“95 of 132 units have been sold in the last 10 months and we’re on pace to sell out by the summer,” Bucci Development’s sales and marketing manager, Shane Styles, tells Condo Living. “I think we’ll sell out of units before we even get a chance to put show suites on site,” pointing out that traffic to their nearby sales centre on 921 1st Avenue N.E. has been very steady through the holidays.

NEXT’s success comes as no surprise, as Bucci’s creative, stylish and oh-so-urban low-rise condo in this inner-city community of Bridgeland has all it takes to be the next big thing in Calgary’s multi-family scene. It has also been a pleasant addition to the community with its blend of hipster functionality and affordability.

NEXT is being built on a scenic hillside on the corner of Edmonton Trail and 5th Avenue N.E., a location that Bucci had intently pursued because of its strategic inner-city location close enough to walk to the downtown core and surrounded by already existing amenities.

“Bridgeland is a historic neighbourhood with a well-established amenities base that is really beneficial to our buyers. It has its own charm and a real village atmosphere that lends well to the uniqueness of NEXT,” says development manager, Mike Bucci. “The best thing is that because of its hillside location, a majority of the units (not counting those facing the courtyard) will get terrific views of the city even if they are on the ground floor.”

Consisting of two four-storey buildings, the completed project will be home to 132 apartment-style homes. Outside, the buildings pay homage to historical Bridgeland with an attractive red brick and Hardie plank façade. On the interior, from the suites themselves to the common area amenities, it’s all about the lifestyle.

NEXT has been attracting plenty of first-time buyers — and the five per cent down payment option has been a huge boon — but Styles says downsizers are also finding NEXT’s considerable charms irresistible.

“We have the best inner city prices and value,” Styles says. “There’s no need to upgrade as everything is included, from underground secure heated parking, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, even rough-ins for a gas barbecue on the patio.”

Construction has been going at a fast clip, giving potential buyers more confidence in the project, Styles adds. “The building is really coming along and everyone can check on its progress in our video feed in our web site.”

Suites range from 362 to 1,198 square-feet. “Most of our units average about 700 square-feet, but they live and feel much larger. For example a one-bedroom 638-square-foot unit can still fit a king-sized bed, a walk-thru closet and a very large kitchen for entertaining. The same unit also offers a linen closet, desk and pantry because we know the importance of storage space.”

Prices start at $205,721 for a one-bedroom with a parking stall and storage locker, and it is this kind of affordability that led to its runaway success when sales opened. Styles cautions, however, that prices are  likely to rise in 2012, which is yet another incentive to get in early.

Bucci says NEXT offers the perfect alternative to the North American style of residential living that has dominated the landscape for the past five decades. “Urban sprawl is not sustainable; driving 40 minutes to get to work is a tragedy on many levels. NEXT represents the new thinking espoused by Plan It Calgary that focuses on developing multi-families that emphasize walking and not driving,” he points out.

Quality is never compromised as every trellis, every nail and every bracket has been selected with careful consideration to structure, aesthetic and the environment, Bucci adds. “You won’t find another product of this quality for this price, it will surely retain its value over time.”

NEXT is designed with longevity and the environment in mind. Innovative features like Echo Wood sustainable cabinets, quartz countertops and made-to-order barcode glass accent tile in the bathrooms give the homes a modern smart, but rugged feel, while ensuring a space that will last. 

Another feather in NEXT’s cap is that it is Built-Green certified. Bucci says their buyers find it important to live in a building that has been designed to reduce its impact on the environment. Its floors are built with a Sound Transmission Coefficient of 58 and an Impact Isolation Class rating of 51, while the walls ensure a minimum Sound Transmission Coefficient of 57.  “We’ve used these assemblies very successfully in our last several projects,” Bucci says.

A family-owned and operated company for three generations, Bucci has been building in Alberta since the early 1950s. And, although most people probably know them for their most recent condominium project, the multiple award-winning Xenex on 12th, they’re also the firm behind the Bella Citta and Bella Lusso condos (also in Bridgleland), as well as Bonavista Estates condominiums.

These Bridgeland projects actually bring the Bucci family full circle, as the clan settled in this part of town when Calgary was still young. “This is why we really love this neighbourhood and we know our buyers will love it too,” Bucci adds.

FAST FACTS:

Community: Bridgeland

Project: NEXT

Developer: Bucci Developments

Style: Apartment condos

Size: Starts at 362 sq. ft.

Price: Starts at $205,721

Address: Sales centre is at 921 1st Avenue N.E.

Directions: North on Edmonton Trail and 

east on 1st Avenue N.E.

Hours: Every day noon to 6 p.m.

Website: www.nextliving.ca