“We are bringing to Calgary the most urban, hip building out there,” says Paul Battistella, who, with his brother Simon, heads up family-owned Battistella Developments.

The 23-storey, 209-unit structure takes its lead from the modern designs in Portland, Ore.  Adorning the exterior of the unique, above-ground parking space will be a myriad of coloured glass that becomes the building's predominant feature.

“In different lighting conditions, and at various times of day the building will look completely different,” says Simon, adding the parking also elevates each level's residential viewpoint to an even higher standard, starting at about 30 feet.  “This our 25th anniversary of building in Calgary's inner-city, so this is our way of contributing a piece of public art and creating a landmark to mark the occasion.”

Also creative is Colours' approach to square footage - rather than bedrooms, living rooms and dens, suites averaging 700 square feet will feature adaptable spaces with sliding doors to transform rooms into sleeping or working quarters, combined with open areas for whatever uses residents see fit.

“We're leaning toward more of a loft feel, like we did with the Orange,” says Paul, adding concrete countertops and floors, walls of windows and ceilings of over nine-foot heights will contribute to that effect. “We've gone for the flexibility of space because the audience this will appeal to is creative and appreciates unique design that's unconventional.”

This departure from convention will also mean some residents will treat Colours digs as live/work spaces, says Paul, who foresees the project will hold the most appeal with young “urbanites” looking to take advantage of the central location.

“It's definitely for someone who wants to live close to downtown for a number of reasons - work, the Bow River pathways and shopping - people who want to get out of their cars and experience the area,” says Paul.

To that end Colours will also become the first new Calgary develop-ment to provide a car as part of the common property.  Now being used as one of the project's promotional vehicles, the Smart Car will cater to the true “urbanite” who lives, works and plays within walking distance of their home.  Having the vehicle available will supplement that lifestyle for those occasional trips needed outside the urban village.

The revitalization of the Victoria Crossing district adds to the appeal of Colours - whether it's kicking back in Haultain Park, slated for a multi-million-dollar facelift across the street, having a bite at nearby eateries, or perusing local shops, the area's offerings are quickly cementing 1 St. S.W. as a destination.

While young professionals toiling successfully at careers fit the profile of who will likely call Colours home, personality is a better determining factor than age, says Glen Deibert, customer care manager at Battistella.

“They're creative, they're fun. You won't find anyone conservative buying here,” says Deibert, adding a handful of empty-nesters bought Chocolate units as a primary or secondary residence, and Colours is projected to attract the same audience.

Similarly, the show suite will feature what buyers can expect from a Colours address, including standard features such as stainless steel appliances, cook tops, wall ovens, one-piece concrete counters and sinks - already calculated into the price.

“We always try to show in our projects that what you see is what you get,” says Paul, adding buyers who want to pare down the finishing being offered will have that option.

Colours suites start in the $180,000s and reach into the $300,000s for loftier, larger units, while the average urban address in the project is now priced around the $230,000 mark including GST. First residents are expected to call Colours home in early 2008, and construction of the 23-storey structure is slated to begin in spring 2006.

For more information, or to register for pre-sales of Colours condos, go online to   http://www.battistella.ca and click on “Battistella's next beltline highrise.”