Penticton Herald

Big city sophistica­tion now found in Kelowna

- By BAILA LAZARUS

A new sophistica­tion is growing in Kelowna’s downtown core and at the heart of it is Mission Group’s condominiu­m community, Ella.

The award-winning i3 Design Group, a multi-disciplina­ry design firm that has worked with Mission Group on numerous communitie­s, has brought its unique touch to the community making Ella the sought-after place to live.

Offering the sharp, modern design that is more often found in Vancouver’s Yaletown or Manhattan, Ella delivers stylish, timeless interior decor along with direct access to the chic Bernard District.

The 20-storey building features 116 condominiu­ms, commercial opportunit­ies at street level and residentia­l parking on floors 2 through 5. It will also satisfy hip, green sensibilit­ies by targeting to be the first LEEDcertif­ied concrete condominiu­m building in Kelowna.

Lisa Perry, director of interior design at i3 Design Group, and registered interior designer Hong Cartmel have brought their innovative skills to make Ella feel luxurious and sophistica­ted, while providing a comfortabl­e environmen­t to which residents will want to rush home.

Finishes have been hand-selected using the finest materials to exceed expectatio­ns. Design palates have been meticulous­ly created to allow owners to express their taste and individual­ity through interior furnishing­s.

“The interiors at Ella will exude livable luxury reminiscen­t of a modern high end European hotel,” said Perry.

Residents will also be impressed with the thought that has gone into the spa-like master ensuites that feature semi-floating European-style vanities with soft-close hinges and drawers, quartz countertop­s, contempora­ry undermount­ed sinks and polished chrome single-lever faucets.

Floors and walls are overlayed with largeforma­t carrara marble or travertine-inspired†porcelain tiles. Showers are designed with custom frameless 10mm glass doors, additional lighting, slide bar and oversized hand shower. Separate soaker tubs are an option for specific floorplans.

On the exterior, each element of Ella has been carefully considered to ensure it stands out as a contempora­ry structure, with strong horizontal and vertical elements throughout the building.

A line of canopies and cornices ground the building at the commercial street level, while vertical details ensure it has a notable presence in the skyline.

“Kelowna is about to go through an urban awakening and we see Ella as pioneering superb downtown living,” say Gwyn Vose and Martin Bruckner of IBI Group, Ella’s architectu­ral designers, whose approach ensures the building won’t feel dated over time.

As the homes start on the sixth floor, every one will have a view — lake views from southwest to northwest and mountain and city views to the east.

Each home comes with a private deck, and lake-front vistas are amplified through large windows. The stepped design on the northwest side ensures more access to panoramic views.

Ella, on the corner of Ellis Street and Lawrence Avenue, is in the heart of the Bernard District’s trendy retail hub, active nightlife and lively neighbourh­ood filled with restaurant­s and cultural venues.

The location gives the condominiu­m tower a walk score of 97 out of 100. The walk score is enhanced by easy access to various modes of transporta­tion, such as the Queensway Transit Exchange, as well as outdoor recreation, including Okanagan Lake, the new Kelowna Yacht Club, the recreation­al City Park and waterfront boardwalk.

Residents are still only a short walk to the beach and lake, while still having an authentic downtown experience.

While Ella provides the lifestyle of a Yaletown condominiu­m, it still offers the affordabil­ity that makes these homes so economical­ly accessible.

Studios starts from the mid $200,000s; onebedroom and dens start from the mid $300,000s; and two-bedrooms start from the mid $400,000s. Luxury two-bedroom with den corner homes start from the low $800,000s.

Sales for this community are slated to start this fall. Register at liveatella.com to find out more.

Mission Group, which has its headquater­s in Kelowna, specialize­s in residentia­l and commercial real estate developmen­t and constructi­on.

Each Mission Group community is given careful thought and considerat­ion long before constructi­on begins.

 ?? Special to Okanagan Weekend ?? This is Mission Group’s concept for Ella, which is planned for the corner of Ellis Street and Lawrence Avenue.
Special to Okanagan Weekend This is Mission Group’s concept for Ella, which is planned for the corner of Ellis Street and Lawrence Avenue.
 ?? Special to Okanagan Weekend ?? This is the concept for what the kitchen will look like at Ella.
Special to Okanagan Weekend This is the concept for what the kitchen will look like at Ella.

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