To prevent that from happening, I suggest you run, not walk, to the escarpment overlooking Bridgeland to check out Portico before it sells out. Over three quarters of the 55 suites have been sold, and with possession dates this summer and prices starting in the mid $160,000s they won’t last.

“Our pricing is phenomenal compared to anything that’s coming on the market right now, because it is based on two-year-old construction costing,” says Brent Piercy, vice president of marketing and product development with Landstar Development Corp. “Once we move our sales office to the project site, prices will be going up.” Add to that interest rates that are historically low, and you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t act today.

Situated on a site overlooking Bridgeland at 5th Ave. and 5th St. NE, with its Presentation Centre off-site at 1030 – 16th Ave. NW, Portico offers a variety of available floorplans, stunning views, and easy access to downtown. “The sloped elevation allows for optimal views of the downtown skyline from almost all south and west facing suites,” says Piercy.

Inside Portico, standards expected by the most discriminating buyer have been met and exceeded. Landstar has used the best of everything– standard features are unusually high, saving buyers money on raw costs and mark-ups. In addition, thanks to the two-year-old costs, buyers will enjoy value that is impossible to match anywhere else.

“Buyers have told us over and over that when they carefully researched the market and other projects, it was a no-brainer when it came to making the decision to buy at The Portico.” states Piercy.

A large part of Portico’s appeal is the professional-grade kitchen in every unit. With Pro-Gallery Ceran top slide-in range, convection oven and warming drawer, as well as a 21 cubic foot refrigerator, stainless steel chimney-style range hood, and Jenn-air Pro Series dishwasher, everyone from the microwave connoisseur to the gourmet chef will be pleased as pie.

The best part? It’s also stylish. Custom-built cabinets and extra-deep drawers store your goods in style, while under-cabinet Xenon lighting and dropped ceilings with pot lights provide ambience. Underfoot, durable and attractive cork floors add that extra touch of class.

“Most people are quite surprised that we consider this quality standard,” says Piercy. “They aren’t used to getting a restaurant-style hood fan that alone is worth more than the entire appliance package typical in most developments.”

Massive windows wash the suites in light and bring the views inside, but that wasn’t enough for Landstar. “Low-e windows were deemed to be not good enough for this project,” explains Piercy. “Low-e provides improved insulation value, but it doesn’t protect you from the heat of the sun, or U.V., and anyone who has experienced heat build-up in a home knows what I’m talking about.”

So Portico became the only project in the city to utilize the highest rated ‘low solar heat gain’ windows on the market, minimizing heat build-up, and providing superior insulation in the winter.

Other perks include ultra-high speed Internet access, as well as wiring for satellite hook-up and alarm systems. A courtyard oasis is open to all residents, with suites opening onto the courtyard still available. This outdoor space will include a waterfall and stepped gardens, designed to perfectly complement Portico’s exterior design.

“Our goal with Portico was to develop a great project in a great location while at the same time make luxury affordable to more buyers,” says Piercy.

Don’t miss your chance. Call 261-6848 or visit http://www.the-portico.com. Off-site Presentation Centre at 1030 – 16th Ave. NW, 12 to 6 pm Monday-Thursday, 12-5 pm weekends.