Low-rise living in Alta Vista
Complex attracting first-time buyers who work at nearby hospitals
If you build it near major hospitals, with good access to the Queensway, and price it reasonably, they will indeed come.
That’s the scenario playing out at Alta Vista Ridge, where more than 85 per cent of the compact, practical units have already been claimed, even though most won’t be ready until next summer.
This Theberge Homes condominium development, bounded by St. Laurent Boulevard, Industrial Avenue and Russell Road, is attracting first-time buyers who work at the Ottawa Hospital’s General campus and CHEO, says Lynsey Bennett of Bennett Property Shop Realty. And with prices starting at $209,900 for the urban flats, other buyers are investors eager to rent to the many medical students who pass through these institutions.
The larger, two-level terrace towns are a draw for empty nesters who raised their families in nearby Alta Vista and don’t want to stray too far from the neighbourhood. Other attractions include a two-kilometre drive to the Queensway and excellent shopping nearby.
With location and price on its side, the entrance to the model suite perhaps does not have to impress. The front door of the two-bedroom Lindstrom terrace town opens into a tiny vestibule with stairs leading directly up to a coat closet and the main living space.
A double closet across from the kitchen area contains the furnace, water heater and a stacked washer and dryer. The air conditioning unit is on the balcony.
The decorated model suite has no curtains or blinds, the better to show off the best feature of all the units at Alta Vista Ridge — a generous number of expansive windows. The kitchen/living/dining area has four windows over two walls, including patio doors to one of the suite’s two balconies. Nine-foot ceilings throughout help add a more spacious feel to the 1,170 square feet.
As is common with model suites, the Lindstrom features finishes that are not standard, including granite countertops in the galley kitchen and dark-stained hardwood on the main level. However, with a $10,000 upgrade bonus in effect until Dec. 8 it may be possible to get a few little luxuries without going over the base price of $316,900.
Without upgrades, the Lindstrom kitchen comes with a laminate countertop and the living area floors feature thick berber carpeting.
The dark-hued Deslaurier cabinets with soft-close drawers and doors are standard issue, as are the handsome chrome finish doorknobs throughout. The stainless appliances in the unit are an upgrade. However, five appliances are included in the price, and they come in a choice of black or white.
Decorated in a palette of greys with splashes of sunny yellow, the living area has a space-saving dining table and chairs and a handsome sectional sofa. The conversation pieces of the room are two end tables, completely upholstered in grey microsuede.
A powder room is conveniently located on the main floor. It, like the two other bathrooms, has ceramic tile floors that are standard.
Upstairs, there is thick berber carpeting throughout. The master bedroom has patio doors leading to its own balcony. It’s done up in restful brown and white hotel-style bedding with a few hints of turquoise. The closet is a walk-in with enough rods and shelves to satisfy most couples. The ensuite also has a window, allowing you to watch the clouds go by from the standard bath. The second bedroom has been left empty and there is a second full bathroom.
The first owners began moving into Alta Vista Ridge in September, but the area is still a construction zone. Eventually, there will be a courtyard in the centre of the four blocks of urban flats. There are also plans for a playground.