It’s easy to sell property when the economy is booming, but to do well in tough times is a vote of consumer confidence for this amazing building, says Glen Deibert, Sales Manager. At the first blush of spring he and his team were overwhelmed by the rush of buyers, with 15 suites selling in just three weeks. “The pent-up demand has started to release, and buyers are coming out en masse. They’re tired of waiting and they want to live here”, says Deibert.

From floor to nine-and-a-half-foot ceiling, and wall-to-wall windows, these suites have the “Wow!” factor that is appreciated by younger professionals who want their fun and function right at their fingertips. Floor to ceiling windows and large balconies take full advantage of the Calgary’s amazing skyline view. High gloss concrete floors through each room add sophistication and warmth all at the same time, and the contemporary European-style finishes in the open concept kitchen complete the look. The space adapts with full-length sliding partition walls to allow the utmost in flexibility. This is illustrated in the show suite with a Murphy bed for guests, and an alcove space for a computer desk. A router in each suite with CAT5 wiring to a number of ports provides for free HDTV for the first year and gives residents the option of creating their own ensuite computer network.

Convenience for active lifestyles describes the common amenities in the building, without the worry of having to pay for maintaining and replacing expensive equipment. If you’re having people over, say to watch the fireworks on Canada Day, use the landscaped outside terrace on the fourth floor. Recycling and bike storage are found on the main floor of the building. Peace of mind comes with the certainty that your condo fees won’t jump to pay for things that you may not use. Like to go to the gym? It’s just a five minute walk to the Talisman Centre or Bankers Hall. Not convenient enough? How about the brand new sports court park with tennis courts right across the street?

If working up a sweat is not your thing, close proximity to the entertainment and cultural heart of our city are mere blocks away. If your weekend ‘sport’ includes hunting for the best new eating and drinking establishments or shopping, you’re in luck because, just as the residential waiting game ended, so did the hesitation in the commercial and retail sectors. The revitalization of one of Calgary’s oldest areas, now referred to as Victoria Crossing in the Beltline, started slowly with only a few brave enough to tackle the historic neighborhood, but has quickly picked up with the arrival of businesses like Atomic Tea, St. James Corner Restaurant and Irish Pub, Blokes Clothing, Head Candy, Thompson Landry Gallery, Taste Martini, Giuseppe’s Italian Market and Sunterra Market expected in Fall 2009.

“People really have a vision of what this area will be. We don’t have to tell them—they can just walk the street and see what’s happening,” says Deibert.

Of the 11 original floor plans, the remaining suites range in size from 650 to 955 square-feet with one, one plus den or “flex-space’, and two-bedroom options. It’s “condo fee friendly,” according to Deibert, and Battistella will continue to manage the building in the interim while ownership is being finalized. Prices are very competitive with the resale market, with prices starting in the $250,000s. Owners without vehicles enjoy a generous cash incentive for not needing one of the deeded, heated parking spaces.

The release of the eight two-storey penthouse suites slated for June will be the final offering of Colours, featuring the same floor to ceiling views and sophisticated design elements, but on two floors. Some will be open loft style and each corner unit will have two separate balconies—all priced in the $575,000 to $750,000 range.

Only when they have taken the time to complete Colours will Battistella move onto their next project, bringing almost 30 years of innovation into yet another inner city community.