Nestled in the heart of the Beltline the 18-storey complex features everything from town homes to condos and tower homes to penthouses for residents craving the excitement of downtown living and the comforts of suburbia.

“Our demographic consists of a lot of people coming from the suburbs; they can’t do the commute but still want that feeling of neighbourhood,” says Michael J. Lobsinger, Lake Placid’s vice-president of marketing.

When Lake Placid scanned Calgary’s landscape to find a home for its newest development it didn’t take long for it to settle on the Beltline. With its historic feel and proximity to Central Memorial Park, Carnegie Library, and Haultain school, the Beltline was a natural choice, says Lobsinger.

“If you look at the architecture of the building the bottom four storeys are sandstone to match the history (of the area). As it terraces up it has a more modern, contemporary feel similar to the pattern you see in the Beltline. We’ve put more thought into our architecture and design than most developers have,” says Lobsinger.

Forming the base of the building, located on the corner of 13th Avenue and 2nd Street S.W., are two-level townhomes. Ranging in size between 1,172 and 2,216 square-feet, there are three floor plans to choose from. The spacious units are among the most popular residences in the complex with second-floor terraces, street level access, and private two car garage including private entrance.

On the third and fourth floors of the tower are two-level city homes, similar to the town homes, and are 1,114 to 2,424 square-feet. These luxurious homes were specially designed for residents with discerning tastes and are a blank canvas for people to create their own ideal living space. The suites also feature large terraces.

For people who enjoy high-rise living are the tower homes, or condominiums. With four floor plans to choose from the tower homes range from 764 to 1,411 square-feet and are available in one-bedroom-plus-den or two-bedroom-plus-den, and large terraces.

Last but not least are Centuria’s two-storey penthouses at apex of the tower. The luxury residences are between 2,089 and 3,056 square-feet and were specially designed to give residents an unobstructed view of the city’s southwest and its Beltline area.

Each unit includes stone travertine tile in the main living area, carpeted bedrooms, and fireplaces. The gourmet kitchens include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, glass backsplash and slab door cabinets with zebra wood.

The spa-inspired bathrooms have marble-tiled floors and walls, one-piece tub and shower by Hytech/Kohler, illuminated vanity mirrors and dual-flush Toto toilets.

The common thread linking among all 100 Centuria units are the terraces, says Lobsinger.

“We really paid attention to the architecture of the building and its terracing. This is the only project you’ll see such large terraces because we believe the hardest part about moving into a condo is losing your backyard,” he says. “We’re building huge terraces and stepping the building back so that everyone has a lot of outdoor living space as well.”

Another unique aspect about Centuria is its take on sustainable energy. Sitting between two of the city’s oldest and most beautiful parks, Lobsinger says it was important to create a building that would complement the area and feed its natural beauty.

“As a developer we’re really focused on incorporating a lot of sustainable elements and being very environmentally friendly. And we thought as a nice complement to the park we should focus on getting that natural lifestyle in our building.”

One way Centuria meets that goal is through  the use of solar panels on the roof to provide heat and electricity to the building’s common areas, thus helping to keep condo fees at a minimum. It will also incorporate rainwater recycling to irrigate its rooftop patio.

Other amenities include a 24-hour concierge, a boardroom for entertaining or people who work at home, billiards room, car wash, and a rooftop Aspen garden ideal for private parties or family barbecues.

Breaking ground on earlier this year completion date is slated for November 2009. Prices at Centuria range between $390,000 and $3 million, and sales launched November 1, when Lake Placid officially opened its sales centre on 17th Avenue and Macleod Trail. CL