Many of the initial 38 suites to be released have already been spoken for, while the traffic has not stopped since the buzz of News from Broadcast Hill hit the streets. Word from staff at the bustling sales centre is nearly 30 of the first available digs sold within days of the much-awaited launch March 18.

Here’s the scoop:­
Since acquiring the land in June 2005, developer WestCreek enlisted its builder partner in the project, Today’s Communities. After “extensive” reworking, the media village which housed journalists from all over the world high on Broadcast Hill during the ’88 Olympics is experiencing a new lease on life.

While the builder, part of the Unity Builders Group, brings a wealth of multi-family experience to the 266-home project, this is Todays’ first conversion. The benefit to buyers in the current seller’s marketplace is netting home ownership without the wait times of putting up buildings from scratch, says Bravin Goldade, president of WestCreek Developments.

“In today’s marketplace, pressure is on to get the contractors to get the thing built, when News is going to be immediate possessions, but with all the finishing of new – which is unheard of,” he says.

And unlike much of what’s broadcast in the news, this story has a happy ending. With staggered release dates, about 20 of the 580- to 1,100-square-foot suites will be up for grabs monthly, giving would-be News residents scores of chances to buy.

In a visit to the site last month, Goldade could barely recognize the new digs – originally built by United Management for about $20 million. Since then the suites were sold into condominium ownership, but many were in need of more than a little TLC after nearly 20 years of renters when the marathon renos began, he says.

Brent Ling, president of Today’s Communities wants buyers to know the building and development partners did more than scratch the surface in the revamp.

“It’s important to differentiate that we are restoring the common property as well – we could just renovate the units and sell them but that wasn’t what we wanted,” says Ling, adding a separate amenities building also underwent “major” improvements to its pool, hot tub, fitness area, changing rooms and party room.

Meanwhile, the heating, roof, building exteriors and landscaping on the 16.8-acre sloped site have also seen facelifts of Olympic proportions.

Kyle Friesen, development manager for Today’s Communities, says the end result is good news for buyers most of all.

“The basic thing with this project is location, finishing, and the ability to accommodate quick possessions. Standards are granite countertops, wood-burning fireplaces, cork flooring and maple cabinets,” he says, adding upgrade packages including hardwood flooring and oak cabinets are available for buyers who act quickly.

News’ 266-home site – divided into “pods” of 10 – also boasts some of the best views of the downtown core – thanks to a tiered design that Ling dubs “more or less ahead of its time architecturally,” with noticeably much lower building density than what’s become the norm.

In addition to saving on GST buyers of the conversion address also take the reigns of the condominium corporation with a hefty reserve fund, thanks in part a $2-million investment by the developer and building partners.

Three show suites are now open weekdays from 1 p.m. to 7 pm. and weekends, noon to 5 p.m., to give buyers the facts of what’s included at News from Broadcast Hill – from balconies and ensuites in some models, to cork flooring, black appliances, a combination washer/dryer, and granite countertops, all in an attractive contemporary package.

Model floor plans (at 400 Village Gardens S.W.) range from a funky one-bedroom design to two-bedroom bungalow and two-storey/two-bedroom with ensuite  respectively, and are among a plethora of floorplans up for grabs.

Prices are currently in the $180,000s to low $300,000s. To get to News From Broadcast Hill, take Bow Trail west past Sarcee Trail, turn right on Old Banff Coach Road, right at the top of the hill onto Coach Hill Road and left onto Patina Drive.   CL