The neighbourhood’s archi­tecture is unique and inspiring. In the heart of this trendy village sits the everlasting Aquadale, a mid-twentieth century building in the midst of a fresh facelift.

Maintaining the character of the Aquadale was vital to the developers Lypstik & Funk Design Group/ Properties Ltd., a dynamic husband and wife duo.

Jennifer McMurray is the interior designer, while Doug McMurray oversees the onsite building. Doug is the Lypstik and Jennifer is the Funk.

“We wanted to keep the history alive for the building and the community of Mission,” says Jennifer, whom with her husband and partner, decided to keep the original name of the building in order to maintain its character.

“It is rare to see a husband and wife team working together in this capacity, but their success and passion is displayed through the final product,” says Christina Hagerty, Re/max realtor for the property. “They kept the unusual facade on the outside and brought this building back to life. It’s new yet old and it fits in so well with the neighbourhood. I love the older character of the suites.”

This is the fourth project between developer and realtor.

“We think Christina is probably the most qualified inner-city condominium living realtors—there is nobody better, no question, say the developers of Hagerty, who was recently awarded one of the Top 100 realtors in Canada.

Built in 1952, the first property ever on the plot of land, the Aquadale (meaning water valley), is situated just south of downtown, before the Elbow River. The land was originally owned by R.C. Mission, after which the district was named.

The building’s southern addition was added in 1971. “There is nothing typical about this place,” says Doug McMurray. The biggest challenge was bringing the building up to today’s expected standards while maintaining the original architectural integrity. Rick Balbi Architects was a great help with this aspect of the project. When the developers took over the Aquadale there was no electricity, the plumbing was frozen and the windows had been removed and boarded up. The building now contains new recycled paper acoustic insulation, new windows and glass block, gas fire-places and furnaces, with separate controlled heating in each unit.

“When you purchase an existing building, you never know what you will find, but there is a real sense of pride upon completion,” says Doug.

The Aquadale (321 22 Avenue S.W.) is home to nine suites. Ranging from 750 to more than 1,200 square-feet, the condos are spacious and two are dual-level lofts. Prices range from $349,900 to $485,900. One of the suites is already sold and the move-in date is slated for March.

“Everything is hands-on. We always try to keep the character of the building,” says Jennifer. “A lot of thought goes into the theme before anything gets developed. The Contemporary Zen suites have a clean-line feel with a very rich flavour of Zen.”

Each suite has the same elegant finishing materials. Suites contain tavern birch hardwood floors, upgraded granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, deep soaker tubs, vessel sinks and barn-style doors. The developers made the suites as open and spacious as possible, but kept the ambiance cosy and warm through rich colours and ambient lighting. The lustrous cabinets are made of Lyptus, which is a hybrid of the eucalyptus tree grown on plantations in Brazil. The “eco-sensitive, exotic hardwood species” is very expensive to work with on the cabinets, but is worth it for the final product.

“Creating an ambiance of comfort and feeling, that buyers can feel connected to is important,” says Jennifer. “Each of the units is quite different, the ones in the front are more rounded-corners from the 1950s, the back suites have sharper lines, added on in the 1970s.”

The roof of the building was also raised for the lofts on the top floor. Loft suites are two levels, with views of the city’s breathtaking skyline—housing spaces suitable for singles, couples and young families who enjoy outdoor living. There is also carport/covered parking for residents.” Most of my cliental prefer the small walk-up buildings as opposed to the high-rise. A lot of people are moving into these communities for the contemporary flare,” says Hagerty.

Lypstik & Funk’s next project is the Rialto, a 15-suite condominium in Crescent Heights.

The Aquadale condominiums will be on the market and available for viewing in mid-January. Viewings are by appointment only. 

To view the Aquadale, contact the office of Christina Hagerty at http://www.calgarylofts.com

On a Mission

The quaint community is a meditative escape from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core. Mission (originally the city’s French Quarter), is a quiet neighbourhood hideaway just minutes from the Elbow River, shopping outlets and fine dining. The cosy, self-contained area is also home to condo-conversion, the Aquadale, just around the corner from the ever-popular Fourth Street and only a five-minute walk to the cities main shopping district, 17 Avenue. Fourth is lined with contemporary and trendy fashion boutiques like Henry and exquisite worldwide cuisine such as Mercato, the Latin Quarter and three sushi restaurants on one street.

From Jugo Juice to Purple Perk, Mission is a very diverse community offering ample choice to its inhabitants. Mission was actually its own little town well before Calgary even became a city. (Mission was annexed by the City of Calgary in 1907.) As Calgary becomes more cosmopolitan, people seeking comfort are increasingly drawn to areas like Mission, which is arguably among the hippest areas in the city for young adults and avid outdoor enthu­siasts thanks to its riverside location.