The project, located at the west end of the Beltline on the 900 block of 10 Avenue S.W., presents a truly unique opportunity for buyers to experience Manhattan-style luxury and lifestyle, with the second phase just released for sale.

The name Astoria itself brings to mind the Waldorf Astoria, famed New York City landmark. Arcus Developments has played on this association with several nods to the art deco legend, including a six-foot, custom, crystal chandelier in the lobby, columns with ebony insets and a cast iron Mezzanine level handrail, all either inspired by or direct replicas of features of the Waldorf Astoria.

“We wanted to create a landmark building for the city that would be a classic design and something that would stand the test of time,” says Gerry Mendyk, president of Arcus Developments, who plans to live in the building himself, noting it was important to him the project not be something that may become dated.

From the common areas to the suites themselves, no detail has been overlooked. As soon as residents or visitors enter the grand lobby, it becomes apparent they have entered a world of opulence and grace. Etched-glass mirrors framed by smoky marble, black granite flooring with scalloped brass inset frames and a soaring 20-foot high entry-level mezzanine will form the backdrop for the entry into this world.

The feature fireplace is meant to call to mind a 1920s mansion, and will be flanked by elegant furnishings, inviting waiting guests to sit and relax.

Meanwhile, on the fourth floor, the decadent owners’ lounge awaits. With a private cinema and 1,000-square-foot dining area, the private lounge simply awaits an array of guests. In the cinema room, extra-wide plush seating, a state-of-the-art wide screen and the latest technology in display and surround-sound make for the ultimate private theatre experience for up to 15 guests.

The centrepiece of the lounge will be the cream marble fireplace, complemented by a three-and-a-half-foot, hand-painted gold chandelier hanging above. Luxurious sofas and chairs and rich draperies complete the opulent experience of the richly-appointed parlour. Tucked near the bar will be private, temperature-controlled wine lockers exclusively for resident use.

The luxury hotel experience will be rounded out by a doorman, concierge, valet and car wash services, as well as in-building amenities from poker rooms to a fitness studio.

An attached boutique hotel is planned for the future, positioning the site as a hub of activity with unrivalled amenities.

“We’re upping the ante of what condo living means in Calgary—we’ve got a whole list of firsts,” says Kirsten Bolton, strategic director of Commotion Media Group, brand consultants for the Astoria. These include the first penthouse of its price and size in Alberta history and the first in-building luxury cinema of this magnitude. At 35 storeys, the Astoria will also be the tallest condo tower on the city’s west side. Condos in the building start in the low $300,000s and range from a 580-square-foot, one-bedroom, one- bathroom suite to a 2,157-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plan. There are also two penthouse suites, one of which has been sold. The two-storey, 4,400-square-foot penthouse features 30-foot barrel ceilings, five grand balconies, a state-of-the-art wine vault, big screen media room, and windows and wall colours specifically selected to capitalize on our unique Alberta sunlight.

The three-bedroom condos are a unique offering in Calgary, where the condo market traditionally offers one- and two-bedroom units.

“(The success of these larger suites) really speaks to the legitimacy of the idea of Calgary luxury condo market having arrived.” says Bolton. “It’s not for just young people looking to buy a one-bedroom, it’s really for people who are committing to the idea of living in a highrise and building a condo. People do it in New York and the other big cities, but here we’re so used to living in our single-family homes in all that space, and it is kind of a mental adjustment for someone who has never lived in a tower before.”

Bolton contends that with the exceptional amenities of the Astoria and the larger floorplans that are available, this is a mental adjustment that has become much easier for many buyers to make.

Interested buyers can visit the Astoria presentation centre at 110, 999 8 Street S.W.