What Condominium Buildings Are Close To Shopify? 2019 Edition

Established in 2004, Shopify has become one of Ottawa’s top employers. Seeing so much growth over the past several years, the company has now has two addresses in Ottawa; 234 Laurier Ave and 150 Elgin St. Everyday new positions are opening up at these two locations that the desire to live close to work is a top priority for new employees.

Are you a current or future employee of Shopify? If so, we put this guide together to help you decide which condo buildings you should be considering. We have narrowed down the top five buildings that are in less than a 10 minute walking distance to both Shopify locations and have the fresh contemporary look and vibe you want to have. Plus, all of these options have units available for both buying, or renting.

We have helped Shopify employees find a home in each of these buildings below - need help finding a place to live? Fill out the form at the bottom and let’s chat.

179 Metcalfe St and 40 Nepean St
Tribeca Phase One and Tribeca East

The Tribeca’s were built by Claridge Homes in 2014 and 2015. 179 Metcalfe (phase 1) contains 260 units that includes studios, one, and two bedroom units that range in size from 460sqft to 1145sqft. 40 Nepean St contains 179 that also include studio or one and two bedroom units. Both buildings feature spacious units with floor to ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, high ceilings, and open concept living spaces.The amenities at both these buildings include a concierge, board room, party room, indoor pool, fitness centre, guest suites, bicycle storage, storage lockers, and underground parking. The Tribeca’s are within a 4 minute walking distance from both the Shopify Laurier Ave location and the Elgin St location. Hard to beat the location. Why we love them? Aside from their great location, you can find a Sobey’s (soon to be Farmboy) grocery store in the buildings podium (which also includes wine and beer sales!).

324 Laurier Ave - The Mondrian

The Mondrian was built by Urban Capital in 2008 and contains 250 one, two bedroom units (there are a couple studio units but rare) that range in size from 472sqft to 1600sqft. The units feature 9 foot ceilings, open concept living spaces, and floor to ceiling windows. All of the amenities are located on the 6th floor - which include the outdoor saltwater pool, bbq and dining area, gym, lounge/party room. Pets are also allowed in this building. The Laurier location is a short 4 minute walk from The Mondrian and the Elgin location is 7 minutes. Why we love The Mondrian? Shoppers Drug Mart is located in the podium of the building, bike paths located at the front door which allows quick and easy way to get to the office, real concierge in the building, and most units are of a good size. The building is easy to spot from the street with the solid red glass panels - an ode to french painter Piet Mondrian who the building was named after.

199 Slater St - The Slater

Built by Broccolini in 2017, The Slater contains a total of 179 studio, one, and two bedroom units. These units range in size from 1442sqft to 1929sqft and feature European kitchens, 9 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and modern barn style bedroom doors. Amenities at The Slater include a party room, theatre room, fitness centre, hot tub, storage lockers, concierge, underground parking, and also allow pets under 40 pounds. The walking distance to the Elgin St location is 7 minutes and only 3 minutes to the Laurier Location. Why we love The Slater? Aside from the higher level of quality finishes, the building also has a minimum lease term of only two nights. This means that you would be able to use the property as an short term investment (such as AirBnb) if you are traveling, or gone for an extended period of time.

300 Lisgar St - SOHO Lisgar

Built by Mastercraft Starwood in 2013, SOHO Lisgar contains a total of 169 one and two bedroom units that range in size from 522sqft to 1032sqft. These units feature gleaming hardwood flooring, marble bathrooms, European appliances, and floor to ceiling wall to wall windows. Amenities at SOHO Lisgar include a concierge, outdoor pool with loungers, outdoor BBQ, party room, theatre room, hot tub, board room, fitness room, sauna, bicycle storage, storage lockers, and underground parking. Pets are also allowed in this building. The Laurier location is a short 5 minute walk and the Elgin location is 8 minutes. Why we love SOHO Lisgar? The design is timeless, location is great, plus the amenities are stunning.

Too close? Want to live a little further out?

Don’t want to live that close to the office? We have also narrowed down 6 buildings that are modern, still close… but not tooo close.

224 Lyon St - Gotham

Built by Lamb Developments in 2016, this statuesque building features a total of 251 studio, one, or two bedroom units, that range in size from 424sqft to 1445sqft. These units feature hardwood flooring, exposed concrete ceilings and accent walls, floor to ceiling windows, and open concept living spaces. Amenities at Gotham include concierge, outdoor BBQ and dining area, party room, BBQ hookup on the balcony, bicycle storage, storage lockers, underground parking, and pets are also allowed. Gotham is a 13 minute walk to the Elgin Shopify location and a 10 minute walk to the Laurier location. Why we love Gotham? Aside from the modern finishes (exposed concrete), Gotham is the only building on this list that allows you to have your own BBQ on your balcony (gas hookup on the balcony), plus gas stoves in the unit.

