2015 Housing Design Awards Winners

Put on by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, the 32nd annual Housing Design Awards are so those in the industry are able to go head to head for recognition of their work in new home and condo construction and renovation in Ottawa. The winners include the city's top builders, designers, architects, and renovators, all competing in a range of categories based on size, budget, and style. There are over 50 awards handed out with some even chosen online by the general public. 

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The Wavell Kitchen by Linebox Studio

A few of the winners this year include:

High-Rise Building (50 Units or More)
MInto and Barry J Hobin Architects for The Vibe (Lansdowne Park)

Mid to High-Rise Unit
Claridge Homes for the Lilac model at Fusion Development at LeBreton Flats

Custom Contemporary Kitchen (241sqft or more, $74,999 and under) 
LInebox Studio and Lake Partnership for the Wavell Kitchen

For a full list of this years winners, visit the Ottawa Citizen article here.

ARTHAUS - Construction Groundbreaking

Ottawa's Mayor Jim Watson was on hand for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Ottawa Art Gallery and Art's Court project. Montreal based DevMcGill has announced the name as ARTHAUS which will feature 89 residential condominium units located above a Le Germain Hotel on the lower floors.

No sales launch date for the residential component has yet been set - rumours say early 2016 to mid 2016.

For everything about ARTHAUS visit the ARTHAUS page HERE.

ARTHAUS Residences - (Arts Court)

Live painting of the exterior rendering during launch.

**For up-to-date ARTHAUS related, visit the ARTHAUS section**

Earlier today we learned the official name of the Art's Court condo complex. Built by Montreal Developer DevMcGill, ARTHAUS will be a complete mixed use building with Le Germain Hotel occupying the lower half, and residences starting on the 15th floor (as seen with the balconies). The modern building will also feature an Art Gallery and teaching rooms for the University of Ottawa. 

There will be approximately 98 suites in the residence which will range from 450sqft to 1100sqft. Union31 was brought in to design the interiors of the building/suites.The building has already started construction and will be expected to be completed in late 2017. Units are expected to go on sale later this year or first thing 2016. 

Looking for more information about ARTHAUS residence or downtown condos? Fill out the form below or email me directly Matt@MattRichling.com 

Minto's Vibe Wins at 2015 Ottawa Urban Design Awards

Last night Minto's Vibe condominium took home the Award of Merit in Urban Infill for Mid to High Rise building at the 2015 Ottawa Urban Design Awards. Located at 118 Holmwood, it is the first of two towers for Minto at the new Lansdowne centre in the Glebe. The Vibe is fully sold out and only select units are still available in phase two.

The Jury had this to say about the project:

GW: The building marks a departure from one neighbourhood type to the retail/sports focus of Lansdowne Park. The two storey retail base is noteworthy.

CP: The Vibe drew a lot of discussion for its self conscious attempt to create activity in the body of the building itself. I found it unnecessary considering that the base could have benefitted from more care, variety, openness and public space. However the building is really the gateway building to Lansdowne Park and as such is a critical piece of the overall urban revitalization. Its merits are in its density and mixed use programme. Its secondary role as an entry beacon to the Park seems to temper and give value to the eclectic nature of the execution. It contributes to the destination character of the site.

Other winners include Modbox Developments and Linebox Studio for its collection of three modern town homes on Springfield in Lindenlea, winning the Award of Merit for Urban Infill Low Rise. 

Learn more about the winners HERE. Interested in downtown Ottawa condos? Fill out the form below, I would love to chat!

The Corners On Main - Sales Update

Domicile's newest project that will be located on Main street, has been getting big attention since it first launched in August. The attention is due partly for the history (CLICK HERE to read the full history of the site), partly for the location (very central or "city meets tranquility" - tagline from Domicile), but also how well it has been selling. At this point The Corners On Main is almost 50% sold out of the 74 suites for phase one - which is very good comparing to other projects across the city.  Buyers still have most floorpans and views available, with prices ranging from $228,300 up to $594,900. 

Domicile has said they are ahead of schedule for phase one, and has started working on getting phase two ready to roll out.

