BORDEAUX DEVELOPMENTS & QUALICO COMMUNITIES
Harmony in Springbank by Bordeaux Developments and Qualico Communities picked up its second straight Community of the Year-Calgary Region title at the recent BILD Calgary Region Awards. Here’s an edited interview with Birol Fisekci, president and CEO of Bordeaux Developments, and Claudio Palumbo, Qualico Communities’ vice-president, community development-Southern Alberta.
Q To what do you attribute Harmony winning Community of the Year-Calgary Region this year?
Palumbo We believe it is because we are building a community that people love to live in. It has the attributes of being located in the beautiful Foothills, close to the city amenities, but rich with Springbank opportunities. It is the only lake community in Springbank, it will host a world-class golf course, and the community is composed of innovative homes with unique architectural styles built by award-winning builders.
Fisekci Harmony has been 14 years in the making. Its vision has been a collaboration of many stakeholders — from our team, our builders, members of the community, Rocky View County councillors and staff, as well as thought-leaders from many other disciplines. Another attribute to be mentioned is the partnership between Bordeaux and Qualico to manage Harmony. Both partners contribute important depth and skills to make Harmony a reality.
Q It’s back-to-back wins for Harmony. What does that winning streak tell current and future buyers about Harmony?
Palumbo We believe that Harmony’s value proposition is now starting to resonate with consumers given that Harmony is unlike any other development in the Calgary area, as you get the amenities of an urban centre (with a recreational lake, world-class golf course, future shopping) with the feel of a rural community (with lots of open spaces, larger lots and a smalltown setting).
As well, we deliver on what we say. Fisekci What we say we will do, we do. It’s that simple. The challenge for new communities is that families are concerned about being the first to move in. In Harmony, these pioneering families not only get to benefit from all the advantages of being an early adopter, they also will take comfort in seeing and know that we deliver what we promise.
Q We’re now getting to the point where we can see the plan for Harmony take shape. How exciting is it for you to see things go from paper to real life?
Fisekci It is always exciting to see a vision transform to reality. However, in Harmony the excitement is a little different. We set out to create a very special place. Our vision outlined the ingredients necessary for such a special place, but the real secret sauce to Harmony is its homeowners. Palumbo The Homeowners Association of Harmony is very active, and judging by the number of residents wanting to be engaged in, we believe that they have a vested interest with us in seeing Harmony develop and come to life. This is what we are now seeing.
The homeowners in Harmony have created such an amazing vibe and spirit it’s hard not to get energized. Developing a great community is fulfilling, but watching it come to life in the way Harmony is brings complete satisfaction.
Q What can people expect from Harmony in the coming year?
Palumbo Get ready to see more amazing things in Harmony. We will finish the golf course and begin construction on our beach club area, which are some of the major amenities in Harmony. We will be introducing new product lines, including smaller, more affordable homes and our first townhomes.
Fisekci Also, we are initiating our first multi-family site within the Village Centre, one of many sites and amenities to come.