“It’s still a transition area,” says James Chan of TORODE Residential, explaining that the vision is for the neighbourhood to be a destination area. “People are buying into that vision of the future. When they move in, that vision will be a reality.”

With the already successful and ongoing development of Arriva more specific southeast, TORODE is now offering smaller and more affordable condos with the same exceptional finishing in its new project, Viva, located just east of Arriva.
Chan explains that Viva prices still reflect the transitional status of the area. “Whether you’re planning to live here, or buying as an investment, it’s a win-win situation. Property values are guaranteed to go up.”

The two projects will be at the centre of what is to be a completely revitalized, urban, pedestrian-friendly community, with an expanded and improved Stampede grounds and completely redeveloped neighbourhood. This vision of the area includes street-level shops and dining, which will line boulevards on the new Stampede Grounds, as well as a riverside park and the Olds College Calgary Campus. Adding to this is the retail space at Arriva’s ground level, rounding out a complete selection of amenities for area residents and visitors.

All of these plans capitalize on the neighbourhood’s enviable location. “It’s within reach of everything but not right in the middle of things,” says Chan.
Viva offers a perfect opportunity to get into the community just as it puts on a fresh face, with sleek, modern condos ranging in size from 611 to 1,367 square-feet and pricing that starts in the low $300,000s. The building includes apartment-style condos as well as two-storey, street-level, live-work lofts.

As Chan explains, the architects of the project have taken pains to make every square-foot of each home useable. The floor plans use space efficiently through a variety of innovative features, including frosted glass pocket doors throughout, wall-mounted toilets and floating vanities in bathrooms, and kitchen appliances that fit the design like a glove.

The culinary space is a showstopper, immediately capturing your attention as you walk in the door.

The Italian-designed Snaidero kitchens were designed for the Viva (as well as the Arriva) by Pininfarina, the design firm famous for creating Ferrari and Maserati sports cars—a fact that shows in the exceptional details. These details include precision measuring (leaving no small gaps in some spots and large gaps in others); an aluminum tray with a tight seal below the kitchen sink to prevent any damage in the event of a leak and make clean-ups fast and easy; dust seals around the cabinets; and finished cupboard backs where normally a white, unfinished surface would be found.

The kitchens are not just well-designed and efficient, they are also beautiful—Caesarstone quartz countertops, sleek, stainless steel backsplashes and Miele appliances all add to the clean, modern look and feel. The condos are laid out so that each kitchen overlooks the great views that come with the address.

“When you’re working in the kitchen, you’re looking out through the (nearly) floor-to-ceiling windows,” says Chan, adding that every side of Viva offers views, whether it is of the Elbow River, Rocky Mountains or downtown. The rest of the finishes follow suit, with hardwood floors throughout, full-height tile in the bathroom, and washer-dryer set all included. Everything buyers see in the show suite, in fact, is standard. “There are no upgrades—buyers just need to choose whether they want the tub, or the shower,” confirms Chan.

Aside from the perks nearby, Viva residents will also have access to a private amenity room and fitness room, through which they can access the “Park in the Sky”—a landscaped, outdoor common space located on the top of the four-storey podium.

Viva was released for sale at the beginning of March, and strong advance interest has meant that sales took off right away. However, there are still plenty of units left in the building, including live-work lofts.

For more information visit http://www.vivacalgary.com or the show suite at 1112 Olympic Way S.E. for more details.