From Source Development Corporation’s decision to break ground before kicking off presales, to energy-efficient radiant panel heating and triple-glazed window systems, the condo developer is aiming to keep the price point reasonable in an up-and-coming neighbourhood that is in the midst of a major rejuvenation.

“The whole purpose behind the building is making monthly expenses attainable,” explains Todd Gow, chief executive officer of project developer Source Development Corp. and Calgary’s own CondoSource Group of Companies, which is spear­-heading sales and marketing for Manchester Station.

For that reason, Gow says, we purposefully kept the building’s amenities to a minimum, so owners can keep condo fees low. While there’s no concierge or gym on site, condo convenience or quality isn’t sacrificed to save a buck, says Gow.

All 99 suites have an in-suite laundry and a titled stall in the heated, underground parkade.

And by the time buyers move into their new suites in early 2010, they can be sure the Manchester area will be well on its way to complete rejuvination,” he says, noting there are upcoming developments in the area, for which the City of Calgary has laid out a comprehensive plan. “But the area is so new that the price point is still attainable.

“It’s close to downtown but it doesn’t have a downtown price tag,” notes Gow. Manchester Station is just a four-minute drive to downtown Calgary, and six blocks from the LRT station. The 12-storey building (plus penthouse) is also only a short walk to Chinook Centre.

Almost all units in Manchester Station have two bedrooms, and at an average of 900 square-feet, they’re all larger than most two-bedroom suites, adds Gow. He stresses Manchester Station is a mid-market building—units start at $325,000—but says design choices will help keep residents’ month-to-month expenses to a minimum. For example, all of the two-bedroom suites have two master bedrooms, complete with walk-in closets and two ensuite bathrooms.

“One of the main reasons we did that was from an affordability perspective,” says Gow, adding if someone wants to buy, but is facing a steep mortgage, the resident can bring in a roommate.

Or, if two people want to purchase one suite together, they don’t have to flip a coin to see who gets the master bedroom. “It’s just a really good way to get a foot on the property ladder,” he says.

Furthermore, all upgrades are prices a la carte, so buyers aren’t forced to take on an expensive package, if all they want is one special feature.

Outside, the brick and acrylic stucco exterior help with improving energy efficiency, and the building has an emergency back-up generator incase of power outages. Source Development Corporation broke ground last month and pre-registration began February 1.

“The interest level so far has been overwhelming,” says Gow. “We’ve got a great team,” he adds, pointing to Summa Construction and Poon McKenzie Architects.

“I think they’re the best in town.”