Jazzing things up in Riverside South
Urbandale’s stacked condos offer an affordable urban vibe in the suburbs
Urbandale is bringing urban sophistication at suburban prices to Riverside South.
The latest rendition of the builder’s popular Jazz stacked condos features sleeker linear styling and oversized windows for a look and feel that would suit downtown Ottawa. The models opened in October and prices start at $261,900 to $331,900.
“There’s nothing like it on the market,” says Urbandale sales consultant Cheryl Barr. “If these were downtown, they would cost well over half a million.”
Buyers range in age from 22 to their 70s, with the majority aged 45 to 55. “We have lots of downsizers looking at these, as well as their kids who grew up in the neighbourhood,” Barr says.
FLOOR PLANS
Each model has a private front entrance with coat cupboard, an open-concept living area, breakfast bar, balcony, walk-in master closet, in-suite utility room, laundry facilities, extra storage space, and an interior private entry to its own garage.
THE HARMONY
Offering 1,833 square feet and two bedrooms, the Harmony is far and away the biggest model — and loaded with upgrades. Prices in Phase 1 start at $326,900.
Stairs from the entry lead up to the main floor and down to the garage and a storage area. On the main level, engineered maple floors provide an eye-catching contrast to the kitchen’s dark cabinetry and granite-topped peninsula, which faces a living/dining area large enough to accommodate both sides of the family at Christmas.
Light floods through the windows, which soar two storeys to a cathedral ceiling and a large loft separated by a maple railing. “It’s a great entertaining house,” Barr says.
Upstairs, a short hallway leads back to the master bedroom with a stunning stainless-steel four-poster bed and a second balcony. The impressive ensuite has two sinks set in the quartz vanity, a Roman tub and large shower stall.
Back on the main floor, a smaller second bedroom has its own walkin closet. A guest bathroom with shower tub completes the home.
THE DUET
The Duet comes as a 1,305-squarefoot end unit with windows on three sides, priced from $276,900, or as a 1,285-square-foot interior unit with windows front and back, priced from $261,900. There is a waiting list for end-unit Duets.
An attractive feature is the front entry on the same level as the main living area, where a striking panelled wall immediately draws the eye. The space feels large yet cosy, with plenty of room for six at the wood-topped table in the dining area overlooked by a classic white kitchen with generous cupboards and quartz counter. A dark engineered-oak floor ties it all together.
Down the hall, the master bedroom is big enough for a queen bed and two dressers. In interior units, this room boasts a tray ceiling. The separate bathroom offers a Roman soaker tub, single sink and corner shower stall.
Carpeted stairs lead down to a second generous space closed off by glass french doors. A second bathroom has a pedestal sink and corner shower, and a short hall leads to the garage.
THE ACAPELLA
At 1,204 square feet, the Acapella is the smallest model, but high ceilings and generous windows make the living space feel huge. A few steps up from the front entry, the warm white kitchen offers an immediate welcome, while a large living/dining area offers delightful opportunities for entertaining friends. “Single girls love this,” Barr says. The master bedroom and main bathroom are similar to the interior Duet’s, but the Acapella’s cosy study is tucked behind the kitchen.
The Acapella is the only model to offer one-level living and features the fewest upgrades. Because it’s always an end unit, it has windows on three sides, but availability is limited. Prices start at $272,900.
Decor in all models is a soothing palette of white, greys and browns, with furniture from MY Home in Kanata.
THE AREA
Riverside South is a growing community, with easy access to bus routes, rural areas and the Rideau River. Road improvements and the opening of the Vimy Memorial Bridge mean Kanata and Orléans can be reached in 20 minutes, says Barr.
Barrhaven, with its malls and big box stores, is less than five minutes away, while nearby Manotick offers a village alternative.
Plans call for small shops and cafés to be built just east on Earl Armstrong Road.