“I think the blend of the product appeases the broadest section of the marketplace,” says Chris Blake, of Vantage Point Developments, adding a number of Dream homes are already sold.

Located on 34 Avenue SW, just north of Safeway and a block west of Garrison Woods, would-be residents are lured by the location most of all, says Blake. “Marda Loop is one of the few communities in Calgary where you can walk to everything and there’s quick access to downtown.”

The success of neighbouring Garrison Woods adds value to buyers at Dream, who get the benefit of enjoying nearby amenities without paying for the higher-priced addresses.

Whether it’s strolling over to the video store, having a bite and a brew in one of the local pubs or restaurants or picking up a few things at the trendy 33 Avenue SW boutiques, creature comforts are never far away from Dream doors.

Once complete by the summer of 2006, the project will consist of 77 “urban” addresses, including 55 apartment-style condos and 22 town homes, eight of which are now-sold-out bungalow digs.

“They seem to be popular with older professionals,” says Blake, adding the bulk of buyers have been young professionals in their early 20s to the mid-30s age range.

Still available are one-bedroom-plus-den and two-bedroom suites from $169,900 and the low $200,000s respectively, as well as two-level town homes or “garden homes” starting at the $259,900 mark excluding GST.

All floor plans, which range from 625 square feet for one-bedroom-and-den configurations to two-storey town homes of 1050 square feet, were designed with living and entertaining in comfort in mind.

“They are functional spaces with an open concept and strong-sized kitchens and bedrooms,” says Blake.

An onsite sales centre allows potential buyers to get a feel for the finishing quality they would expect in their Dream home — from nine-foot, knockdown stipple ceilings and oversized windows, a full appliance package (including washers and dryers), funky modern lighting, to wide, flat-profile baseboards and gas fireplaces.

Given that virtually all interest in the project has come from busy, discerning professionals, it stands to reason the sales centre/show suite is open seven days a week.

Dream’s exterior is slated to be as handsome and practical as the well-appointed units and town homes. Here, a central manicured courtyard will become a focal point and offer some greenery and a feeling of protection for residents.

“The traffic patterns to the units, even though there won’t be a gate, will create a presence of security — it would be pretty intimidating to be there if you are not supposed to be,” says Blake.

Meanwhile, upkeep and appearance of the building’s exterior won’t chip away at residents’ reserve funds, as the elevation will be low-maintenance brick and Hardyboard. Balconies, included in all units, are adorned with glass railings to allow for maximum views while breaking up the wind.

And residents’ cherished cars will also be safe and warm, thanks to underground secure parking included with every Dream address.

Visit the sales centre to pursue your Dream home at 2420 34 Avenue SW (across from Safeway in Marda Loop) Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. or weekends from noon until 5 p.m. Or visit Vantage Point’s Dream “urban village” online at http://www.dreamliving.ca.