So essential is the colour scheme to the Battistella identity, two of their buildings actually sport names like Orange and Chocolate. The Colours condominium takes its name from the myriad of coloured glass panels which will line the exterior of the two levels of above-ground parking. The building, located at 1st Street and 13th Avenue SW, will immediately brighten the surrounding streetscape and, at various times of day under changing lighting conditions, will look completely different.

Inside, eleven separate suite designs range from about 650 to around 950 square feet. What’s neat, though, is that these spaces are adaptable depending on a person’s general lifestyle or specific daily needs. Sliding doors between rooms can open things up, or provide privacy, as required. Wall to ceiling windows and nine-foot-plus ceilings add to the loft feel of the suites, something Battistella hopes will appeal to active ‘urbanites’ looking to live in the downtown core. Another unique feature that might appeal to these buyers is the concept of a community car program which makes a Smart Car available to residents, as well as a small fleet of mountain bikes which are part of the condo’s ‘common property’.

When complete, the 23-storey building will consist of three levels of undergound parking, two levels of retail, two more levels of above ground parking, and a total of 209 suites on 23 floors. Prices start at the low $300,000s. Right now, they’re releasing eleven suites at a time and are about 60 per cent sold out. The first residents are expected to move in in early 2009.

The Colours sales centre is open now on the ground floor of the Chocolate condos, at 192 15th Avenue SW from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit the website at http://www.battistella.ca