COLLECTION EQUINOXE
First tower in three-phase flagship rental project on St-Elzéar Blvd. in Laval scheduled for delivery July 1
André Doudak has done the math.
The president of Jadco Residences, a family-owned business which gained a strong foothold in the luxury residential, upscale rental and mixed-use project markets, is betting that people who want to live a condo lifestyle while keeping their assets liquid will do just that at its three-phase project on St-Elzéar Blvd., just north of Highway 440 in Laval, and at future Collection Equinoxe projects planned for Montreal and Laval in the next two years. (One of them, the Marc Chagall in Côte-St-Luc, is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2018.)
The St-Elzéar project will consist of three towers on a 300,000square-foot lot, the first tower housing 156 units on 19 storeys, including 12 sumptuous penthouses.
“For those who don’t want to be tied down to a house — taxes, repairs, maintenance — really, we offer everything you could ever need,” said Marieve Anderson, Equinoxe’s marketing and communication specialist.
The apartments themselves are of the high quality Jadco is known for, with abundant windows, high ceilings, air conditioning, and sizes ranging from 650 to 1,110 square feet, including some twobedroom/two-bathroom models.
“That is rare in this market,” Anderson said, adding that “it’s more than just the units themselves. It’s the package they come in. That’s the Equinoxe part: we have a boutique hotel style to us — from our grand front entrance to our very cool lounge.” Indeed, the curb appeal is enormous, allowing pride of ownership for every tenant.
Rents range from $1,050 to $1,600 and the only other things tenants pay for are electricity, parking, and appliances — although there are special deals available with a local appliance supplier. Units are designed in classic monochromatic palettes to please all tastes and accommodate all furnishings, and feature contemporary quality finishes, including baths and showers with beautiful flooring. All apartments feature laundry spaces for fullsized stackable units, and a current promotion will pay your move as well as your garage spot under certain conditions. Penthouses measure up to 1,500 square feet for $2,600 a month.
“When you look at amenities versus price, there’s no competition for us,” said property manager Olivier Monnais.
“Our space and amenities mean you don’t feel claustrophobic,” Anderson added.
There’s 9,000 square feet of common space, including a sumptuous lounge with a professional kitchen that is a caterer’s delight, able to accommodate about 150 people. The lounge also includes a pool table, fireplace, sofas, TV, and a bar. Additional amenities include a 24-hour gym with courses and trainers available, a saltwater pool, and more.
With free Wi-Fi in all the common areas and all the concierge services offered, including dry cleaning, pet care, car wash and more, “there’s nothing missing,” Olivier Monnais said. Three common barbecue areas will offer space and opportunity to socialize all summer.
Final floors are being finished and, already more than 30 per cent rented, apartments will be ready for delivery July 1, Monnais said.
“Unpack and go for a swim in your pool,” he said. “Or just have a nice workout. It’s all going to be ready for you to start enjoying your new home.”
Everything is accessible by electronic fob, and the buildings will be staffed by full-time managers, cleaners, and maintenance personnel.
The Equinoxe business centre features several fully furnished small offices for hourly, half-day, daily or weekly rental, said André Doudak.
“It’s the perfect solution for those with home offices, or people who must meet with clients or colleagues on a regular or semiregular basis.”
The business centre is discrete, boasting its own entrance and civic address.
The project will bring about 500 new homes to this plot of land north of the 440.
“We are a new kind of rental,” Doudak said. “People want the flexibility of leaving their house and renting somewhere, but don’t want to use up their capital, and don’t want something cheap, old or uninspired.
“This is the new concept, and it’s growing like a prairie fire.”
He should know. Doudak is responsible for bringing the iconic neighbouring Quintessence highrises to St-Elzéar, as well as the über-luxurious Paton 1 on an exclusive island at Laval’s waterfront.
With Equinoxe, Doudak partnered with Desjardins to make the case to renters. The firm has created several custom investments and financing models (with comparative values for purchasing a condominium, staying in a home, or renting an apartment), so capital from the sale of a preexisting home remains liquid and accessible to the would-be renters, producing enough interest for them to live comfortably and to cover the rent.
There’s another bonus for renters, Monnais said. “If you want to leave your Equinoxe apartment for another Equinoxe location, you don’t have to break your lease. We will transfer it.” That means if the Marc Chagall in Côte-St-Luc turns out to be more to your liking, you can pack up your apartment and go — no worries.
When people leave their home, change is often difficult, Monnais said. “We offer all these features — all these amenities to help lighten the burden. You will not be missing anything,” he said, “except your mortgage.”
We are a new kind of rental. People want the flexibility of leaving their house and renting somewhere, but don’t want to use up their capital ...
ANDRÉ DOUDAK