BOBOIS PROJECT
Six-phase townhouse project’s first phase scheduled for delivery this fall
Francesco Fragapane of Qube Realty says he and his partner, Gabriella Gullotti, have recently fielded 50 to 60 calls a week about the new Bobois townhouse development in Lasalle, south of Newman Blvd.
Nestled against the 97 hectares of lush and green Angrignon Park, with unique access via a cul-desac and no through traffic, the sixphase 300,000-square-foot project is eliciting a lot of interest, particularly overseas with a host of buyers from China.
“They appreciate the size of the homes (from 2,600- to 2,860-square-foot corner units) as well as the quality of finishes and the construction, specifically the steel framing and the high-end anti-mould insulation,” Fragapane said. “These are intergenerational families — young people, old people and many children.”
The remainder of the inquiries come from condo-fatigued Montrealers seeking upscale townhouse living in the shadow and green warmth of a beautiful urban treasure like Angrignon Park.
A total of 106 townhouses — including six California-style duplexes — will occupy this lot and be delivered by the end of 2017. Building began in January on Phase 1, which will be delivered in October with 14 units already sold and Phase 2 foundations already poured. A fully furnished model home will be open by the end of October.
Light steel framing for the homes is manufactured by Structcan, a
firm owned by project builder and promoter Catalogna et Frères, who absorb much of those costs “and pass on the savings to the homebuyer.” The light steel framing is a boon to both builders and buyers, Fragapane said, since the use of screws instead of nails banishes the cracking of walls, squeaking of nails and shifting of traditional construction.
Pre-assembled made-to-measure steel-framed building elements, ready to be assembled on the job site, bring labour costs down as well.
What’s more, Fragapane explained, the days of pink insulation are gone; the steel framing is filled with high-quality polyurethane that does away with mould and mildew, and creates a superior building envelope.
The Bobois project’s adjacency to Angrignon Park is a huge draw, he said, adding: “You can’t get this anywhere else in Montreal.”
Indeed, Gullotti added: “The city has also granted the builder permission to build a pedestrian path to Angrignon métro and bus terminus, making the morning commute to a subway a seven-minute walk through greenery. That has a lot of value.”
The units themselves are four or five bedrooms with three bathrooms — and there are options for a mezzanine or master bedroom at the top. Of course, Gullotti said, if the home is bought pre-build, other adjustments are possible.
The homes have no load-bearing interior walls which allows for simple, future space reorganization without much renovation or hassle. Also, the use of light steel framing from top to bottom means less space is required for staircases, thereby maximizing the amount of livable, usable space for the homeowner.
The designer kitchens and bathrooms feature quartz countertops and all the highend porcelain and ceramic is sourced from Spain. The European kitchen cabinetry boasts high-end Blum hardware, and the stylish, large stainless-steel sinks and quality fixtures make for a rich, beautiful and functional kitchen environment. Oversized windows and expansive eight-foot patio doors maximize natural light.
Each townhouse is equipped with a 170-square-foot rooftop terrace, as well as a 400-square-foot paver ground-floor patio, separated from neighbouring properties by privacy screens and mature trees. There are garages for each unit with entry into the project, plus a second private entry door to a two-car garage with direct and discreet access to a finished basement.
Prices start at $508,000 plus tax in the first two phases, and larger units fetch $565,000 plus tax. Condo fees average $110 to $122 a month.
Six duplexes on the project’s western edge offer California-main and penthouse apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms, with entrances on different sides of the building for complete discretion and privacy. Ranging in price from $315,000 to $365,000 plus tax, the lower units feature entrances on the side of the project whereas the upper apartments have access on the inside court, so the two dwellings share a building with separate entrances that are nowhere near each other for complete privacy. Outdoor common spaces are meticulously designed and lit, and exteriors are adorned with ornamental and stainless-steel railings, and concrete and glass balconies.
The costs of all private infrastructure for the project are included in the selling price and all units are covered by the Quebec newhome guarantee program.
Lasalle’s popularity has grown immensely in recent years; its affordability and proximity to downtown Montreal and the host of amenities it offers like schools, public transit, malls and green spaces are a huge draw. Pedestrian trails, bicycle paths and walking distance to a subway and bus terminal really offers the best of both worlds — serenity and tranquillity amid one of the city’s premium green spaces, and easy and immediate access to everything you need for urban living.
... The city has granted the builder permission to build a pedestrian path to Angrignon metro and bus terminus, making the morning commute to a subway a seven-minute walk through greenery. That has a lot of value. GABRIELLA GULLOTTI