New Construction

Gotham Showcases Modern Industrial In Four Models - Ottawa Citizen

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The Ottawa Citizen looks at the four models that are opening to the public tomorrow March 14th, inside the Gotham Condos. Of the 240 units in the building, only 40 suites remain, with pricing starting at $262,900 up to $451,900. Built by Lamb Development, the building is starting occupancy March 24th, 2015. Questions about Gotham? I would love to help.


Gotham Showcases Modern Industrual In Four Models
Patrick Langston - Ottawa Citizen
March 13, 2015 

Condo buyers anxious for a taste of life at Lamb Development’s much-anticipated Gotham — a name that evokes robust images of both New York City and Batman — can do so Saturday when four model suites open to the public.

The models, ranging from 497 to 922 square feet, feature strong industrial accents such as exposed concrete as well as generous glazing and contemporary decor.

The 17-storey building of glass, steel and black brick towers over a mostly low-rise neighbourhood at the corner of Gloucester and Lyon streets.

The project has sold well since it launched four years ago: only 40 of its 240 units remain available, and the builder may keep some of those unsold condos as rentals. Penthouses and “glasshouses” (spectacular, glass-enclosed units) have all sold.

Construction was slowed by this winter’s extreme cold, but company president Brad Lamb says buyers are expected to take occupancy by March 24.

The remaining units will be sold four at a time, and there will always be a quartet of model suites for viewing. Lamb calls the approach a “patient” way of selling. Keeping your customers a little hungry is also a smart way of selling.

Available suites at the time of writing range from $262,900 to $451,900.

The model suites embody the company’s fondness for contemporary, industrial-tinged design, according to Lamb.

“We want to be edgier in all our units: we use exposed concrete; nine-foot ceilings, sometimes higher; modern, clean finishes. We don’t want anything historically oriented; it’s always to the future.”

Lamb says the models target Ottawa’s main condo market: young singles, young couples, the occasional 50-plus pair without children. 

“Our goal is to deliver in every market the best units in the middle-class range.”

The project will include seven condo townhomes with private patios and 20-foot-plus ceilings in the living/dining rooms. Five of the seven homes have sold.

The models

Loft 08/09: The one-bedroom, 497-square-foot unit may be the smallest of the four models but, like all the condos at Gotham, the shotgun-style layout captures some of the great outdoors thanks to the wall of glass in the living/dining/kitchen area. The expanse of glazing includes a patio door leading to the standard-issue balcony with its gas barbecue hookup.

The kitchen features stainless-steel appliances including a gas stove, and the sleek, white Euro-style cabinetry matches the quartz countertop. The finishes in the models are all standard features, says Lamb.

The bath and bedroom, the latter with three walls only and simply decorated to reduce clutter, sit between the entry and the main living area.

An exposed concrete wall runs the length of the model, which is priced at $262,900.

Loft 10: With both a den and a bedroom, this unit maxes out its modest 648 square feet.

The den, just off the entry, sets the contemporary tone with its exposed concrete wall, black-and-white photo of a manual typewriter, and a metal-and-glass floor lamp.

A round wooden table set with white candles and surrounded by wood and-blue fabric chairs lends warmth to the living area with its one concrete wall and ceiling that are Lamb standards.

The bedroom’s sliding, frosted-glass door would provide privacy if you had a guest sleeping on a pull-out couch in the adjacent living room.

This unit is $317,900.

Loft 11/12: Another bedroom-plus-den unit, but at 751 square feet, this one has extras such as a four-piece bath with access from both the bedroom and den.

The kitchen, which is just off the foyer, has an elegant feel thanks to the blend of charcoal grey cabinetry and white countertops.

“I think we build the most beautiful washrooms and kitchens in any market,” says Lamb. “They’re like art.”

The suite, which sells for $357,900, features dark wood flooring and striking furniture, like a metal and timber credenza.

Loft 07: At 922 square feet, this unit has room for a den, a bedroom large enough for a compact tub chair in one corner, a four-piece ensuite with an undermount sink, and, just off the foyer, a powder room.

Contemporary reigns in the living area with metal basket dining chairs, a gleaming white laminate credenza, and low-slung steel and fabric easy chairs.

The kitchen sports a large island with a double, undermount sink and contemporary fixtures. The backsplash is light grey subway tile.

The unit costs $451,900.

