But that’s exactly what comes to mind when you walk through the doors of the show suite at eightwelve condos and enter an atmosphere that oozes posh around every corner.

The entire suite is decked out in an uptown flair with the hottest trends on the market, like metallic floor tile, a stainless steel backsplash, sliding fabric window panels, oil-brushed bronze for the light fixtures and door hardware, and a funky carpet that dares to venture outside of the box.

What makes eightwelve condos truly unique, however, is that the 48 suites, which are sprawled out on seven stories, aren’t brand new—they have merely received a major facelift from their days as rental apartments and are being transformed into modern condos now worth bragging about.

“We’ve gutted the suites, redeveloped it, changed the floor plans and really modernized all the suites,” says Cathy Niefer, manager of sales and marketing for the eightwelve project. “If you want to live downtown, these are fantastic suites at an affordable price. It’s a great location.”

Located at 812-14 Avenue S.W., eightwelve condos are no doubt in the heart of all the action for those wanting to truly feel the pulse of the city. Some of the city’s finest cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars are easily within walking distance, so one can leave his or her car behind in the comfort of the secured indoor parking space.

The units range span from about 600 square-feet to 861 square-feet and come in a variety of one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den and two-bedroom floor plans.

Considering the great location, the units come at a reasonable price, ranging from $242,000 to $372,000.

Upon entering the suite, one is immediately overcome with a sense of openness with the angled kitchen, breakfast bar, large dining room and comfortable living room all at the forefront. But it’s the attention to detail and creativity that really make the four different show suites truly shine. The 12-inch by 14-inch porcelain tiled floor, for example, definitely catches the eye, along with the solid core insuite doors that match the custom millwork cabinetry throughout the home.

Perhaps one of the best features of this home, aside from the ideal location, is the kitchen. Dark chocolate cabinets combined with plenty of counter space on gorgeous granite countertops, set against stainless steel appliances, a wine cooler and a choice of either a glass or stainless steel backsplash give the kitchen a real rich feel.

Even better is the news that everything displayed in the show suites is a standard feature. Now that is truly innovative. But it doesn’t stop there.

Residents of eightwelve condos can enjoy a drink on the roof top sundeck or third-floor landscaped terrace during those long, hot summer days. And if they want to work up a good sweat, they can do so without leaving the building in the exercise facility.

Even though the show suite has only been open one week, it has already caught the eye of professionals of all ages who work downtown, says Niefer, who notes feedback so far has been more than developers could ever ask for.

“People who come in say, ‘wow, this is fabulous.’ You are getting a very modern suite like you would in a new building, but at a much lower price.”

The major renovations began last fall and are set to be complete by the end of October.

Eightwelve is being developed by Eau Claire Look Out Development Ltd. Previous projects undertaken include Eau Claire Lookout, The Point on the Bow, Varsity Towers and Windsor Point. 

For more information about eightwelve visit http://www.ecldev.com

Photos by Don Molyneaux