While each development has features that make it unique, one of the city’s most recently announced projects will not only be one of the most luxurious buildings downtown, but will also include an important part of Calgary’s – and Canada’s – history.

Montana, the latest project from Procura Real Estate Services, builders of the recently completed Emerald Stone and Residences of Mount Royal, incorporates the historic Nellie McClung House as a part of its development.

The Heritage building, one of Calgary’s first, was the home of women’s rights champion and Famous Five member Nellie McClung, who in the 1920s, after being elected to the Alberta legislature, successfully lobbied the federal government to include women its definition of the word ‘person.’

The house, at 7th Street and 15th Avenue, is where McClung produced many of her written works and raised her family. Now it is being refinished by Procura and will host Montana’s discovery centre.

“I feel that Montana is a unique opportunity for people not just to own their own condo but a piece of something that makes the project stand beyond other buildings that are being developed,” says George Schleussel, president of Procura. “People will get the chance to own part of history.”

Based on the nearby Emerald Stone’s sales history, just one block north of Montana’s location, Schleussel anticipates a strong demand for units once the discovery centre opens in September of this year.

“People only have to look at Emerald Stone to have somewhat of an idea of what the Montana is going to be like,” he says. “Montana is a step up from Emerald Stone.” He credits the development’s prime location, overlooking the park on 17th Avenue, as the main draw. As he says, “it’s a first class project in a first class location.” Montana is a short walking distance into downtown, minutes from dozens of restaurants and the Talisman Centre and just steps away from the Uptown 17th Avenue shopping district, which is also benefiting from the area’s recent condo boom.

“Emerald Stone and Montana and other high rises that are being developed on the 17th Avenue strip are doing a lot for the avenue, and in turn, the avenue is going to change and the values will be improving,” says Schleussel. “They work hand in hand for growth in both areas.”

Procura has spent two years planning and designing the development to ensure that their vision for Montana can be fully realized. The building will include a fitness room, movie theatre, and gardens.

The emphasis at Montana will be on luxury, which will be seen in the design and décor of the lobby and other common areas, and convenience, delivered through features such as a third elevator to minimize waiting times and a concierge on duty to assist with everything from recommending the perfect restaurant to arranging party details.

Inside the suites, granite counters and high end fixtures will be standard, and all units will be air conditioned. Units will start from 677 square feet for a one bedroom or up to 2500 square feet for a three bedroom layout. The building will contain 189 units in total.

Construction of Montana is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2007.