“This project comes with a lot of finishes that are normally upgrades, and where else in the city can you get a three-acre backyard?” says Dan Van Leeuwen, vice-president of development and construction for Apex Limited Partnership.

In addition to the southwest address’ standard appointments of air-conditioning, lofty nine-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, European-inspired kitchens and bathrooms with sleek granite countertops, chic Italian-style cabinetry and rich tile and Berber flooring, the inner-city location is equally a lure for would-be residents.

“The views of downtown from here will be spectacular because you are not right in the core,” says Christine Bennett, sales associate for Union Square.

Poised along 1 Street S.W., between 13 Avenue and 14 Avenue, Union Square combines the expertise of Apex Limited Partnership and Western Securities, to serve up scores of residential, retail and restaurant space within a pair of high-rise condominium towers overlooking historic Haultain Park.

“First Street has come along with its redevelopment, and by the time (Union Square) is finished it will really be something,” says Van Leeuwen, adding neighbouring condos, upscale clothiers, trendy boutiques and eateries are crafting the area into pedestrian-friendly destination.

Meanwhile, residents can shed the worry of parking often associated with inner-city living, as heated underground stalls and secure bike storage are locked in with ownership of every suite.

Now more than 50 per cent sold, the first 26-storey tower’s buyers seem to be a mix of similarly-driven individuals and couples. “This building is not investment-based — it’s mostly later-20s to early-40s professionals and many of them work downtown,” says Bennett. “Here we have a more discriminating buyer who wants to live in their suite and wants their neighbour to, as well.”

A pair of  “cityhomes” will complement the first phase’s tower, opening directly onto three-acre Haultain Park — giving residents the rare chance to back onto greenspace in an urban setting. The park’s historic status protects the urban oasis from ever being built on, which adds value to buyers’ return for their green. “This project is designed for the move-up market and people looking to downsize from a larger home — it’s really mid-market to near-luxury standards,” says Van Leeuwen.

As a $2-million facelift to the park will be completed in conjunction with Union Square, residents are front-and-centre to tear it up on a mini soccer pitch, challenge their neighbours to a tennis match or kick back with wee ones a state-of-the-art playground. The initiative is a Parks Foundation undertaking, with Apex, Western Securities, and a number of independent donors contributing. “It will be a big hub of sports, and a safe play area for the kids with some really high-end playground equipment,” says Van Leeuwen.

Located on the handsome Underwood Block, known for housing Mescalero and the Crazy Horse, Union Square will incorporate brick from the original structure. Given that partner Western Securities has a reputation for serving up well-known hot spots from Divino to Cilantro, it’s no surprise the Union Square menu includes a 8,000 square foot upscale dining venue at street level between the two towers.

Remaining units in Phase I of Union Square span from 740 square foot one-bedroom suites, to 948 square foot to 1258 square foot two bedroom, two-bath designs. A showsuite featuring the same upgraded appointments would-be buyers can expect is open seven days a week.

Construction is slated to break ground in late fall, with first owners expected to cross their thresholds in fall 2007. A second, north tower will mirror the project’s first phase, adding another 177 Union Square addresses and six small boutiques to the mix.

Remaining one bedrooms start from the low $200,000s, while two-bedroom, two-bath suites are just under $266,000 up to the $500,000 range for larger floor plans on upper levels. A two-storey cityhome, not yet released, will likely ring in from about $500,000, while two of a trio penthouses in the 26-storey concrete building are still up for grabs and are priced up to the $900,000 mark, before taxes.  

Union Square’s presentation centre, at 1325 1 St. S.W., is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays and weekends, noon to 5 p.m. For more information online, visit http://www.unioncondos.com.