That's exactly the vision developers of The Montana had in mind in taking two years to design the upscale condominium structure, set to break ground next to the historical Nellie McClung House, in the New Year.

When complete in 2008, a concierge will greet visitors and residents in an elegant lobby, which will boast floor-to-ceiling wood panelling, artisan hand-blown glass lighting fixtures, marble floors and a waterfall. Three high-speed elevators - one of which that doubles as a service elevator for large deliveries or moving day - are poised to propel residents to suites in the utmost of style.

“We wanted to emulate a luxury hotel feel in our lobby as well as all of our common corridors and elevators, the likes of which you would see in New York or Las Vegas,” says Robert Moroto, marketing manager for Procura Real Estate Services, developer of Montana.

Montana's Discovery Centre will officially open its doors at Nellie McClung House (803 15 Ave. S.W.) Jan. 21, allowing would-be buyers to get a complete appreciation for not only for the material finishing details and suite layouts using myriad of three-dimensional model floorplans, but also to be transported to future views from their upscale abodes via a big screen.

“Spectacular mountain views are available from as low as the 15th floor,” says Moroto. “Plus the sights of the city skyline are amazing because we are slightly removed from the downtown.”

Planned for the present day as well as for the future, rooftop satellites, fibre-optic cable and cat-5e wiring in suites for entertainment to high-speed Internet purposes will be included. Amenities within the building include a 20-seat movie theatre for use of residents and guests, and a fitness room for muscling workouts into busy schedules.

Luxuriously-appointed suites range from just shy of 700 square feet to more than 2,500 square feet of palatial living spaces, including a handful of three-bedroom-with den designs better resembling single family abodes.

“We've gotten a lot of request for three bed-rooms. We had a few in out last project, Emerald Stone, and they were extremely well received,” says Moroto.

What prospective buyers will also find in the current project not included in the Emerald Stone is higher-end everything, which further ascends in quality on the upper floors.

Top storeys will house “Estate Homes” spanning a minimum of 1,800 square feet beneath 10- to 11-foot ceilings and boasting breathtaking views of mountains and the city skyline.

“It's basically just another step up, the Estates will be furnished with GE Monogram Series stainless steel appliances with gas range, wine chiller, and wall oven; as well gas fireplaces, and upgraded taps, fixtures, carpeting, baseboards, etc.” says Moroto.

That's not to say lower floors scrimp on standards, says Moroto, adding cork flooring, granite countertops, solid core bedroom doors, GE Profile stainless steel appliances, and air conditioning are included in every Montana purchase.

Moroto also expects location to be a powerful selling feature for the 189-suite building. A block from 17 Ave. and within walking distance to the office, he anticipates interest from a wide range of people, from the younger professionals to the affluent set, who are established in their careers and desiring a maintenance-free lifestyle or possibly a second home, in the heart of it all.

Solid-core doors and a limited-access keyless entry system, a concierge, as well as heated underground parking will provide a high level of security and peace of mind to all.

“Even the visitor parking is underground - we along with the City have recognized that this area hasn't a lot of parking, so we are providing 29 underground heated stalls,” says Moroto.

Montana suites start in the mid-$200,000s for one bedrooms and one bedroom and dens, while the average two-bedroom corner suites ring in from the mid-$400,000s. Larger two bedroom-and-den suites average in the $600,000s, while Estate Homes are priced from the $1M mark.  

For more information about The Montana, visit http://www.themontana.ca