A COMMUNITY RE-ENERGIZED
Amenities aplenty part of Bridgeland Hill’s draw
Shannon Lee Bennett’s taste for Bridgeland started with something the eclectic inner-city neighbourhood has long been known for: places to eat.
She’s a fan of the selection of eateries and coffee shops in Bridgeland, calling herself an “equal opportunity diner girl.” From meal share items, to tomato and basil omelettes, even the jam — she was hooked. “That’s how I started going there,” says Bennett.
From there, her eyes opened to the many benefits of life in Bridgeland.
And when she stepped into the market for a new home, the amenity stocked community east of Edmonton Trail and north of Memorial Drive was a natural place to look. She bought a one bedroom plus den corner unit at stylish Bridgeland Hill by GableCraft Homes.
“It’s got coffee shops, great access to the river, there’s a constant push to really bring more stuff in to make it a great community,” Bennett says. “It’s so close to the downtown and that’s great for me.” She works for an oil and gas company in Eau Claire, which is a quick drive or trip on transit away.
“It’s just a very livable community for a lot of people,” Bennett adds.
Bridgeland Hill is 101-unit development under construction at 736 1st Ave. N.E. and now 40 per cent sold. First possessions are slated for the summer of 2016.
GableCraft is also selling town houses in Sherwood and villas in Airdrie. And this isn’t GableCraft’s first venture into Bridgeland, also building Bridgeland Crossings.
“Obviously, GableCraft is very fond of Bridgeland,” says company sales and marketing manager Tiffany Ardolino. She says the multifamily builder has nearly 400 units under development in the neighbourhood.
“I think what makes Bridgeland so special is that it has a comfortable vibe, wonderful historical roots but in recent years it has been completely re- energized with awesome restaurants, coffee shops, professional services, boutiques and yoga and cross-fit studios,” Ardolino says. “Being across the river from downtown provides walking accessibility — you are connected but enough distance to relax at the end of the day.”
One of the things that stood out to Bennett was the value she saw at Bridgeland Hill. The development’s junior one-bedroom condos start at $249,900, standard one bedrooms are from the $269,900s and for two bedrooms, entry level pricing is from the $349,900s.
“It came in under budget, which was great,” says Bennett.
“The economy did what it did shortly after I purchased and I was like, ‘No, I still feel really good about this.’”
Bennett’s 633-square-foot condo is set to overlook a 2,000-squarefoot landscaped courtyard. She says the floor plan uses its space effectively. “A smaller suite but a big closet, I was like, ‘That is exactly what I need,’” Bennett adds.
Condos at Bridgeland Hill are available in a selection of 20 floor plans ranging from 577 to 1,088 square feet. Kitchens feature square-line cabinets in teak or high gloss, polished quartz slab counters, Moen polished-chrome fixtures, LED under-cabinet lighting and USB outlets. There are also stainless steel appliances and a Whirlpool 30-inch gas cooktop.
Bathrooms feature porcelain tile flooring, rectangular Duval undermount sinks and Taymor polished-chrome accessories.
“And the value also comes from the in-building amenities,” says Ardolino, pointing out the private fitness facility, bike room, individual storage units and aforementioned courtyard.
“Having (a fitness facility) option that is literally steps from my front door is very appealing, especially in the dead of winter. ”
The development also wins points from the curb. One of the top comments from purchasers has been that “they love the look of the building,” says Ardolino.