Thanks to the help of her parents, Marj and Wayne, Brenda was able to get into her brand-new condo in the northeast community of Bridgeland. “In January of 2004, my parents were going on a year-long travelling trip. I needed to get their input and help for such a big decision.” And she did, signing all the papers the following month, and taking possession this past May.

The 1060 square foot condo is truly the realization of a long-time ambition. The decision to buy in the area was actually made years ago. “As soon as they blew up the old General Hospital, and there was word that there was going to be condos there, my parents and I said that we were going to get in there. I started investigating as soon as I got an inkling who the builders would be. I may not always be the most motivated person, but when there’s something I want, I’ll go full force.” And did she ever.

The result is a beautiful spacious condo with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, hot-water-heated ceramic tile flooring, a corner gas fireplace, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, underground parking and luxurious fixtures such as European-style faucets. And then there’s the view. Oh, the view. Brenda has front-row seats from her balcony of the Stampede fireworks and a stunning view of the city skyline.

“I love the location and the view,” she affirms. Working downtown at a dental laboratory, Brenda now has quick and easy access to her job, as well as anywhere else. “Getting to places is wonderful now!”

“And the kitchen — it’s my favourite,” she states. In fact, it was her stunning deep brown cabinets that gave her inspiration for decorating the rest of the home. She has a cozy sofa in the same chocolate brown and her walls are painted rich, vibrant colours to compliment the palette. “I wanted contemporary, but not in a modern, edgy way. It’s still cozy, but it’s certainly not frilly. It’s not what I had before which was very ‘sunshiney’ and cheery. This is more sophisticated. I was going for a completely different look. Brown was the colour of choice, starting with the cabinets.”

Brenda’s first owned condo, which she also built, was in the southwest community of Somerset. While it was a great first home, ideal for sharing with a roommate, she had different needs in mind this time around. “I was actually looking for a smaller place since it’s just me [no roommates this time!]. I wanted west-facing with a good view. I wanted something I’d make money off; this is an investment. I plan to live here for a couple of years — depending on the boyfriend situation of course!”

As a young woman living on her own, convenience and cost are major factors for Brenda. “I’m not married, young, and not looking for a yard to take care of. I also want to be downtown. You can’t really get a nice house downtown at my age. Besides, I’m only one person; I don’t need a house. I also like the convenience of condo living, though I don’t really like paying condo fees!”

Brenda’s home is a corner unit on the top of a four-floor condo development, just nearing completion. She shares the building with almost 80 other owners, and it’s situated near a cluster of other new condo buildings and right next to residential homes so she’s not staring right out at other condos from her windows. Across the street is an open green space with a wall monument marking the former General Hospital.

Having built a condo before, Brenda had an idea of what to expect. She had hoped for a turnkey home but the place did still require some TLC in the decorating realm when she moved in. Her mom repainted most of the walls while her dad installed fixtures such as ceiling fans. She’s also still waiting for some items to be finished. On the whole however, she’s glad she made the decision to build a condo again. “There have been some problems, and there are just some things that don’t make sense to me,” she says. “But, all in all, I really love my place. It’s perfect for me right now.”