In the area

It’s a short walk to everything from Bank Street’s restaurants and stores to parks like the one overlooking the National Library of Canada. For those with a green thumb, there are a couple of nearby community gardens, including one at Nanny Goat Hill at Laurier and Bronson.

Gotham

What: 240 condo units in a 17-storey downtown tower. Also an adjacent seven-unit townhome condo development.

Builder: Lamb Development Corporation

Prices: Apartments that will be available as of Saturday start at $262,900. Condo fees: 42 cents a square foot. Parking, $35,900.

Sales centre: 224 Lyon St.

Hours: Monday to Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 3 to 8 p.m.; weekends, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Fridays. (Model viewings by appointment only.)

Information: 613-257-8887gothamottawa.com

Bowery - Construction and Sales Update

Bowery Condos Ottawa Construction

Construction is underway at The Bowery Condos (255 Bay St) by Richcraft Group. Crane was delivered on site a short while back and crews are currently pouring the lowest parking level, P4.

Currently sitting at just over 25% sold, with an expected occupancy date of late 2016 for the lowest floor to mid to late 2017 for the penthouses. Some of the units are now sold out completely (the S4 studio unit, penthouses), while some have limited availability (S1, S2, S3, O2, O3, F4) on the lowest floors. 

Question about The Bowery Condos? 

Minto Vibe at Lansdowne Now SOLD Out!

The Vibe, located at 118 Holmwood and Bank, is officially sold out. The Vibe is the first of two towers for Minto's Lansdowne project. The Vibe was a 13 storey, 125 unit, building with commercial space in the lower levels. Minto has a good history of building condos with The Metropole and Ampersand here in Ottawa, among others (in Ottawa, Toronto, and Florida). 

There are only twelve units available out of the 280 from both towers. Most of these condos are one plus dens, two plus dens, and some penthouse units that remain. Prices range from $424,900 for a 764sqft west facing unit, up to $1.3M for the 2002sqft northwest facing penthouse.

Domicile Names Main Street Project: The Corners On Main

The Corners On Main Domicile Condos Ottawa

Domicile has announced that the project located at 141 Main Street will officially be called "The Corners On Main". Announced through Facebook and on Twitter, the local Ottawa builder also linked to the promotional page which includes some history on the location. See the Domicile page here, or check out our write up.

The Corners On Main Logo Condos

The Corners On Main is/was planned to start selling early 2015, with occupancy planned for 2017. Phase one and phase two each plan to include 70 units ranging from 600 to 1250sqft, 140 total units plus commercial space.

Domicile Ottawa The Corners On Main Condos

Tamarack Wellington - Construction Update

Tamarack Wellington Ottawa Condo Construction

Tamarack Home's newest building Tamarack Wellington, a 52 unit, six floor building, designed by Barry J. Hobin, will be starting construction this Monday, March 9th. Located at 1140 Wellington Street West, the building is set for completion mid 2016. Currently 37% sold out, with floor plans across every floor still available.

Here is the full memo released by Tamarack:

WEEK OF MARCH 2ND, 2015 - BREAKING GROUND

Overview:
After overcoming some final hurdles to obtain our Building Permit, we are now officially ready to start Construction! Taggart Construction has mobilized on site and are completing some exploratory work in preparation to commence shoring and excavation work next week.

On Monday March 9th, our shoring contractor will begin to drill and install piles along the perimeter of the site. You will see a large drill rig on site that will be used to drill and drive the piles into the earth. As we install the piles, we will be removing earth and installing lagging to support the extent of the excavation. This portion of the work will take roughly 2-3 weeks to complete.

What to expect during this stage of construction?

-Increased site activity. You will see delivery trucks, equipment being delivered, and increased activity of individual workers on Site. Safety is our number one priority. We will ensure that every truck entering and leaving the site does so with traffic control present.

-Noise caused by drilling and driving piles into the earth will be evident. This is typical construction practice and should not disrupt daily activity for nearby residents and businesses. Noise will only be heard during conventional hours of Construction (7am-5pm).

-Removal of earth will be ongoing but infrequent. Due to the infrequency of loads traffic should not be impacted.

-Removal of trees – We are required to remove four existing trees at the east end of our property, bordering the Grace Hospital. We will be replacing these trees with a mix of new species that will enhance the natural landscape of the area.

What’s next?

-Installation of Site Servicing at the east end of our Site is schedule to commence on March 23rd. We will update the blog as dates become firm.

