Add to this the fact that the name of the developer behind the project is Providence, and the connection is too obvious to be denied: this is one condominium that truly seems meant to be.

Providence in Kensington is the second project for Providence Development Group, a Calgary company founded by Gary Beyer and Dianne Johnston. The low-rise, 51 unit development is already a huge success, following a complete sellout of the first 14 units released earlier this year.

“The interest is tremendous,” says Beyer, President. “Kensington is one of those unique inner city areas that offers so much in the way of convenience, history, entertainment, shopping – bring great housing to a community like that and there’s bound to be demand for it.”

That might be putting it lightly. Providence in Kensington had 65 reservations for the 14 units sold in Phase I, with people camped out on the street to get first dibs on the unit of their choice. Beyer and Johnston are anticipating even more interest when the next phase of units (all on the ground floor) is released in August. The sales centre (located at 23rd Avenue and 14 Street SW – on the site of the company’s first sold-out project, Providence at Bankview) will re-open September 7. Reservations for purchase will be taken starting at 9 a.m. on September 23.

“I think people are responding to a lot of things,” says Beyer, reflecting on the development’s popularity. “The location is obviously great, but low density is a factor as well. When you buy into a high-rise development with 300-500 units, you don’t get the same sense of community. Here, you have the opportunity to really know your neighbours, and chances are you’ll have a lot in common with them.”

Visually, the building celebrates the history of the area, utilizing traditional red brick and sandstone as its primary materials. With just four floors, the architectural design blends in well the surrounding buildings and is highlighted by lush, garden-inspired landscaping. “IBI is a comprehensive architectural firm,” says Beyer of the design team behind the project. “Landscaping is part of their design process, not something that’s thrown in at the end of the day.”

The eight to nine-metre yards surrounding the development provide an added element of privacy to ground level units and lend a mature aesthetic to this new building.

Units are appointed with high-end finishing materials, including granite countertops in both kitchen and bath, flat-panel maple cabinets, 20 x 20 inch porcelain tile, hardwood floors, glass vessel sinks and stainless steel appliances. South facing units on the upper levels will offer great views of downtown and the Bow River, while north facing units overlook trendy Kensington Avenue.

Six floor plans are available, with an average size of 1,050 square feet. Most suites are a two bedroom, but there are a few one bedroom plus den suites, in addition to three two-story townhome units complete with large balconies and private hot tubs. A fitness room is also incorporated for all owners – a great bonus for those who find it difficult to get to the gym.

Construction is set to begin August 1, with a 12-13 month target completion date. For reservations on the next phase of sales, go to http://www.providencedevelopment.ca. CL