And Providence Development Group hopes to reflect the design and lifestyle of this popular California city with a new condominium project. Providence Bankview, located just north of 23rd Avenue on 14th Street S.W., will be street-friendly and contemporary, catering to the young professional who wants to be close to the bustle of 17th Avenue and downtown, but who also wants a quiet neighbourhood to come home to.

“We looked at San Francisco architecture and tried to incorporate some of those elements, like the (oversized) windows,” says Dianne Johnston, VP Sales & Marketing, with Providence Development Group.

This is the first condo project for Providence, a new company that brings together 22 years of combined development experience between Johnston and president Gary Beyer.

The four-story brick and stucco building has only 43 units, unlike many of the new condo projects in Calgary that house hundreds of suites, but Johnston says it allows the residents to get to know
their neighbours.

“It kind of creates its own little community and I think people are looking for a place to belong,” she says.

Offering outstanding views of the city, the condominium also has easy access to Nose Hill Park and neighbourhoods such as Marda Loop.

The majority of units are approximately 950 square feet with two bedrooms, but there are a few smaller one bedroom and one bedroom plus den units as well. Prices start well under $200,000 with most in the $250,000 range. Condo fees are approximately 30 cents per square foot, according to Beyer.

Each unit features such amenities as nine foot ceilings, oversized seven and a half foot windows, in-floor heating, designer
flat-panel doors, galley style kitchens, Italian-style flat-panel maple cabinetry, Berber or contemporary twist carpet, a designer lighting package, choice of designer-coordinated colour palettes and fridge, stove, dishwasher and microwave in white or black, along with a number of optional upgrades.

There will be a 2,500 square foot rooftop patio with outdoor fireplaces, hot tubs, planters and seating area, heated underground parking, bicycle storage and unit storage, 24-hour secure access and a fully landscaped courtyard and streetscape. Several of the units also have large private yards with patios and others have a balcony.

Interest in the project has been overwhelming, according to Johnston. Providence has already taken more than 200 registrations and reservations can be made once the presentation centre opens on site beginning in early December.

“We think we’ll have a great appeal to the entry level buyer,” says Beyer. “We think we’ll have a great appeal as well to the downsize market people . . . we’re not interested in the penthouse high-end market, we really want to appeal to the broadest group.”

Providence calls itself a boutique developer and has plans to build its next project in the much sought after district of Kensington.

“We have chosen very trendy inner city locations, very urban, we’re appealing to a younger buyer 25-40, which is reflected both in the design of the building and the interior finishes. Obviously the location also plays a very big role in that,” says Johnston. “We’re very much appealing to the lifestyle that demographic enjoys.”

Construction is expected to begin in the New Year by FWS, with completion by the end of 2006.

For more information about Providence Bankview log onto http://www.providencedevelopment.ca