But the real secret that distinguishes the four-storey, 20-unit project from the rest of the condo crowd is the passion and meticulous attention to detail that Courtenay Group founder and principal, Erwin Greisinger, has put into what is undoubtedly his labour of love.

“I’ve been in the industry for over 40 years as an asset manager, owner representative and project developer in Canada and the United States, but Havenworth is the first project I’m doing on my own,” Greisinger tells Condo Living.

Like any parent with their first child, Greisinger has spared no effort to ensure that Havenworth will be a landmark structure, and he admits that, being of German heritage, sometimes his perfectionism gets in the way of construction deadlines.  He compares the project to a German-engineered car … it runs smoothly, looks like a million bucks and is efficient in every way.

Greisinger has a lot to work with though, as one of Havenworth’s biggest advantages is its very central location on the corner of North Haven Drive and 14th Street in the northwest. “North Haven is a well established neighbourhood in the northwest, surrounded by plenty of mature trees, a quiet enclave of its own, and we made sure that the structure would fit in with the overall feel of the community and be something residents can be proud of,” he says.

The location does promote a very active lifestyle, as it is near Nose Hill Park with its 60 kilometres of walking paths and trails, its highland plains providing a perfect spot for cyclists, runners, nature lovers, and even para-gliders!  The Calgary Winter Club is just across the street as is a police station, which is bound to provide an extra sense of security to residents.

With its air conditioned units, underground parking, and vaulted ceilings on the 4th floor, everything about it is top-of-the-line.  A quarter of a million dollars is being spent on the exterior features and the landscaping, sound-attenuation details are in place (including triple glazed glass windows on all street sides) and a “green” heating system by Conematic, has been installed. Its distinctive mountain look, with plenty of timber and stone work, the open and inviting floor plans and the exceptional Miele and Jennair appliance package are the icing on the Havenworth cake.

Terrific city and mountain views on all sides and owners get the maximum benefit from the scenery with their glass-panel decks, and the larger units on the upper floors actually have wrap-around patios perfect for summer barbecues or star gazing.

Units range in size from 1,130 square-feet to 1,905 square-feet and range in price from $425,000 to $1,050,000.

Havenworth tops this all off with a very distinct blend of design style and panache to appeal to a very specific crowd – perhaps baby boomers accustomed to the finer things in life and wanting nothing but the best, or others wishing to embrace condo living in an inviting northwest setting. That being said, it is not an age-restricted condo and units will still hold an appeal to the younger crowd.

Contrary to how much of the industry does business, the Courtenay Group is not seeking any pre-sales for Havenworth, with Greisinger insisting that buyers should have the opportunity to view the whole standing structure and not base their buying decisions on renderings.

“You have to show the people what they’re getting, so we’re waiting until the building is virtually complete before we start selling,” he says, adding that sales will start in September and first possessions planned by the end of the year.
Greisinger firmly believes that buyers should see what they will get … and what they will see is an exquisitely designed condo designed with the discriminating owner in mind. CL

Fast Facts
Project:     Havenworth
Builder:    Courtenay Investments Ltd.
Style:    Apartment
Size:    From 1,130 square-feet
Price:    Starting at $425,000
Address:    4440 14th St. N.W.
Info Centre:    3116 4th St. N.W. (Open regular business hours)
Website:    http://www.havenworth.ca