AT SOPA SQUARE, ‘IT’S ALL HERE’
The city of Kelowna advertises itself on its website as a “drop-dead gorgeous outdoor playground.”
And granted, visitors from around the world are attracted to the mountains, beaches and vineyards of the community on Okanagan Lake. But, of course, Kelowna is much more than a tourist location. There’s a thriving business community, a university (UBC’s Okanagan campus is within the city limits) and a buzzing arts scene.
That said, the Aquilini Investment Group’s downtown collection of one- to three-bedroom condos and town houses is very much aimed at people who call Kelowna home — or will in the future.
And the developers aren’t simply building homes. SOPA Square will be a whole new neighbourhood, a mixed-use development that will include approximately 40,000 square feet of retail space and 14,000 square feet of second-floor commercial space.
“SOPA Square is in the vibrant, developing area of South Pandosy that’s becoming very popular in the city,” said Kevin Hussey, development manager at Aquilini Investment Group. “We think of it as the Kitsilano of Kelowna, the iconic Vancouver neighbourhood. Like Kitsilano, it’s very walkable.
“There are already lots of coffee shops and stores, a great range of restaurants, a big grocery store and a doctor’s office. Everything you need is right there and it’s only a few steps away from the lake, as well.”
Along with all that commercial space, the development will consist of a residential condo tower and townhouses — 67 homes in total — with an open courtyard in the middle for residents to enjoy.
“Our design parameters for the community were to make it exceptionally livable, whether residents are working or relaxing,” Hussey added.
Aquilini Investment Group, owner of the Vancouver Canucks, is a well-established developer with experience building all kinds of homes in B.C. At SOPA Square, there will be a private boardroom and a fully equipped gym, terrace with a swimming pool and hot tub, and an outdoor entertainment area with a fire pit.
All homes come with a secure parking stall, air conditioning, expansive windows from which to enjoy the views of the lake, and large private balconies or patios.
Hussey says prospective homeowners at SOPA Square can expect all the luxury and convenience of a downtown Vancouver residence. There will be a choice of two colour schemes, cutting edge design, laminate flooring with a brushed-oak finish in the main living areas, and carpet in the bedrooms. Each home will feature custom Shaker-style millwork for all built-in cabinetry, lots of closet space and a frontloading washer and vented dryer.
Hussey is keen to point out that the developers aren’t intending to scrimp on the interiors. Every home will feature contemporary custom cabinetry with soft-close cabinet doors, engineered quartz countertops, 33-inch dual-bowl stainless steel undermount sinks and polished chrome kitchen faucets with pull-down spouts. The stainless steel appliance packages include a Wolf gas range, a dishwasher, hood fan, refrigerator and microwave.
The bathrooms feature luxurious large format engineered stone floors, porcelain tile backsplashes and engineered quartz countertops. There are high efficiency dual-flush toilets with soft-close seats and undermount sinks with polished chrome fixtures throughout.
SOPA Square residents will have a fob-controlled lobby, a parkade, and floor entry access for the ultimate in security. There’s also an industry-leading warranty that includes 10-year structural defects coverage, five-year envelope coverage and two-year materials and labour coverage.
The development will feature a state-of-the-art fire protection system, including in-suite smoke detectors and centrally monitored sprinklers. There will also be access to a car-sharing program. Asked to define what makes SOPA Square such an attractive proposition, Hussey simply says: “It’s all here.”
He goes on to explain that the development has a wide range of home styles and a list of amenities and local attractions that are hard to beat. Sandy beaches, waterfront parks and lively marinas are just a short walk away, with unlimited access to orchards, vineyards, and world-class golf courses all within a 10-minute drive.
“The SOPA project will have unbelievable views of both the mountains and the lake,” Hussey added. “We’re offering prospective buyers the full mix of one to threebedroom condos and town houses, all with beautifully designed interiors in an unbelievable location. Everything is at your doorstep, all in sunny Kelowna.”
The SOPA Square showroom opens its doors on July 18 and project completion is set for spring 2017.