It’s what has proven to be an appetizing combination at Ginger Park, Streetside Development Corporation’s hot new four-storey split townhome community, located just off of 9 Avenue S.W.

Since opening in August, the show suites have proven to be a popular destination for house hunters, particularly the “next-step buyer” looking for a bit more space without the maintenance of a single-family home. “They’re really appealing to busy people, young families and young singles who are interested in all the amenities and a maintenance-free lifestyle,” says Kendra Milne, marketing manager for Streetside.

Those amenities include the location’s close proximity to some of the best schools in Calgary, fitness centres and bike trails that branch through Wentworth, Cougar Ridge and West Springs. “You’re literally minutes away from Highway 8 and Old Banff Coach Road, with easy access to the mountains and just a 15-minute commute to downtown,” Milne adds.

While the community is now in its early stages, 36 units will go up over the next 15 months and three years from now, Ginger Park will fill out to 115 units.

While Milne admits it is a large development, she says the builder has managed to work with its surroundings and preserve several large aspen groves, adding to the community’s park-like quality. The rustic landscaping surrounding the site complements the mature groves while alpine-inspired exteriors fit seamlessly into their upscale residential surroundings to one side and local conveniences such as the Co-op grocery store, Sweetgrass Market and Starbucks to the other.

But the development’s practicality doesn’t negate its elegance and charm. Each of the eight floor plans is named after a spice, each with its own flavour and personality. “No two units will be the same,” says Milne. “Buyers can choose from four different colour schemes that provide a variety of materials to help make their home truly their own.”

Buyers can go with standard specifications or spice up their space with hardwood flooring and spindle railings on the stairs, fireplaces, or a variety of other tempting offerings.

The two units available to visit now, named Tarragon and Canton, showcase the variety which can be created simply by different floor plans and finishes. Entering the front door of Tarragon guests in the foyer are beckoned to the first floor, where the soaring 13-foot ceilings and oversized windows overlook a balcony off the living room.

Moving to the second floor is the kitchen—where busy professionals who love to entertain will find full-height cabinets in solid maple or cherry, five appliances and brushed chrome fixtures.

Family and guests can gather around the granite-topped eating bar or sit at the large kitchen table. Off the kitchen, a bathroom with more gleaming granite and modern fixtures adjoins an upscale laundry room.

What is perhaps most striking about each unit is the plentiful natural light. Windows punctuate almost every available wall, adding sunshine even to the staircases and the walk-in closets.

On the third-floor bedrooms, large arch-topped windows give the rooms a sense of grandeur. “With such an abundance of natural light in here we often don’t find the need to turn on a light until late at night,” says Milne.

The other show suite, Canton, features the same great windows but a different plan and finishes. The most notable difference between the two is the kitchen, which is located on the first floor in Canton, making it easy to put groceries away.

The units’ sizes vary from an impressive 1,590 to 1,640 square-feet, and each features a garage and driveway with plenty of visitor parking. The appealing price point of the townhomes starts in the low $400,000 range and buyers can take possession over the next six to 12 months.

To visit Ginger Park take Bow Trail west to 85 Street S.W., turn right and then left on 9 Avenue S.W. Show suite hours are Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m.
to 7 p.m. and Fridays, weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m. CL