“Initially we were looking for inner-city, but it was really hard to find parking so we had to go a little bit further away,” says Chin, noting it was difficult to find a condo with all of the features she and Bresciani couldn’t live without, such as good location and two heated underground parking stalls, as both hate brushing snow off their cars. After viewing numerous places over a six-month period and even enlisting the help of family members, the pair discovered the NEWS conversion project, and moved in to the west-side condo last August.

“It was finally something that we wanted,” exclaims Chin. “We had looked for so long and it was just so difficult to find what we were looking for that it was almost like we gave up and actually stopped looking.” Bresciani adds that for both of them, “it felt really homey right away. After a couple days of being here, it felt like we’d always lived here.”

Bresciani, a member of the Canadian national bobsled team, and Chin, a psychiatric consultation liaison, say the location is perfect for them both, as he spends much of his time at Canada Olympic Park and she works at the Foothills Hospital. It is only a ten- to 15-minute drive to the hospital from the NEWS and it’s also poised for a quick escape from the city for weekend getaways or snowboarding trips to their favourite hills like Kicking Horse and Fernie.

The pair purchased a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath, two-storey penthouse suite in the Journal colour scheme that exudes sophistication with its muted colour palette. The front entranceway opens immediately to the kitchen, which is equipped with stainless steel appliances, chestnut cork flooring, black granite countertops, ginger-stained maple cabinets and a black tile backsplash. As well, a small eating bar backs onto the living/eating area that holds a contemporary bistro table with bar-height chairs and a soft, black leather sectional with chaise that faces the wood burning fireplace and TV nook.

The spacious staircase winds to the second floor’s bonus room, which overlooks the main floor’s vaulted ceilings. Home to the former media quarters for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the stunning suite now includes grey shag carpeting throughout the first and second floors, while the original bright windows encompassing much of one wall were left to complement the 1,079-square-foot suite.

Although a fireplace was not high on their priority list, both soon discovered after moving in the crackling of a real fire did add cosy and inviting ambience to their home—even though the idea of having a wood-burning unit versus a gas or electric model didn’t exactly thrill them at first. “I really find that having a fireplace does make a difference,” says Chin. “It reminds me of my childhood because all we had was wood-burning fireplaces.”

Broadcast Hill is a perfect place for those who enjoy panoramic views of the skyline, as does Bresciani, who owns a telescope and says he has “always wanted a view of downtown.” And although he shamelessly admits to not having any decorating taste, Chin eagerly explains she likes a “modern, contemporary look that is also comfortable.”

The condo lifestyle appeals to the pair, as they keep pretty hectic schedules and travel as much as possible. Bresciani, having spent three months recently in Austria and Germany to compete in the Europa Cup and train for the 2010 Winter Olympics, enjoys the freedom that comes with no lawn maintenance or snow shovelling, as does Chin, who recently travelled Europe with friends, stopping in Greece, Switzerland and Monaco. Both Bresciani and Chin enjoy living active lifestyles, so an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, workout facility and outdoor tennis court, available to all residents of the NEWS, are extremely convenient for them.   CL