COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
With R+R, Polygon expands its presence in Vancouver’s River District
After finding the best condos were often sold before they even arrived at the site, Marius Samoila and his wife Daniela decided to take matters into their own hands.
The couple recently set up a deck chair in front of Polygon’s new R+R condominium project in south Vancouver’s River District and kept an overnight vigil. The strategy paid off.
“During the night, I took turns with my wife,” said Samoila, chuckling. “I was dressed like a skier.”
When Polygon opened the doors the next day at noon, the couple, along with their real estate agent, were first in line to put in their offer for their choice of a new home: a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite on the fourth floor with a southwest exposure.
Apart from getting the suite of their choice, they also like the fact that they avoided what has become an all too frequent occurrence these days in Metro Vancouver: multiple offers for the same home.
“There cannot be multiple offers,” said the 46-year-old information technology worker. “You are taken in the order in which you come. “The fact that I am at the front of the line means someone cannot come along and say ‘I’ll pay more.’”
The couple, who will move in with their son Radu, 18, late next year, are also happy that their new neighbourhood is accessed through a quiet local road system. That’s in contrast to their present singlefamily home on Marine Way in Burnaby, where Samoila says the traffic has increased several fold in the last few years.
R+R is the fifth development Polygon has built over as many years in the River District, accounting for a total of 645 homes, said Goldie Alam, senior vice-president marketing, for Polygon Realty Ltd.
Sales at R+ R have exceeded expectations, she said.
“In our first week, we sold 53 homes at R+R,” she said, adding “buyers see that people already are living in the community and enjoying it.”
Buyers, who include both firsttime purchasers and downsizers, enjoy the community’s proximity to the Fraser River and the riverside trails, as well as the central location.
“A lot of buyers are from this area and have grown up here,” she said.
“They like the fact that it is close to Metrotown and to Richmond.”
The modern designed homes with overhanging roofs and large windows make liberal use of heavy steel and timbers, cantilevered balconies, and metal accents with brick cladding reminiscent of the area’s industrial past.
The homes are similar to Polygon’s earlier projects, with some exceptions, she said.
“We have different bathrooms, with walk-in spa showers and a bench with frameless glass doors. In the kitchen, we have an integrated dishwasher and different fridges with the French doors.”
Polygon has undertaken initiatives of the Built Green gold standard, using sustainable materials and building practices.
That includes using low-E double-glazed thermal windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, and hydronic, water-based in-floor radiant heating. The hot water and heat will be supplied by a local district energy utility.
All homes have at least nine-foot high ceilings, with the top units rising even higher.
The kitchens have square-edged cabinetry with polished chrome pulls for a contemporary look, premium quartz countertops, stone backsplashes and under-cabinet lighting.
Some homes feature a pantry and Lazy Susan cupboard. Appliances include wall ovens, and a five-burner gas cooktop.
Bathrooms have ‘floating’ vanities with soft-close cabinets and tile surrounds and showers with built-in niche and bench seating in most homes.
The building also has: a fully equipped fitness studio for residents; a central courtyard with children’s play area and harvest table; bike storage; underground parking; and storage lockers for select homes.
The River District boasts a dedicated 10 acres of green space, including sports fields, playgrounds and new trailways.
Also planned are a grocery store and banks, a high street that runs from the town centre to the riverfront, featuring boutique shops, a school and numerous restaurants.
A couple of amenities already proving popular are the Romers burger bar and a farmers’ market.
All homes have comprehensive warranty protection from Travelers Guarantee Company of Canada with materials and labour covered for two years, the building envelope for five, and structural components for 10 years.