-Line drilling and rock blasting is scheduled to commence on March 30th. We will be sharing a detailed blasting schedule and blasting protocol as we approach this stage of the work.

Thank you all for your ongoing patience and support!

Sincerely,
Tamarack Wellington Construction Team

SoBa Condos - Model Suite Furniture Sale - This Saturday

SoBa Furniture Sale Ottawa Condos

**For updated information about SoBa Condos, check out the dedicated section with regularly updated construction and sales information. CLICK HERE to view.**

In preparation for the start of construction, Lamb Development Corp. is selling off the furniture in the model suite at SoBa (203 Catherine St). The sale will take place this Saturday from 12noon till 4pm. They are offering up to 65% off retail price for furniture, kitchen cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, as well as the bathroom fixtures and lighting. Brands include UpCountry, italinteriors, klaus, Teknion, Visitor Parking, Home Atelier, and plan b. Note: Cash only, and all sales are final.

This sale will allow the construction crew to move the sales centre on March 1st, so that construction can begin.

Richcraft Joins The Tallest Condo in Ottawa Battle!

Richcraft Little Italy Towers

Next week Richcraft is going to be in front of the planning committee to get approval for the tallest condo building in Ottawa. The building will be located at 845 Carling, one of three buildings they are hoping to construct on the site which is the old Dow's Honda location. 

From Ottawa Citizen Article

From Ottawa Citizen Article

Currently approved and now under construction, Claridge's Icon holds (or will hold?!) the title for tallest condo building in Ottawa sitting at 45 storeys. Richcraft is hoping for a 55 storey(180 meters) building, along side a 45 storey (148 meters) and 18 storey (66 meters) sister towers, all containing approximately 1120 units, with 6,800 sq meters of ground floor commercial space.  Currently the entire Carling/Preston area is zoned for 31 storeys, which was approved last summer.

The main issue at this point seems to be over parking. Minimum parking for the complex is 675 residential spaces (91 commercial), however Richcraft is looking for an extra 100 spaces (766 in total plus the 91 commercial). The builder is also looking for an increase in bicycle parking spots to 566. Plus this complex will have direct access to the O-Train's Carling station, raising questions as to why the extra spots. 

Little Italy Richcraft Tower

Link to the Zoning Amendment

Link to the Wind Study

Any questions about pre-construction condos? I would love to chat!

Claridge Icon - Construction Started - Sales Update

Photo from Claridge Icon Facebook Page

Photo from Claridge Icon Facebook Page

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Construction has officially started on the Claridge's Little Italy tower, Icon. Currently the tallest to condo tower in Ottawa at 45 storeys and 420 feet high (until Richcraft steals the title), which will see construction continue for the next four years (December 3rd, 2018).

Currently with about 25% sold, or about 80 units, Claridge is very confident that with the amount of time to build the project, they will have no issue in selling all of the units.

For more information on the project, visit the website ClaridgeIcon.com.

If you have any questions about this project, or pre-construction condos in Ottawa, click the button below.

Byward Market to see Andaz Hotel = What does it mean for Ottawa?

News broke yesterday when Claridge VP Neil Malhotra tweeted "We're very pleased to announce and welcome the first Andaz Hotel to Canada". Which set off a small tweet-fest, mostly of support in favour of the ritzy chain to come to Ottawa.

The hotel itself will be 200-rooms, expected to open in 2016, and will be the first Andaz-branded hotel in Canada. Currently under construction, it is a great addition to the area. Much needed in fact, which has not seen much attention from developers as it has in the past number of years.

Besides the hotel, Claridge will also be looking to build a 22 storey residential tower, that will tower over the 15 storey hotel. While still early in the planning it will certainly interesting to see the reaction from the current residents. It is not that tall, in comparison to previous and nearby towers. 

Both towers will certainly help bring back the glory of the Byward Market, especially with marketing dollars being spent to sell the area. Will be interesting to see things moving forward.

Ottawa Citizen Article Here

SoBa Update + Final Pre-Construction Sale

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**For updated information about SoBa Condos, check out the dedicated section with regularly updated construction and sales information. CLICK HERE to view.**

Lamb Development Corp has officially announced date for the start of construction. Starting on March 1st, the sales office will close and construction will begin. Currently the building is at 86% sold out, with a good selection of units still remaining. In order to start the next phase with a bang, Lamb is offering a "Final Pre-Construction Promo" of up to $50,000 off prices depending on the size of the unit. Official amount ranges from $13,000 for the smallest unit, up to $50,000 off for the penthouse unit.

