A SIGNATURE DEVELOPMENT FOR T.M.R.
There’s just something about Bates Rd., says Ara Asatoorian.
“Most people can’t quite put their finger on it,” said the director of sales for Développement Urbania, which is breaking ground on Signature Bates this month.
It could be the location — the T.M.R. project sits on a 15,000-square-foot-lot at the southeast corner of Bates Rd. and de Vimy Ave. on the edge of Town of Mount Royal, bordering Outremont and Côte-des-Neiges. It could be the access to transit — a walk from Canora train station, a bus from two subway stations, and a couple of minutes from major highways. It could also be the schools, shopping and much more.
In truth, the incredible and enduring draw of this formerly industrial sector is all of that and more. “It’s many things combined,” Asatoorian said.
Signature Bates is a seven-storey building featuring five floors of standard condos and two floors of penthouse units. With 49 units ranging from 700 to 1,800 square feet, customizations are available, and this is the perfect time for it.
While all two-bedroom units have second bathrooms, Asatoorian said buyers are asking for more square footage. “Our standard twobedroom averages 1,020 to 1090 square feet. But many people want large one- or two-bedroom units, or even a third small bedroom. We’ve also designed a beautiful two-bedroom condo with a small office space that is very well laid out.”
Ara Asatoorian, who has been in the 32-year-old family business for a decade, credits his father, Walter, for the attention to detail in the design of units.
“My father takes extreme care and precision to design the units himself, based on his experience; they are all very well laid out, with no waste of space. He thinks about everything inside.”
Signature Bates will stand out in the row of condo buildings that have sprung up in the last decade.
“The sheer beauty of our building will count,” Asatoorian said. “This area has seen a lot of nice construction but it’s mostly that red-brick style building. Ours will stand out with a white stone facade that will really deliver something distinctive in this area.
“It is the signature on Bates that will define the area when all is said and done.
“Everyone is looking in T.M.R. for something that feels high-end, and there’s nothing like this in the sector, from the L-shape of the building and stone facade to the nice outdoor lighting. It will all stand out. We have a great designer-inspired lobby — the only twofloor lobby in the area with a lot of glass. There is a wow factor when you walk in — a high-end feel — and that’s pride of ownership.”
There’s also a signature amenity a rooftop pool and terrace on the corner of the building, with spectacular views sure to be enjoyed when all units are delivered in 2018. “It’s a unique attribute that nobody has in the area. All the pools are indoor. But if you want to swim outside and enjoy the weather and the sunset, we found a way to do that. It will be beautiful.”
Condos range in price from $199,900 plus tax for a one-bedroom unit, to penthouses that start at $674,900. Condo fees are set at 20 cents per square foot and garage spaces are available for $25,000.
The pool is the only common amenity in the building; the developer opted to limit the common areas to that, forgoing the inclusion of a gym.
“One of the best and biggest gyms in Montreal is nearby,” he said, “so we didn’t waste our time building a dinky little gym that would’ve cost her owners more in fees.”
Inside, the apartments feature generous windows from the floor to nine- and 10-foot ceilings, hardwood and ceramic floors, recessed lighting, central air-conditioning, and solid core doors. Bedrooms and bathrooms include master ensuites, Zen-inspired glass showers and double vanities.
Most of the buyers, Asatoorian said, are already familiar with the area.
“We built two buildings across the road — Villa Mont-Royal 1 and 2 — and there have been great referrals from people interested in that project which is completely sold. We have clients like that who follow us throughout the city; our word-of-mouth reputation is impeccable.”
Ara and Walter Asatoorian have cemented the family company’s reputation, built since its inception in 1984 with commercial and residential developments in Westmount, the West Island, T.M.R. and Laval-des-Rapides, where its EAUvie condo project is now taking shape.
“We see many professionals who want to be walking distance from the Canora train station,” Ara Asatoorian said. “But there’s more. You are a two-minute drive to the beautiful restaurants and shops on
Bernard St., so close to downtown via a scenic route, and Parc Ave.”
Mount Royal is up the road, and Centre Rockland and Marché Centrale are minutes away, as are Highways 40 and 15. Collège Stanislas is nearby, as is the new Universitéde-Montréal campus being built near the Rockland overpass.
“Many people are buying condos for their kids to live close by.”
If it sounds like Asatoorian is a believer, it’s because he is, the Laval resident having moved onto the street where he is developing properties. “Simply put, you are close to everything. It’s amazing here.”
It’s true there is a lot of product in the area, he said, “but there’s nothing that compares with the look, class and feel of our building. We’re not just giving nice condos, we’re giving something to be proud of — a brand. We’re delivering pride of ownership.”
There is a wow factor (to Signature Bates) when you walk in — a high-end feel — and that’s pride of ownership.
ARA ASATOORIAN