Quick facts:
- Name: The Corners On Main
- Developer: Domicile
- Site Location: 141 Main Street
- Completion Date: fall/winter 2017
- Units: 74 suites in phase 1, 70 planned in phase 2
- Levels: 6 and 4 in phase one
- Maintenance fees: 42cents/sqft/month, $33/month/per parking, projected
- Parking: $33,500 if required/available (not all units are)
- Smoke Free and Pet Friendly
- Amenities: two guest suites, lounge, rooftop terrace, fitness and yoga studio, pet wash station, car wash area,

Looking for more information about The Corners On Main or pre-construction condos in Ottawa? Fill out the form below - I would love to chat.

Domicile's Kavanaugh - Sales Update

Domicile's Kavanaugh, located on Beechwood has only 18 units remaining of the original 124 units. The building is now occupied and available units are a decent mix of size and floor height. Units start at $284,100 for a one bedroom plus den (613sqft). Parking is an additional $31,000 if required. Quick occupancy can be provided!

For more information about condos on Beechwood, or pre construction condos across Ottawa, fill out the form below.

Minto Beechwood Live Camera

Minto has set up a live construction camera for its project on Beechwood. While not a live video feed, it still gives you a chance to check out the progress without leaving your home. Minto Beechwood is currently about 70% sold out with approximately 37units remaining. Located at the corner of Beechwood and Mackay, Minto Beechwood will be a 9 storey, 126 unit building. Expected completion is winter 2016 with excavation now complete and construction already underway.

For more information about Minto Beechwood or pre-construction condos in Ottawa, fill out the form below - I would love to help you out.

SOHO Champagne - Sales Promotion

Hoping to jumpstart sales of the last few units as we move into the fall market, SOHO Champagne is now offering a last minute promotion for buyers. Aside from lowering the deposit amount to $10,000, they are also offering up to $50,000 cash back on closing (depending on the unit), no-condo fees for one year, and possible quick occupancy on remaining units. The promotion is being advertised as ending October 1st, so for those interested, better move fast. Currently there are approximately only 28 units left of the 200 in the building, ranging from 535sqft 1bedroom up to a 1,525sqft two bedroom with terrace.

SOHO Champagne is located at 111 Champagne Avenue South, just steps from Preston Street. This is Mastercraft Starwood's third SOHO building in the city, after SOHO Lisgar and SOHO Parkway. Designed by Architect Roderick Lahey Architect Inc, and interior designer is Gluckstein Design. The building now has occupancy and the 5 star amenities are almost completed.

For more information on the remaining units at SOHO Champagne or about pre-construction condos in Ottawa, fill out the form below - I would love to help!

SOBA - Construction Underway!

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

After a very quiet spring and summer, construction has officially started on Catherine street for SoBa condos. Being built by Brad Lamb of Lamb Developments (Toronto), this is the second building in Ottawa by the "King of Condos", first being Gotham located on Lyon.

We have been told that the construction crew is currently digging the Slurry Wall, which should last about 100 days for a project of this size. Then the main excavation is able to begin. A building permit was issued on August 27th 2015 to Doran Construction for a partial permit for excavation and shoring and part foundation only. Construction is expected to take two years and be completed in 2017.

Here is the construction site as of this morning - a screen shot from the live youtube camera of "Jimmy Joners" - Click here to view.

Interested in learning more about SoBa condos or downtown condos? I would love to chat - fill out the form below or email me matt@mattrichling.com

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.

Domicile's Corners On Main - Grand Opening and Pricing

Domicile has announced the date for its highly anticipated - The Corners On Main, which will be located on Main Street. Read all about it HERE. 

For those looking to get first crack at available units, Saturday August 8th at 12noon, at the Kavanaugh Sales Centre located at 86 Beechwood Avenue. Floor plans and more details will be released then.

Domicile has released the price sheet (see below) for the available units and one floor plan for "The Centennial" (935sqft, two bedroom, one and a half bathroom, plus terrace). 