Interested in getting more information about SoBa condo units, or purchasing a condo in Ottawa? Let's chat!

Looking Ahead to 2015 in Ottawa

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As the snow starts falling, and the days pass... we realize that 2015 is almost here. Lets take a quick look ahead and what some of the major players are predicting and what it means for someone looking to make a move in the new year.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is predicting:
- Increase of 1.4 per cent for sales price of new construction single detached homes.
- Decrease of 2 percent for new home starts
- Increase of 0.8 per cent for sales price of resale properties (both residential and condo)
- Increase of 1.8 per cent for average rent of two bedrooms
- An increase of 0.2 per cent for rental vacancy
- Decrease of 0.7 per cent of MLS sales (both residential and condo)

RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic is predicting:
- Increase of 1.6 per cent for average residential price
- Lots of inventory or "excellent selection" in the condominium market
- In 2014 sellers were optimistic and overpriced properties, which pushed days on market. This will impact 2015 with continued increased DOM and more selection for buyers, but will balance out with fewer housing starts.
- Nationwide residential sale price to increase by two to three per cent in 2015 

Overall, while we will not see any crazy gains in price, we will see a slow and easy gain through 2015. More properties are and will be on the market, so sellers need to be more accurate with pricing (NOT OVERPRICED), and buyers will be able to have more selection. Again... Note that CMHC says there will be more listings, and fewer sales - it is more important than ever to have your property priced right, and marketed to its full potential!

Click here for the full CMHC 2015 Ottawa Prediction report.

Click here for the full RE/MAX 2015 Housing Market Outlook Report.

If you have any questions about buying, selling, or the market in general - I would love to chat!

SoBa - Free Condo Fees

**For more information about SoBa Condos, check out the dedicated section with regularly updated construction and sales information. CLICK HERE to view.**

SoBa Ottawa announced today that they are offering free condo frees for two years to any new purchases. A promotion like this usually comes as a reduction of unit price or a cash back on closing.

Looking to find out more about SoBa Ottawa or purchase a new condo in Ottawa? I would love to help. Contact me by filling out the form below.

Banks Unsure of Micro Condos?

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With the recent launch of Smart House Ottawa, and as more micro condo units are being built, buyers are excited for moving into these new spaces... However, if they can move in will be another storey. We are hearing rumours that banks and other lenders are not approving financing for these micro-condos. 

Representatives from the Big Five banks have all said they have rules on their financing policies that restrict approving mortgages that are under 500sqft. Up until the last few years, micro condos or bachalor studios were few and rare. With the shift in size, the lenders are being cautious and want to make sure they "understand" them. 

While this policy for minimum size is a requirement, every application is reviewed on a case per case basis. I have sold multiple units over the past few years that are under 500sqft and a few dozen that were under 600sqft, all without size issues by the lender. While we have heard rumours here in Ottawa, we have not seen any first hand accounts where the mortgage was declined due to size.

So What Do I Do?

Before you sign the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, ensure you have a financing clause, and have consulted a mortgage broker. Make sure they have the green light before moving ahead with the purchase and that they have the correct sqftage. Last thing you want is an issue on closing day.

Examples of Small Units in Ottawa?

There are two units per floor inside Mondrian (324 Laurier Ave at Bank, 2009) that are under 500sqft and another three units that are under 600sqft. The East Market (180 York, 383 Cumberland, 179 George, 2001-2007) has six units per floor that are under 500sqft, and another eleven per floor that are or under 600sqft. 

Are you looking to buy or finance a micro condo and want some help? I would love to chat...

Written by Matt Richling

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

Bowery Condos - Construction Started

For the past few weeks Richcraft has been blasting away at the site for Bowery Condos, located at 255 Bay Street at Gloucester Street. Currently the building sits at 25% sold which is just about 60 units. Exciting to see things moving forward for the project.

Here is a run through of the Bowery building I did when it first launched.

Sales website: http://www.thebowerycondos.ca/

New Construction Ottawa Condos

Pre Construction Condo News Ottawa

Constantly updated list of new construction condos in Ottawa. These are blog posts that are under the new construction heading.

Have a question about new construction condos here in Ottawa? I would love to help. Fill out the form below.