Article
April 13, 2006
High expectations
Qualex-Landmark’s NOVA lives up to its name
The same developer responsible for changing the face of Vancouver’s chic Yaletown is about to bring its second novel approach to condominium towers to the Calgary downtown landscape.
West Coast-based Qualex-Landmark, propelled by the success of 21-storey Stella, is right on schedule to launch its much-anticipated NOVA condominium tower later this spring.
With a registration list in the thousands, and growing by the dozens every day, the buzz about Phase II of Stella is fast gaining ground.
“NOVA will build on the success of Stella, raising the bar on design, suite layout, finishing and architectural standards. At 27 storeys, with nine-foot ceilings NOVA will feature higher-end finishing with a contemporary urban edge,” says Chris Colbeck, vice-president of sales and marketing at the Qualex-Landmark Group of Companies.
Also among far-from-standard offerings in NOVA’s 188 upscale abodes will be larger living spaces, available in a mix of one-bedroom-and-flex space to two-bedroom-and-flex suites and a trio of sophisticated two level penthouse addresses, says Colbeck.
Expected to appeal to the same discerning type of buyer as its predecessor, NOVA promises to deliver “better living by design” to would-be residents, who can expect upscale finishing within suites – from elevated ceilings, to extensive use of stone, glass and porcelain tile in kitchen and bathrooms, and an upgraded appliance package.
As with Stella – now rising into the sky, and soon to be ready for occupancy at the corner of 12 Avenue and 11 Street S.W. – Qualex-Landmark has used the successful partnership of Calgary’s BKDI Architects Inc. and Vancouver-based Rafii Architects Inc. to create a “slender, attractive” residential tower design that’s unique and a complement the Calgary skyline, says Colbeck.
Private outdoor spaces will be included in the form of balconies or terraces (depending on floorplan) for those looking to extend already generous living spaces.
Meanwhile, residents’ cars will remain safe underground in a heated, secure garage for those who prefer to walk to careers and play downtown, while all suites also come pre-wired for security systems. For added peace of mind, elevators are designed for limited access, so only residents and their visitors will have right of entry to their floors.
One thing both buildings’ residents won’t see in their homes is obscured views. The developer and its architectural team have taken pains in design to ensure the buildings are at least 80 feet apart – which allows for a 5000-square-foot “Ever Green” amenity space at the base that will be landscaped for residents’ use.
“We did that consciously to ensure the views corridors are protected and maximized,” says Colbeck, adding sights of stately addresses in Mount Royal, the downtown skyline, Rocky Mountains and the Bow River will all be available from suites in both towers.
Two retail spaces are also planned for the main level of the tower to offer residents some in-house service perks.
A Discovery Centre is on target to open later this spring at 1111 10 Street SW., right next to the NOVA site where buyers will have a chance to check out prospective views as well as walking through a two-bedroom display suite and alternate kitchen. NOVA is slated for groundbreaking at the same time.
Located in the “design district” of Calgary, in the coveted neighbourhood of Connaught, Colbeck says Stella’s and NOVA’s west side location is as much a draw for would-be residents as is the quality of finishing within and architectural style of the towers.
“Both Calgarians and non-Calgarians are recognizing the west side as a premium location to live, with shopping, restaurants and all the amenities you could want right there.” CL
For more information about NOVA, call 244-2428 or register at http://www.liveatnova.com