Galleria 2 makes most of location
Jamie Offrey likes living at the Galleria so much, he’s on his third condo in the downtown project since moving to Ottawa in 2009.
“It was a no-brainer for me to live downtown and work downtown,” says the 33-year-old military police officer, who relocated from Halifax to work for the Department of National Defence on Colonel By Drive.
Richcraft’s Galleria 1 building was already finished when he arrived, which meant he could move in right away. But it wasn’t long before he started eyeing the new building planned for next door, waiting just long enough for his initial investment to appreciate in value before selling that and buying a unit in the just-built Galleria 2, which he was the first to move into in November.
Now he’s ready to upgrade again, this time to a two-bedroom, twobathroom unit on the 11th floor with a huge private terrace.
Ironically, he no longer works downtown, now commuting out to the west end, but says the downtown lifestyle is too much of an appeal to leave.
“You’re close by everything. We have the restaurants here, the (ByWard) Market … come summer time Parliament Hill and skating on the (Rideau) Canal in winter time,” he rhymes off. “And just the vibe that that gives you of living downtown is different, something that I haven’t been really accustomed to, coming from smaller communities before.”
He expects his new unit to be ready soon. Builder Richcraft is putting the final touches on Galleria 2 and recently opened three model units to showcase what the building has to offer.
It was designed by architect Rod Lahey in a mix of classic and contemporary styles with an emphasis on glass and aimed at fitting in with both its sister tower built a few years earlier and its Sandy Hill neighbours. The 15-storey building sits at the corner of King Edward Avenue and Besserer Street near a plethora of amenities: The Ottawa Little Theatre is next door; the University of Ottawa, the market, grocery stores and more are within walking distance and Gatineau Park is mere minutes down the road.
Although the units are aimed at a range of buyers, it’s not surprising that sales representative Cathy Russo is seeing a lot of parents looking for an investment property for their children attending U of O.
“There’s huge value in that because we’re so close to the university,” adds marketing manager Shawn Bellman, who figures about 15 to 20 per cent of buyers are investors.
But there’s also interest among downsizers (especially those who want to stay in the area), young professionals and first-time buyers, who have all combined to snap up almost 75 per cent of the 196 units since the building launched in 2009. The first residents moved in November and the building is already registered.
Units range from 590 to 1,004 square feet and are “just a little more contemporary,” than the soldout Galleria 1, Bellman notes, pointing to things like more glass, more options for smaller units, a different style of kitchen island and a more open-concept plan. “The condo to me is all about entertaining,” he says. “It’s open-concept space.”
That’s definitely the feel in the three models on display, which range from the 641-square-foot, onebedroom-plus-study Jackson to the 978-square-foot, two-bedroom Fenton.
All bright and airy, they show off a mix of standard and upgraded finishes in a neutral palette and make efficient use of space, which is particularly evident in the Jackson.
Although the smallest of the models, it’s also among the most popular among students.
“For somebody that’s living on their own or a couple, it’s perfect space,” says Bellman. The unit is compact but well laid out, with an island that doubles as a small entertaining area and pot drawers for ample storage. Using a black-andwhite backdrop, designer Linda Nolan threw in pops of red throughout the main living area for a younger look.
Although the kitchen counter is upgraded to quartz, the building’s remaining units have granite in the kitchens and bathrooms, along with engineered flooring in the main living space, six appliances (four of them stainless steel) and a balcony (or terrace) for each unit.
Moving up in space, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Logan is a corner unit particularly attractive to downsizers, with its L-shaped kitchen, upgraded shaker cabinets and cove ceiling in the living area. An added bonus is an efficient pocket office near the entrance.
Both the Logan and the Jackson have proven to be the most popular units, Russo says.
But not to be overlooked is the roomy two-bedroom Fenton. Although there’s a bit of an awkward zigzag to get from the door to the living area, once you’re there the effect is worth it. A spacious corner unit, it offers two full walls of windows anchored by exposed concrete columns for a bright, loft-like feeling the belies its northeast orientation.
Most floor plans are still available, although Russo notes that since the building is virtually finished, choosing options is not possible. Only two terrace units remain.
Building amenities include a current pool, gym, his and hers saunas and elegant lounge with full kitchen and outdoor terrace equipped with barbecues. There will be groundfloor retail, but the tenants have not yet been determined.
And for a limited time, Richcraft is offering a promotion of five per cent down and free condo fees for a year.