The sleek, modern aesthetic of its 191 total units gives it a distinctive urban appeal and a refreshingly cool take on condo living in Calgary’s core. FIRST’s arrival also signals the rebirth of an area that was once the beating heart of the city’s social and cultural scene — and it will be again once the multi-million dollar urban renewal project is finished.

“The vision for the whole East Village renewal is very promising and we’re excited to be part of it,” says FRAM + Slokker vice-president of development and construction, Fred Serrafero. “It’s a unique opportunity to be able to build on virtually undeveloped land so close to the city’s financial district, which you no longer see in many other major urban centres.”

Designed by RAW architects, FIRST will rise on the corner of 5th Street and Confluence Way S.E., just off the Bow River and the river pathway system. The complex will be made up of an 18-storey concrete tower complemented by a four-storey, L-shaped wood-frame podium. There will be 41 apartment-style suites along the latter and 150 more in the tower. At ground level, a commercial component will benefit residents further.

The complex will incorporate some of the most popular design features found in other multi-family urban condo markets, including a rooftop patio with entertainment lounge and meeting room as well as an outdoor barbecue pit, there will also be a landscaped courtyard with benches on a third floor terrace for all residents to enjoy. “These give residents a private outdoor entertaining area where they can enjoy spectacular views of the Bow River and the cityscape in the company of friends,” Serrafero says.

Extra attention to detail has been paid to FIRST’s lobby as well. Here, a sitting area, complete with coffee machine, provides a comfortable spot for people who are waiting for their friends or for their ride. 

FIRST offers a mix of studio, one bedroom, one plus den, two bedroom and two bedroom plus den, with interiors by Mike Niven Interior Design Inc. (MNID). There will be some two-storey live-work units and penthouse suites as well.

Suites will feature the latest in chic, comfortable living with CaesarStone® quartz countertops, laminate hardwood flooring, and European-style stainless steel appliances. Some of the bedrooms will also feature very cool — not to mention functional — barn-style sliding doors. “The average suite size is around 700 square-feet and all suites include a variety of space-saving designs that make functional use of every inch of space,” he adds.

The kitchen, for example, has a cleaner, more linear look. “We saw that a lot of the condos in Calgary still have U-shaped kitchens, which we think take up too much space. With a linear kitchen and a floating island, on the other hand, you get functionality combined with space-saving qualities and a more modern look for entertaining.”

FIRST also puts a premium on green, sustainable design features, including using low-VOC paint, energy-efficient lighting and water-efficient faucets and toilets. “Sustainability is a key element and something our buyers are looking for in the homes they live in,” Serrafero says.

He points out that FIRST still has to finalize its pricing but he assures it will be “very competitive” to what is currently offered in Calgary. “Most of the suites will be around the mid-$200,000 range.”

But any price he says will be worth it in this renewed neighbourhood just outside downtown. “You’re a short walk from the C-Train Station, there are already numerous restaurants and pubs nearby and there will be even more when East Village is finished. It’s a community that’s on the way up — now’s the time to get in,” he adds.

Sales will start in March 2012 at the 8,000-square-foot East Village Experience Centre, a new, joint one-stop sales centre where visitors can learn more about the entire redevelopment of East Village as well as the residential projects. It will be on the corner of Riverfront Avenue and Confluence Way S.E.

FAST FACTS:

Community: East Village

Project: FIRST

Developer: FRAM + Slokker

Style: Apartment-style condos 

in mixed-use complex

Size: Average size is 700 sq. ft.

Price: Starting in the 

mid-$200,000 range

Sales Centre: East Village Experience sales centre

Address: Corner of 5th Street and 

Confluence Way S.E.

Phone: 403.263.8144

Website: www.liveherefirst.com