255 Bay St - The Bowery

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The Bowery was built by Richcraft in 2017 and contains a total of 248 studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, or two storey units, that range in size from 375sqft to 945sqft. The spacious units feature hardwood flooring, sleek kitchens with granite counter tops, and large windows flooding the living space with natural light. Amenities at The Bowery include a rooftop pool, outdoor BBQ and dining area, party room, yoga centre, fitness centre, concierge, guest suites, storage lockers, underground parking. This building also allows pets. The Bowery is a 15 minute walk to the Elgin location and 11 minutes to the Laurier location. Why we love The Bowery? The amenities are beautiful. Indoor rooftop pool, gym, lounge, dining room, they are hard to beat.

354 Gladstone Ave and 349 Mcleod St
Central Condo Phase 1

Central Condo Phase one was built by Urban Capital in 2012 and is comprised of 240 one and two bedroom units that range in size from 478sqft to 1117sqft. These stunning industrial style units feature gleaming hardwood flooring, 9 foot concrete ceilings, exposed concrete pillars and ductwork, and floor to ceiling windows. The amenities are shared between the two buildings and include a concierge, dining room, fitness centre, party room, and recreation centre. Central Condo Phase One is within a 13 minute walk to the Laurier location and 16 minutes to the Elgin location.

360 Mcleod and 340 Mcleod st
Central Condos Phase 2 and Hideaway

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Built by Urban Capital in 2014 and 2015, these two buildings contain 328 studio, one or two bedroom units that range in size from 435sqft to 863sqft. These urban-style units feature 10 foot exposed concrete ceilings, exposed ductwork and modern sliding bedroom doors. The amenities are shared between the two buildings and feature a party room with full kitchen and pool table and private terrace with outdoor BBQ. There is also a resort style outdoor pool with private cabanas and poolside fireplace. Both buildings are a 15 minute walk from the Laurier location and 18 minutes to the Elgin location.

Also in walking distance to these condominium buildings is a Sobeys Urban Fresh, Independent Grocer, Shoppers Drug Mart, LCBO, several coffee shops, five star restaurants, and so much more.

Are you a Shopify employee who is new to Ottawa, trying to sort out where the best place to live is? Unsure and want help? Let’s chat! Fill out the form at the bottom of the page, txt/call 613-286-9501, or email Matt@mattrichling.com

The Bowery - Sales Update

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“O7” Floorplan at The Bowery

The Bowery has only 20 units remaining including four model suites, that are available for purchase. There are 246 suites (250 if you include the two guests suites, sales office, and the superintendents unit) in the building in total. Pricing beings at $276,000 for the S5 model, a 493sqft studio. The largest unit that is currently available is the F4 model which is a one bedroom plus flex, 686sqft, for $381,000. All units include four European stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer in-unit, quartz counters, and hardwood flooring throughout the unit - all standard.

**For more information about the Bowery, visit our Bowery page located HERE.**

For more information about new condos located in downtown Ottawa, or for help to decide which unit is the best fit for you, fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

Bowery - Sales Promotion

Richcraft has announced a sales promotion to push the remaining units at The Bowery. The “Closeout Sale” offers a discount on all units, plus a free storage locker during the month of March. Specifically, units up to and including 6th floor will be discounted by $6,000. All units 7th floor & up will be discounted by $5,000. There are still great units available across most price points and sizes.

Located at 255 Bay Street, The Bowery Condos + Lofts is 18 stories with 248 units ranging in size from 493sqft (S5 floorplan for $262,000) up to 781 sqft (T1 floorplan for $452,000) . Amazing rooftop amenities that are worth making the project a must-view.

** For more information about Bowery Condos + Lofts, visit our Bowery page HERE, where you can find floorplans, pricelists, renderings, photos, news clippings, and other information. **

The Bowery - Sales Update

The Bowery is Richcraft Homes’ latest building, located at 255 Bay Street in Centretown. The building is now completed and there are only 40 units left in the building or 84% sold out. Prices for remaining units range from $262,000 up to over $472,000. Size of available units is from 493sqft to 846sqft.

For more information about the Bowery, visit our Bowery page located HERE.

For more information about new condos located in downtown Ottawa, fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

The Bowery - Sales Update

Sales continue to move along at Richcraft's The Bowery Condos, which is located at 255 Bay Street. The building is now 75% sold out. Only a few select floorplans are available, and an almost immediate closing could be provided. 

For more information about The Bowery, or condos in Ottawa, fill out the form below!