One bedrooms range from $261,600 for the Glenora (554sqft) to $389,200 for the Hazel (850sqft). Two bedrooms range from $411,100 for the Marlowe (930sqft) up to $490,900 for the Brantwood (1105sqft). "Two bedrooms plus" range up to $594,900 for the Merritt (1431sqft with terrace). Parking is an extra $33,500 but not available for the "Pied a Terre" or studio units. Domicile is estimating condo fees at 42 cents per square foot, and $33 per month per parking space.

For more information on condos for sale in Ottawa, or assistance with purchasing pre-construction condos - Fill out the form below! 

CLICK TO CONTACT

Domicile Corners On Main

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The Slater - Promo Prices + Broker Event

The Slater - a 21 Storey tower that is mixed condos and a boutique hotel, at 199 Slater Street just off of Bank St. Developed by Broccolini the project is currently at around 80% sold out. Units range from 408sqft up to 1929sqft. "Inspired by the clean, square lines of the mid-century towers that surround it, it marries a hip 1950s aesthetic with a thoroughly modern sensibility. Minimalist interiors by II by IV are cool, classic and understated. The Slater is beautiful, sleek – and eternally chic. "

Last week I was invited to a limited brokers lunch where Broccolini walked through the project status, what is left for sale, a new promo being offered and a sneak peak for their next downtown space. Overall the project has seen good success, and a few units still remain. The promotions are not being advertised so if you are interested, contact me.

If you are interested in The Slater, and learning more about current promotions that are being offered, contact Matt Richling at Matt@MattRichling.com or by filling out the form below.

The Eddy - First Look Inside

Here is a first look inside of Windmill Developments newest building, The Eddy. Located at 1000 Wellington Street West in Hintonburg, The Eddy is a six storey, 52 unit building with units ranging from 675 sqft to 1079 sqft. Units have been occupied and all purchased units closed on by the owners/handed over from the builder. 

These photos are of the 623sqft Penthouse Albany model, which is a one bedroom one bathroom, north facing above Suzy Q and the Taco lot. The unit is currently for sale, listed at $342,500 with a monthly condo fee of $260 which covers the heat, water, building insurance, property management, and etc. For more information on the unit for sale, contact my colleague Anthony Donnelly (salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty Ltd) at 613-866-1555 or click HERE.

Also get a full 3D walkthrough of the unit CLICKING HERE - warning it is pretty image heavy and takes a bit to load, but worth checking out. 

As you can see, exposed concrete ceiling and walls, exposed ductwork, high quality finishes, and quartz counters are some of the interior finishes. Building features puzzle parking system, rooftop terrace, hot tub, bbq area, and bike storage. Aiming for LEED Platinum.

Interested in The Eddy? I would love to chat.

The Eddy - Half Price Parking For Remaining 8 Units

Exterior shot of Windmill Developments project The Eddy 

In order to help sell the remaining units of The Eddy, Windmill Developments has reduced parking fee in half to $16,000. Only eight of the 52 units currently remain available, and range from $339,000 for The Magee which is a 675sqft one bedroom, up to $499,560 for The Reid a 1060sqft two bedroom (see floorplan below). Condo fees are at $0.35 per sqft per month.

The Eddy was recently featured on CTV news for having the first "puzzle parking system" in Ottawa. Click Here to watch the news clip.

For more information on the remaining units at The Eddy, or Windmill Developments other downtown projects, fill out the form below.

The Reid Floorplan at The Eddy by Windmill Developments.

The Corners On Main - Coming This Fall

Yesterday Domicile posted this on Instagram - appears the brochures ready to go!

Domicile Developments posted the above photo on Instagram yesterday which suggests that The Corners On Main is coming very soon. While no official dates have been announced we do know that it will be launched in 2015 and heard a rumour it will be sometime in the fall.

Located on Main Street between Oblate and Springhurst, and designed by Roderick Lahey Architect inc. Two six storey buildings, each with 70 residential units, plus roof top terraces, and amenities plus quality that you would expect from Domicile. Expected completion date of Fall/Winter of 2017. 

Interested in learning more? Fill out the form below to contact Matt Richling about The Corners On Main.

Electronic Signatures Starting July 1st!

