Towers promise convenience, transit
King George Hub development in Surrey attracting both mature and first-time buyers
Connections count. That's the advantage PCI Developments' vice-president of development Tim Grant believes will attract buyers to Plaza One, the company's recently launched residential tower in the burgeoning, transit-oriented King George Hub in Surrey.
“You're going to be on top of one of the most connected transit areas in the region,” says Grant, who also notes that downtown Surrey is growing quickly.
“A lot of positive things are happening between the hospital and the City Hall precinct and some of the municipal facilities. The location, being anchored by Save-On-Foods and Rexall and other food and service-driven offerings, it's going to be a really convenient, attractive place to live,” he adds.
The master-planned development has come a long way since the first phase began in 2015 with the construction of the landmark Coast Capital head office. The second phase includes retail and office space and 740 condo units in two towers (Hub One and Hub Two, scheduled for completion this summer), while the third phase is a 360-unit rental building with groundfloor retail space.
Plaza One comprises 439 one- and two-bedroom units in a 41-storey tower and is the fourth phase of the 10-acre mixed-use development.
While the homes at Plaza One are oriented to first-time buyers — young couples and small families living and working in the region — the PCI team is surprised at the interest from mature buyers.
“They are attracted to the convenience of the community and the access to transit. They are coming out of single-family homes in other parts of the Fraser Valley and valuing a vibrant lifestyle,” he adds.
Grant says while the master plan by Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership (MCMP Architects) ensures all aspects of the development integrate, each building is designed to have a distinct appearance and to contribute to the emergence of a well-functioning mixed-use community that is an interesting place for people to live.
The transition from the outdoor hustle and bustle into Plaza One will start when residents step into the lobby and experience the tranquil ambience of the interior that will be finished in neutral colours complemented with several green walls, says Kasia Chamberlain, associate at BYU Design.
She notes that the area is a hub of activity, so BYU wanted to bring a sense of calm into the suites.
Buyers can choose from two interior colour schemes, Light and Dark, but they won't find a bright white kitchen in either palette, notes Chamberlain. To ensure the sense of calm in the homes, BYU opted for tonal palettes — shades of the same or similar colours.
In the Light scheme, the upper cabinets have a wood finish while the lower Shaker-style cabinets are a light grey. Chamberlain says the warmer wood tone of the upper cabinets complements the flooring, while the quartz countertop and minimal grout lines in the large-slab backsplash result in a seamless appearance.
The Dark scheme features Milwaukee walnut laminate cabinetry, while the warm, off-white tone of the lower cabinetry balances with the darker laminate flooring.
Chamberlain says thoughtfully planned kitchens include details to give owners a sense of pride.
“The detail on the kitchen cabinets, placement of the appliances — and integrating them — and the Grohe gooseneck faucet creates a well-functioning kitchen,” she says.
The major appliances are by Bosch and include a 24-inch refrigerator/freezer, a 24-inch stainless steel wall oven and a 24-inch induction cooktop.
The selected colour scheme is carried through to the bathroom, where large format 24 by 24 tiles on the floor and accent wall add an elegant element to the space. In the ensuite bathrooms, frameless glass encloses the shower, which includes a rain shower head and a hand-held wand.
The Fitness Hub that will serve Plaza One — and to-belaunched Plaza Two — is 6,000 square feet and includes stateof-the-art equipment, a yoga area, indoor half-size basketball and multi-purpose court, plus an outdoor social space on the rooftop.
In the Plaza One building, amenities include a private theatre, co-working and library space, concierge station and parcel room and mailroom on the ground level; indoor and outdoor dining areas (with barbecues) on the podium while the social hub on the rooftop includes an indoor and outdoor dining area, indoor and outdoor games room with foosball and Ping-Pong tables plus an outdoor theatre.