The second of the three-tower luxury high-rise condominiums is getting set to spring out of the ground in Calgary’s Victoria Crossing, forever changing the city’s growing downtown skyline.

And for those who want to sit in the lap of luxury and enjoy mountain and city views behind the glass wall of their lavish condominium suite, now is the time to buy your own piece of paradise downtown.

“Our specifications and finishes are unlike anything else currently on the market,” says James Chan, project manager for TORODE Residential Ltd. “You are getting into an area at this time where it’s still transitioning and developing, compared to a very established neighbourhood, and you are getting much more value for your dollar.”

For those who thought the 34-storey, 164-unit first tower was impressive, the second tower—the tallest residential building in Alberta—is certain to impress. According to Chan, the 44-storey, 219-unit high-rise is dressed for success, with the developer increasing the level of interior specifications for the follow-up tower considerably.

From the moment residents enter the lobby of the first tower, they will get a sense of grandness as they are greeted by sweeping 20-foot high ceilings with glass exteriors and imported furniture directly from Italy.

The units, themselves, range in size from 904 square-feet of modern living space for a one-bedroom unit to 3,569 square-feet for an ultra-spacious three-bedroom, with price tags of $455,000 to $2.6 million. The higher up you go in the skyscraper, the fewer suites per floor, creating added square-footage per unit.

Even though the entire open-concept design of the suite is worth bragging about, from the pre-mium hardwood floors and floating vanities to the drop-in tub, nine- to ten-foot-high ceilings and wall-hung toilets, the sparkling jewel in the crown is most defi-nitely the stunning Italian designed Snaidero kitchens. TORODE is the exclusive builder in Calgary working with Snaidero kitchens, which are designed by Pininfarina, an Italian design firm best known world-wide for famous names like Ferrari and Maserati.

The open-faced kitchen boasts under-mounted sinks, massive quartz Caesarstone countertops, built-in German-made Miele appliances and attention-grabbing cabinetry.

Perhaps one of the most exciting features about the building is the entire exterior wall is glass, providing great panoramic views of the city everywhere you look.

As if life couldn’t get any better, there is an abundance of amenities literally at your fingertips. The first two floors of Tower 1 is a designated commercial podium that will feature two high-end restaurants, an 8,000-square-foot spa with yoga studio, a medical and dentist office, a high-end furniture store and a wine store in which residents can get a personal space in the wine cellar.

And if residents feel like getting a little fresh air in style, they may do so high above the streets on the shared 15,000-square-foot rooftop patios resembling a park-like retreat.

TORODE Residential is not only changing the city sky-­line, it’s also giving the whole city block along 12 Avenue and 3 Street S.E. a new look.

The historic 1919 Victoria Bungalow School, one of Calgary’s oldest heritage buildings, has been moved from its location at the southwest corner of 11 Avenue and 3 Street S.E. to 12 Avenue S.E., and is now being considered for commercial use. A row of high-end townhomes will also be situated in the brick podium beneath Towers 2 and 3.

“This isn’t just a one-off project. We are taking care of this from start to finish and are transforming the entire neighbourhood,” says Chan. “With all the projects planned by TORODE in the area as well as the Calgary Stampede expansion, by the time people move into the tower, the entire neighbourhood is going to look very different. It’s going to be phenomenal in the very near future.”

Tower 1 is nearing completion at the northeast corner of the site with the first group of occupants already moved in and settled into their new homes. The second tower of the project located in the southeast corner of the block, is about 55 per cent sold and is expected to be complete by the spring of 2010. A third tower will be going up on the former site of the bungalow school, with sales beginning as early as next spring.

An official grand opening is slated for Tower 1 of arriVa in February and will feature speeches from John Torode and Mayor Bronconnier along with tours of the building for invited guests. A new presentation centre will open at that time, boasting furnished kitchen and bathroom vignettes, while a pair of opulent show suites will usher in visitors on the 28th floor. 

For more information, visit the new Presentation Gallery at 441 11 Avenue S.E., at the corner of Olympic Way and 11 Avenue or go to http://www.arrivacondos.com