to Airdrie to experience a different style of living.   CL