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Bowery June 25th 2018

The Bowery - Sales Update

The Bowery Condos and lofts, built by Richcraft Homes and located at 255 Bay Street, has sold 159 of the 246 suites (250 if you include the two guest suites, sales office, and the superintendents unit) or about 64% sold out. There are six of the floorplans that are fully sold out and numerous floor plans that are only available on lower floors. Pricing starts at $200,000 for the S2 model which is 401sqft, and only available on the 1st and 2nd floor. The largest unit that is currently available is the T3 model which is a two bedroom, 919sqft, located on the second floor for $418,000. All units include 4 European stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer in-unit, quartz counters, and hardwood flooring throughout the unit - all standard. 

The building is now complete and the units are available with an (almost) immediate closing period. Parking is available at $30,000* and lockers at $3,000. Monthly condo fees are priced at $0.36sqft and include heat, water, central air, etc. *Parking available for select units.

For updated floorplans and price lists, fill out the form below. 

Click here for more information.

Bowery

What's in my condo's concrete floor?

Construction Photo from Richcraft of the 16th Floor of The Bowery on January 28th!

Often it is easy to forget how much work is involved in the construction of a building, and how exactly the buildings are built. Here is a quick example of the construction process for the concrete slabs (or floor) of a concrete highrise condominium. These are all from The Bowery and give you a great sense of what could be in your floor and ceiling.

The main "squares" or woven material is the steel rebar or rod's which provide the strength and woven together throughout every area. Once that is complete all of the tubing and conduits are run for each unit. The red is hot water, blue is cold water, and the grey is electrical along with "other" cables such as fire, audio/visual etc. Some builders run extra to different rooms since it is nearly impossible after the concrete is set.

The rebar (steel rod's) sticking up are to connect vertical concrete walls and columns that support the floor above. The photo below, shows a finished slab that is curing (drying). It gives you a better idea of a more finished product - you can see the vertical rebar for support columns/walls, and the plumbing and other conduits.

Fact - Most concrete subfloors are between 7-10 inches thick, which doesn't include any flooring or subflooring - just the concrete! 

The Bowery - Construction and Sales Update

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The Bowery, by Richcraft has come along way and is progressing nicely. Currently at the 15th of 18 floors, they are installing the exterior windows on the 6th floor. Richcraft is on track with occupancy to start on November 1st. 

Currently 98 units are sold in the building out of 246 units, with three sold so far this month. Richcraft raised The Bowery pricing yesterday after a comparison to other buildings in the area showed that they are still priced quite lower.

The Bowery is located at 255 Bay st (at Gloucester) - with the sales centre located at 136 Bank ( at Slater). A total of 246 units with prices starting from $181,000. Rooftop amenities feature an indoor pool, fitness and yoga studio, indoor lounge/party room, outdoor terrace, sauna, etc.

For more information about The Bowery, or pre-construction condos in Ottawa, Contact Me!

The Bowery Promo Event

New promo has just announced directly from Richcraft for anyone who purchases The Bowery. Buyers have the choice between no condo fees for one year, free storage locker, upgraded designer package, or hardwood in the bedroom.

While you might have a preference on which you would prefer, it will depend on the size of the unit to decide which option would be the best option. No condo fees for one year is typically a rebate or discount off purchase price. Easily calculated for the size of the unit - $0.36sqft 800sqft = $3456/year or 400sqft = $1728/year. Storage lockers are priced around $3,000. Then the designer package and hardwood depend on the unit. 

Questions about the building, units, or purchasing pre-construction condos in Ottawa? I would love to chat - fill out the form below or email directly Matt@MattRichling.com.

Genworth's Metropolitan Condo Outlook - Winter 2015

Genworth and the Conference Board of Canada has released the 2015 winter edition of its apartment condominium study that looks at eight metropolitan areas, including Ottawa.

For the full report and in depth look into Ottawa and the other areas, click here.

"Although inventories remained high in 2014, Ottawa apartment building permits nearly doubled during the six months to December 2014 compared with their year-earlier levels. As a result, the new apartment condominium market is set to pick up again in 2015, with starts forecast to increase by 9.9 per cent. In fact, construction is already under way on a number of new buildings this year, including The Bowery condominiums and Claridge’s Icon condominiums in Little Italy. The Icon condominium building will be Ottawa’s tallest. But this title may not last long. A new development proposed by Richcraft Homes, also in the Little Italy neighbourhood, would see the construction of three new towers, the biggest of which would be 55 storeys tall. Starts are expected to keep rising from 2016 to 2019, growing by a forecast average of 1.2 per cent per year. Absorptions are set to decline this year and next, albeit from a 2014 record high, and then begin to rise through the next few years, helping to whittle down inventories." - taken from the report.

Bowery - Construction and Sales Update

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? 

Click to Contact Matt Richling

Bowery Condos - Construction update

2014 Sammy Awards Results

Taken from a Richcraft promotional piece following the recent win. 

There has been lots of excitement over the past year, with much more competition between builders means more effort into marketing, sales, and design. The Sammy Awards are held by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association every year, for local builders and industry partners.

