“We knew that Sanderson Ridge is unlike anything that has ever come up in Calgary as far as multi-family developments go. It has an unbelievable design that combines the rustic beauty of a mountain lodge, the modern conveniences that make life easier, and tons of in-house amenities that truly make it a vacation-at-home lifestyle,” he tells Condo Living.

Carmichael adds that Sanderson Ridge is Medican’s first entry in the annual SAM Awards presented by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Calgary Region. “It’s nice to hit it out of the ballpark on our first try,” he says. Medican took home a total of three awards and made six finalist placements in this year’s presentation.

“It is a source of pride not only for the whole ownership group but for everyone who calls this home now,” he says. The third phase of the project will be released in June and already 40 per cent of it has been sold already.

Sanderson Ridge is an active adult community targeted at the 40-plus crowd. It sits on a hilltop in the southwest neighbourhood of Evergreen and has a commanding view of Fish Creek Park, which literally makes up its backyard. In fact, nearly all its 300-plus units offer an outstanding vantage spot from which to enjoy this natural vista.

This location alone would have been merit enough, but Sanderson Ridge goes beyond this to offer the most luxurious lifestyle outside an all-inclusive five-star resort. “It’s really like a lifelong vacation at home, resort living at its finest,” Carmichael says.

The exterior has a very distinct mountain lodge flavour to it with its rough-hewn timber beam detailing, stone accents and hardiboard sidings. “Sanderson Ridge represents the next generation of buildings that we produce,” Carmichael says.

“From the style and how it was built and the materials that went into it, like concrete tile roof and hardiboard sidings, things which in the long run will work to keep condo fees lower because they are easier to maintain and more resilient to wear-and-tear.”

Sanderson Ridge has more than 20,000 square-feet of amenity space, including a lap pool, hot tub, a fitness room, a games room with several pool tables and shuffleboards. Not to mention five widescreen TVs scattered throughout these areas including one equipped with a Wii console.

There is also a 42-seat theatre with 152-inch projection screen for movie nights or for conferences. Topping it all off is a two-lane, five-pin bowling alley downstairs and even a wine room where residents can learn how to make their own wine.

It also has a full kitchen as well as an office and boardroom, art room, multi-purpose room, library, hobby room and a main lounge with a magnificent fireplace surrounded by comfy couches and chairs. There is even a coffee bar. In addition, guest suites are available for residents and two car wash bays are included in the underground, secured parking.

“We offer residents so much convenience they hardly have to take vacations anymore,” Carmichael says. “Just walking the hallways from end-to-end of the building will be a good exercise opportunity for our residents during the cold days.”

The original plans called for 350 units in the four-storey, three-phase building, but shifting demand has informed them that there are more buyers looking for two master bedroom suites. “Because the demand is there we chose to build more of these kinds of units so final count of suites should be just over 300,” he says. “There are even some who’ve bought two adjacent suites and create one massive unit.”

Carmichael also says that their market is getting younger. “We are getting buyers in their early 40s, who are attracted to the total turnkey lifestyle we offer. You can turn off the water and heating in each individual unit for when you go on vacation.”

It certainly is Medican’s biggest project in terms of amenities, and Sanderson Ridge’s relaxed resort lifestyle will be the new standard by which all other 40-plus condos will be compared to. CL

Fast Facts
Community: Evergreen
Project: Sanderson Ridge
Builder/Developer: Medican
Style: Apartment condos
Size: From 770 sq. ft. to 1,637 sq. ft.
Price: From $319,000 to over $650,000
Address:  2330 Fish Creek Blvd. S.W.
Directions: Take Macleod Trail south to James McKevitt Road S. W. Turn right and follow to Fish Creek Boulevard. Turn right and follow to Sanderson Ridge on the right.
Phone: 403-873-1833
Hours: Mondays to Thursday – noon to 5 p.m. Weekend and holidays, noon to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.sandersonliving.ca