Word starting circulating late last night amongst the realtor crowd across Ontario that the wait for electronic signatures is finally over! After years of being told that electronic signatures were "coming soon" by different levels of government, starting July 1st we will be able to sign The Agreement Of Purchase And Sale (the main document to sell a property) digitally. No more scanning, no more driving around at a late hour or rushing for a last minute signature, no more faxing (well that was a given), no impossible to read documents from sending back and forth. 

I have been using electronic signatures for other documents (listing agreements, price reductions, etc) but now the full transaction could be signed digitally. Almost every client who has used this, prefers it. Saving the client time, and ensures no missed signatures or initials. As the client, you can read, review, and sign the document at your pace.

Real Estate 2.0 is here!

Tribeca Sales Update

Claridge Homes latest development in Centretown, Tribeca, is a "world-class complex in a world-class neighbourhood"(as per the sales website). A three phase project, consisting of two highrise towers connected by the podium that also features the third phase consisting of low rise loft units. 

Phase One is located at 179 Metcalfe, and has seen occupancy of the units and is now fully registered. They are currently 95% sold and available units range from $343,00 for a 753 sqft 1bed + Den, to $463,000 for a 971 sqft 2bed unit with 95 sqft terrace. Parking is an additional $35,000 per spot. Occupancy on these units can be quite fast, however finishes and upgrades have already been chosen. 

Phase Two is located at 40 Nepean St, and is currently at around 65% sold. You should be able to find the size and price point you are looking for with the remaining supply ranging from studio's up to larger 2 bedrooms.

Phase Three is about to be launched, but sounds pretty unique from the promotional material getting sent around.

The amenities for the project are quite exciting, featuring a full indoor salt water pool, kid splash pool, yoga studio, fitness room, private lounge, multimedia room, board room, four meeting rooms, two guest suites, concierge/security, visitor parking, Sobey's (Now Open!), and the nearly 7000sqft of landscaped terraces on the south side.

If you are interested in the Tribeca project, or would like more information on units that are currently for sale - contact Matt Richling (salesperson with RE/MAX Metro City Realty) by filling out the form below or by email Matt@MattRichling.com. 

CLICK TO GET MORE INFORMATION

Tribeca Sales Updates

Windmill Developments Launch of Zibi - Welcome "O" Sales and Launch Recap

This past Saturday saw the initial launch of the first phase of Windmill's Zibi Development located around the Chaudiere Falls. The first six storey building named "O" has 66 units, ranging from a 478sqft studio, up to a 1,393 sqft three bedroom unit. The second six storey building will be called "O2"  will have 75 units. Occupancy for phase one is expected in late spring 2017. The largest factor to keep in mind is that these buildings are located on the Gatineau side of the river. Anyone who is looking to reside in the building would be subject to Quebec income tax, subject to Quebec health care, among other differences from Ontario - this is an important difference that every Ontario buyer should note. 

All in - Saturdays launch is considered a success, with a large chunk of units reserved and large amounts of visitors to the sales centre. Initial numbers point at about 41% of units were reserved on Saturday, but these are still subject to a 10-day cooling off period.

For price list, floor plans, other documentation, or just for general information - fill out the form below or contact Matt Richling (salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty) directly at Matt@MattRichling.com

Lofts at Tribeca - Coming Soon

The Lofts at Tribeca, the "third" phase of the Tribeca project built by local Claridge Homes is getting ready for launch. No set launch date, but we are told, larger open, home-like units that will built into the podium that connects the Tribeca Towers (179 Metcalfe and 40 Nepean). 

Will post more information as it comes available. If you are interested or have a question about this project or living downtown - fill out the form below.

CONTACT MATT RICHLING

Lofts at Tribeca

SOBA Condos - Construction Update

Checked out the progress of the Lamb Development project, SoBA. This is how it sat since they pulled an old tank out of the ground (click for video) on April 1st. No word yet on what exactly they found or how it will impact timing and no word from Lamb on when they expect construction to officially start.

Located at 203 Catherine st. in Centretown, the 23 storey, 240 unit building was set for completion late 2016. Fill out the form below if you are looking for more information on units currently available.

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