Calvanna Village offers affordable apartment living to empty nesters, retirees and seniors who still are looking for amenities nearby and a place to meet new people. When owners of Calvanna Developments Ltd. first set their eyes on the future home of their planned three-phase, 144 unit village, they knew it was the right fit.

With grocery stores, pharmacies, physicians and restaurants within close walking distance, executives knew it would be the perfect location for their clients. The crowning touch is the Okotoks senior centre, which is located within a block of the Calvanna building in Okotoks community hall, an entertainment hub in the town.

“The location is hard to beat,” said Calvanna marketing director Paul Funk. “It is a natural for a plus-50 building.” And Okotoks still offers the quiet life, Funk added. “More and more people are choosing the small town atmosphere all the time,” Funk said. “A lot of people are moving away from Calgary who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.”

And at Calvanna Developments Ltd. they know their clients. With six developments throughout Calgary, Calvanna Developments Ltd. caters solely to the over-50 demographic, offering a variety of services for maturing homeowners. Demand for the fun and fancy free lifestyle being sold at Calvanna has been brisk, leaving only 25 per cent of the second phase unsold. However, a third phase could come on the market as early as this fall.

In the second phase Funk has only two one-bedroom apartments remaining and 13 two-bedrooms. Of the five floor plans available Funk said Suite C, a 962 square foot two-bedroom suite has been a bestseller. “There is no wasted space in this plan,” Funk said, “It is a good size for two people.”

When the first phase is completed later this year a 2,500 square foot clubhouse will be included, giving all residents a place to congregate, watch movies on the big screen or play cards around the fireplace. “As people get older it becomes more difficult to make friends – they get shy,” Funk said. “The clubhouse will be a place to make friends.”

Other perks at Calvanna Village emphasize easy move-ins and comfortable living. Blinds are standard in all suites, leaving no pricey window covering bills upon move-in. In-floor heating is also a standard leaving no need for slippers on those cold winter nights. A gas line has been inserted on every deck to allow residents to choose their barbecue preference. Underground heated parking will eliminate the need for those early morning vehicle brush-offs. The garage is also equipped with chain link cages for additional storage. More storage can be found in-suite in the generous laundry room, which is stocked with space saving stacker washer and dryers.

All suites come with five appliances and a number of upgrades are available upon consultation. And at between $209,900 and $316,000 the cost for all those extras seems minimal.

Funk said Okotoks real estate prices have helped keep the sales tag down on the Calvanna Village suites. “Our land costs in the area were a little less than they would be in the city and that helped keep the prices down,” he said.

Calvanna Village, the sales centre and show suite are located Woodgate Road, across from the Okotoks police detachment.

The show suite is open Saturday to Thursday from noon to 5 p.m.   CL