OUT OF TOWN PROPERTIES: VICTORIA VIEWS
Development’s outlooks will take in float planes, cruise ships and the legislature
Encore
Project location: Victoria Project size: 139 homes Address: 70 Saghalie Rd. Residence size: One-bedrooms 500 to 770 square feet, two-bedrooms 880 to 1,500 square feet, three-bedrooms 1,325 to 2,070 square feet Price range: N/A Sales centre address: 80 Saghalie Rd. Hours: Noon to 6 p.m., daily Telephone: 250-382-2672 Developer: Bosa Properties Inc. Interior design: Dialog Website: bosaproperties.com/ encore Warranty: Bosa Properties customer care warranty and 2-5-10 home warranty coverage Estimated occupancy: 2018
Bosa Properties’ new Encore development has been generating a buzz for months — and that has sales manager Kelley Olinger expecting big things for the project.
Encore, slated for an eighthectare area just west of the city’s downtown, has been experiencing a strong registration for sales, which are set to start this month. Prospective buyers already familiar with Bosa’s work and reputation in the area know they are in for a treat, Olinger said. “People can get a sense of it — it’s like a home floating in the sky.”
The appropriately named development will be the third phase of Bayview Place, a community that has turned a onceindustrial area into Victoria’s go-to for high-end residential with spectacular views.
Located just over the Johnson Street Bridge from downtown, Encore will share the site developed for the Bayview and Promontory buildings by Focus Equities and Bosa respectively. Geared to complete the highend community, Encore will offer 139 homes spread over three buildings. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom units range from 500 to 2070 square feet and comprise a 17-storey condo building, five-storey terraced structure and two-storey rowstyle housing.
“The views are going to be second to none,” Olinger said. “Encore sits in front of Promontory. The landscape in front of it is already established, so there’s nothing impeding views on most levels.”
Looking toward the water, residents will take in panoramas of float planes and cruise ships coming and going from the harbour, as well as the Empress Hotel and legislature buildings.
“Even looking the other direction, because we’re not built up with a whole bunch of towers, even the city view is amazing,” Olinger added. “You can just see for miles and miles.”
Of course, it’ll take more than the promise of a view to lure buyers. Open-concept interiors by Vancouver-based design firm Dialog will include fully stocked kitchens with composite stone countertops, premium integrated refrigerators, gas cooktops, convection wall ovens, integrated dishwashers and Hansgrohe fixtures. Select onebedroom units will also offer unique design elements known as Bosa Space, such as convertible kitchen islands that double as dining room tables with space for eight.
Buyers will have a choice of three colour palettes, while bathrooms will feature soaker tubs, Grohe fixtures and custom medicine cabinets. Expansive windows will maximize the views.
Residents will have access to an outdoor entertainment area, pool and on-site fitness centre, as well as proximity to the Galloping Goose trail, kayaking in the harbour, parks and nearby tennis courts available through the Delta hotel.
Olinger said buyers for Promontory have been “super diverse,” ranging from firsttime buyers to empty nesters and those looking for a condo upgrade. She says she expects the same for Encore.
“When Bosa built the last building, it took a bit to educate people on who they were, the kind of work they did. But we can tell already with Encore that now that we’re there that’s a showpiece — this is what we promised and we can deliver — and homeowners there are super happy,” she said. “They’re in this neighbourhood, using the grocery store and everything. Word spread, so the level of interest for Encore is incredible.”
That’s exactly what has Charlene Stillings seriously considering purchasing a condo in Encore. The empty nester says she’s looking to upgrade her condo to keep her convenient urban lifestyle in the area she’s called home for the last nine years.
“I just love condo living. It’s a lifestyle change which I like,” she said. However, in looking to upgrade, Stillings sold her last condo and is renting until she finds her next home.
“I’m just waiting to see what’s out there in the marketplace for a consumer like myself,” she said. “Encore is one that I’m really interested in.”
Key for Stillings will be staying in Victoria West, but she’s also interested in the amenities a new building has to offer.
“I like the location and I like the newness — the area is a really small pocket, there’s a lot of older condos here and I’d really like to buy and stay here forever,” she said. “I’d really like to have it new and reflect my personality.”