Not quite inner city but definitely close, Manchester Place is located just east of MacLeod trail on 58th Avenue SW. Ross Pavlyuk, Sales and Marketing Manager for the project, can’t say enough about the convenience of this 55 unit condo complex. “Just two blocks from Chinook, one block from the bus stop and minutes from the LRT station, the location is probably one of the best in Calgary,” says Pavlyuk. “This whole area is changing. It has been rezoned to RM4, so there is going to be an increase in condo development.” Right now you’ll find single-family homes interspersed with small businesses and a few condos, but Pavlyuk feels that the area is ready to blossom into a vibrant high density living area. “In ten years or so MacLeod trail is going to resemble Young Street in Toronto with lots of towers and condos.”

Designed by Poon McKenzie Architects, Manchester Place offers homeowners a choice of suite styles and sizes ranging from 653 square foot to over 1000 square foot Architecturally this four storey development blends hints  of neoclassicism with aspects of Craftsman styling. The façade features lots of warm red brick on the first and second floors combined with several feature columns. Grounding the structure, and flowing from the brick through the third and fourth stories is acrylic stucco in alternating shades of golden brown and dark taupe adorns the exterior. The whole complex is surrounded by a stone perimeter fence. The finished look is a pleasing marriage of aesthetics and function.

Interiors feature laminate wood flooring in the main living space, ceramic tile in the kitchen, entry way and bathrooms, custom carpeting, corner gas fireplaces and 9’ ceilings. Kitchens are well laid out with double stainless steel sinks and a raised eating counter and showcase blond shaker maple cabinets, granite counter tops and six black Fridgidaire appliances. Several choices of tile, granite, laminate, paint colour and carpet are available.

“We have a designer room so that clients can easily make choices,” says Pavlyuk.

The current show suite is a corner unit on the main floor. Decorated in peaceful earth tones and inspired by an Asian theme, this two bedroom suite offers a gracious entranceway with full hall closet and large side pantry. A four piece hall bathroom features laminate counters and blond maple cabinetry. The master bedroom, although small, is bright and features a walk in closet and four piece ensuite. Located at the other end of the living space, the second bedroom is large enough to accommodate guests with comfort. Large windows in the combined living/dining space create a bright and airy environment. A French door leads from the living space to a large patio with gas outlet for barbeques. The suite features some interesting stainless steel lighting fixtures, elegant knock down ceilings and full surround tiling in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The real gems of this development, however, are tucked away on the upper floors. These inner units are very bright and open with floor to ceiling bay windows and large terraces overlooking green space that Pavlyuk says will soon become a community garden. The layouts of these units are imaginative, elegant and highly functional.

Each suite includes a reasonably sized storage locker and one underground parking stall with an option to purchase a second.  Condo fees include everything except electricity, phone and cable. Occupancy is slated for November of 2005.

“We’re 40 per cent sold,” says Pavlyuk. “And our show suite has only just opened.” It’s no wonder - with one bedroom units starting in the $130,000’s, these suites are pure gold.