The Akoya will comprise 122 suites split between traditional flats, two-storey, street-level city homes and two-storey sky lofts.

“We really wanted to go with a unique design to take advantage of the pedestrian feel of the Bridges neighbourhood,” says Assured Developments sales manager Simon Kowalko. Working closely with S2 Architecture of Calgary, Assured has created a modern building meant to be reminiscent of streetscapes in cities like Vancouver, Portland and Seattle—especially fitting since Kowalko muses that The Bridges is becoming “the Kitsilano of Calgary.”

The project will be marketed out of Assured’s upcoming Urban Discovery Centre, which will also be located in The Bridges. The Centre will feature current urban projects by Assured, including those located in The Bridges, Renfrew and the Beltline. It will include three vignette areas, which will be used as show suites, with the ability to change them out as projects sell out and new projects come online. Both the opening of the Urban Discovery Centre and the sales release of the Akoya are anticipated in April.

“The Urban Discovery Centre is part of our new image as being the urban builder of Calgary,” says Kowalko, adding a range of technologies such as interactive touch-screens and fly-throughs, plus renderings as well as stylish furniture will give the centre a lounge-like feeling.

The Bridges was master-planned by the City to fit against the backdrop of the existing community of Bridgeland, with key components of the revitalization of First Avenue and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

These goals have been achieved with the inclusion of live-work residences and plenty of shops and cafes lining the ample sidewalks. Greenery is a part of most street-level patios, and the buildings themselves are stepped back as they reach toward the sky in order to avoid the “cavernous” feel of many high-density urban areas.

The Akoya will incorporate these guidelines with its street-level city homes, townhomes on the ground level of the building. These city homes, like other ground-level residences in the community, will include terrace space with planters, shrubs and other greenspace. Above, the remaining six floors will be a mix of traditional one- and two-bedroom flats.

The two-storey sky lofts will be located on the top two floors; these soaring, modern spaces boast a wall of windows and enviable views. Interior specifications such as Miele appliances, flush cabinets, commercial kitchen faucets and glass stair railings work perfectly in this modern space and create a minimalist, but luxurious look. Some sky loft suites will feature kitchen islands on casters, offering ultimate flexibility.

“Whenever people look at one of our designs, we always get a reaction. It may not always be positive, but it’s better to have a reaction than for people to say, ‘Eh, okay, it looks like any other building.’”

The Akoya includes secure, heated underground parking plus common amenities such as a meeting room and an exercise room. Residents will also have the benefit of all the Bridges amenities, such as shops and cafes, Murdoch Park and the sustainably designed Bridgeland-Riverside Community Centre, plus the close proximity to downtown, the C-Train, Memorial Drive and the Bow River pathway.

Completion is expected in mid- to late-2010, and prices will start in the low $400,000s.

Interested buyers can register at http://www.assuredurban.com.