Richcraft Homes was the big winner, taking home the Grand Sammy for most awards. They won Best Print Advertising for a Builder (The Bowery Condos), Best Builder Sales Centre (The Bowery Condos), Best Marketing Campaign (The Bowery Condos), and Best Builder Brochure (The Bowery Condos).

Claridge Homes took home Best Condo Model for a High Rise (the Tribeca Broadway unit), Best Builder Website, and Best Town Home Model over 1,500sqft.

Minto Communities also won with Best Project Logo, and Most Environmentally Friendly Builder. 

For a full list of winners, visit here. For more information on the Sammy's visit here.

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/

Questions about Ottawa Condos or Bowery? Click to Contact Matt Richling

Bowery Construction Update

The Bowery - The Breakdown

So since the VIP agent party a few weeks back I have been getting tons of inquries for more information regarding The Bowery. If you don’t know about Richcraft’s newest building, CLICK HERE.  Also… note the pricing… its pretty decent for what you will get. Especially compared to other buildings and launches going on right now. Add in the rooftop pool, gym and party room, free condo fees for a year and free storage locker! Its one of the hottest buildings we have right now.

Coles notes of the points they are pushing…
- Starting at $179,000 for 375sqft (1st floor) and $415,000 for 914sqft (2nd floor)
- 6 of the floorplans under 500sqft, 13 of the floorplans between 500-799sqft, 4 floorplans 800sqft and over
- Condo Fee $0.38 per square foot + Hydro, Water
- Locker included in all purchases
- Parking $27,500
- Interior upgrades such as stainless steel appliances, Quartz Countertops
- First Choice and Best pricing through agent VIP Launch including no condo fees for a year.
- Rooftop Pool, Terrace with Panoramic Views
- Lobby includes a Concierge 
- Deposit structure is 15% down (“first five thousand on signing, rest up negotiable on a per deal basis” - as of Bowerys sales rep 10/10/13) 
- official VIP launch set for Nov 7th

 

As standard, clients want to know what I think about certain floorplans… I will go over two floorplans and provide my thoughts.

Here we have the B2 floorplan which is 520sqft plus the 162sqft balcony. Price is starting at $248,000 on the 1st floor which includes the free locker. There are two of these per floor, one facing north, and one facing south. It features a nice entry way including the front closet, washer/dryer and even a small built in desk. Then you have an open kitchen/living room area and decently sized bedroom.

Here we have the B1 floorplan which is 590sqft plus the 96sqft balcony. Price is starting at $274,000 on the 1st floor and available up to the 15th floor. There are two of these units per floor with both having eastern AND a second exposure East or west (depending on the unit). Thats right, this is a corner unit that offers plenty of natural light. Again you have a nice entry way, which separates the unit from the hallway, however there is no desk area. The bedroom is smaller, but has eastern facing windows. The kitchen/living room is slightly larger than the B2, but has a slightly smaller balcony. 

Both of these units are a favourite of mine for someone looking for a one bed under $300,000 and both of these could even include parking under that $300,000 budget too (depending on the floor height). Which IMO is a great buy.

If you interested in the full floorplans, and pricing please shoot me an email - Matt@MattRichling.com.

Keep in mind that they have now announced the VIP agent launch date for November 7th, which will allow clients working with agents the first chance of purchasing a unit in the building. If you would like to have me walk you through your options, negotiate the deposit structure, and assist with purchase, feel free to contact me. Ask about the incentives that we offer, over and above the 1% lower purchase price and free condo fee’s for one year.

You can always email me - Matt@Mattrichling.com - or by phone 613-286-9501.

Condo Launch - The Bowery

Located at 255 Bay st, Ottawa builder Richcraft is about to launch its newest project called The Bowery.  The same builder to bring well crafted and high quality work such as Galleria and Galleria phase 2.

Last week, Richcraft invited me to a sneak peek to show me the project and give me the full scoop on what is coming.

Located steps from Bank St. the Bowery is going to be a 17 floor building with a rooftop pool, terrace and hotel inspired amenities. Units start at 375sqft up to 914sqft. Obviously slightly smaller units, with prices that are reflective of the size, starting at $179,000 up to $415,000. Montly condo fees at priced at $0.38 per sqft. Best part is every unit includes a storage locker at no extra charge.

There are some amazing amenities in the Bowery over and above the rooftop pool and terrace, including the gym, sauna, outdoor yoga studio, party room with fully equipped catering kitchen and private dining room, hotel inspired lobby including concierge and guest suite.

The building launch is set for late October or Early November (date still coming), for VIP clients and shortly after for general public. To get more information including prices, floorplans and other information, contact me directly at 613-286-9501 or Matt@MattRichling.com.

Stay tuned as I will profile some of my favorite units, and walk through the floorplans. This is a very exciting building which you do not want to miss.