Claridge Icon - Construction Update

Located at 485 Preston street, (corner of Carling) in Little Italy and Dows Lake, Claridge's Icon has officially hit rock bottom. Well... Digging has hit the lowest part and crews are getting prepared to start building the parking levels and then the 45 stories. Housing 320 residential units plus commercial space in the lower podium - it will become the largest tower in Ottawa (after construction) at 485ft. Originally set with a closing date in December 2018, Claridge has moved the occupancy back to April 2019. Available units currently range from $286,000 to $1,250,000 for one of the few remaining penthouse units. 22 floor plans in total with most still available on select floors. 

For more information about pre-construction condos in Ottawa - contact me!

Yard and Station - Construction and Sales Update

Yard and Station, which is a low rise, luxury, loft building, is located at 12 Stirling Avenue (at Scott) in Hintonburg. The three storey building will be completed this year and only one of the nine units is still available for sale. The unit is priced at $899,000 plus parking and locker ($35,000) - and is 1807sqft of indoor space plus 130sqft of outdoor space. Yard And Station is being built by Ottawa based Morley Hoppner and the lead architect is Barry J. Hobin & Associates

For more information about Yard and Station condos, or pre-construction condos in Ottawa, Contact me - I would love to help!

The Slater - Construction and Sales Update

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Broccolini's The Slater has been topped off and interior work is well underway. Drywall work is around the 16th floor. The building is approximately 78% sold of the 178 units with prices starting around $227,900.

Broccolini is no stranger to Ottawa being involved with the construction of Windmill's Cathedral Hill, Richcraft's Galleria, etc.

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!

Arthaus - Sales Office Built

We got word that a mysterious black office had landed and started hearing a little gossip about it's potential use. Finally it has been confirmed that the dark wood clad building will be the sales centre for Arthaus Residence. The sales centre is located on Rideau Street just across from the Metro and LCBO at the corner of King Edward. This also confirms that the building will start selling this spring.

For more information on Arthaus Residence or other pre-construction condos in Ottawa - Contact me!

Zibi Ottawa - O and Kanaal - Sales Update

Sales Update for Kanaal as of January 9th 2016

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Early November, "Kanaal" which is the second phase of Windmill Development's Zibi project, was officially launched to the public. Of the 61 units there is roughly 60% sold, however later this week Windmill is releasing 15 more units (mix of size). Windmill is expecting to break ground in the first half of 2016 and is expecting a completion date of late 2017 (possibly early 2018) for both phases. The largest difference between the first and second phase is future location - the second phase is located in Ontario, while the first is going to be located in Quebec.

The first phase of the highly anticipated project "Zibi" was officially launched on May 30th (2015) and is sitting at 65% sold. 

Both projects have a good mix of units remaining in size and price points.

For more information about Zibi condos or other pre construction condos in Ottawa, fill out the form below.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Zibi Ottawa Sales update

Arthaus Condos - Construction Update

Construction Progress of Arthaus Condos from DevMcGill

**For everything ARTHAUS related, visit the up to date ARTHAUS section here**

Arthaus Condos, will be located above the Ottawa Art Gallery and Le Germain Hotel at the corner of Daly and Waller in the Byward Market (just steps from The Rideau Shopping Center - Nordstrom!). Montreal developer DevMcGill has over 20 years of building residential condominiums and expects completion in 2017. Sales dates have not yet been announced, but we expect it to be sometime soon (once things warm up a little). With such a unique building, location, and only 89 units - we expect the units to move quickly.

Also the sales centre for the project is currently under construction, located at 264 Rideau St (across from the Metro and LCBO).

For more information about Arthaus Condos or pre-construction condos in Ottawa, fill out the form below.

CLICK TO FOR MORE INFORMATION

Arthaus Construction update

SoBa Condos - Construction Update

After a warm fall and finish to 2015 we have not seen much progress from the construction site of SoBa. Located at 203 Catherine Street in Centretown, the 240 unit building was set for "completion in 2016" - however we have a feeling that this will be pushed back. 

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

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

Soba Update Jan 6th

Breaking News - Change to Minimum Downpayments In Ottawa

Earlier today the Finance Minister announced a big change to CMHC-backed mortgages over $500,000. Starting February 15th, 2016, purchasing an Ottawa properties over $500,000 will require a minimum downpayment of 10% instead of the current 5%. However, this only applies to the portion above $500,000. 

This change will not affect
- those who are purchasing under $500,000.
- those who are renewing regardless of being over $500,000

This change was put into place to ensure security in riskier transactions, specifically in markets such as Toronto and Vancouver. The government claims that this should only impact about 1% of Canadians.

Looking for more information about buying or selling, or just want to talk about how these changes could affect you? Fill out the form below.

Zibi Construction Officially Started

Zibi Construction Ground Breaking Ceremony - Darren Brown / The Ottawa Citizen

Today was the groundbreaking ceremony to start the $1.5 Billion, 15 year, 37 acre, mixed use development called Zibi. Windmill Developments has launched two phases - "O" and "Kanaal" which expect to see completion by late 2017. About 50% of the units remain for "O" which is the Gatineau side project.

For more information about Zibi or pre-construction condos in Ottawa, fill out the form below.

Zibi Ottawa - Kanaal - Grand Launch Date

After great success with the launch of the first phase on the Gatineau side, Windmill Developments has announced the name and date for the second phase of the Zibi Project. Kanaal will be a mixture of 61 condos and stacked town houses designed by Barry J. Hobin and Associates Architects. Located on the Ontario side of Ottawa's Chaudiere Island, many buyers have been very eager for an Ontario building in this project.

Grand Launch for Zibi's Kanaal has been set for 10am Saturday November 7th at the Zibi Sales Centre (3 Eddy Street in Gatineau). If the first launch was any indication - expect some great food and entertainment.

For assistance with purchasing a pre-construction unit at the launch or for more information about Kanaal, or the entire Zibi project, fill out the form below. 

Smart House Project Cancelled

Rumours about the fate of the micro condo building have been circulating since the beginning of the month and we finally got the official word late last week. Urban Capital has decided that Smart House will be cancelled and turned into a rental building. For those who have purchased, deposits are being returned. There is no information behind who is involved with the rental building, but we do know that it will not be sold unit by unit.

Urban Capital will now turn the focus to the upcoming James Street Pub building which we expect to be launched late spring or summer 2016 at the earliest.

Questions about buying pre-construction condos in Ottawa? Fill out the form below, I would love to chat.

Condomania - Minto Offering Big Incentives

Offering discounts of up to $50,000 on select units, Minto is making it more attractive than ever to purchase a unit at one of their developments. Only a few units are included (or should we say remain) with more expected to be available during the one day event. Dubbed "CondoMania", Minto is holding a sale at the Glebe Bank street sales office on Saturday October 24th at Noon till 6pm. The projects included are Lansdowne, Beechwood, and Upperwest! In addition to the up to $50,000 savings, buyers also will receive free parking and locker PLUS a pair of RedBlacks 2016 season tickets. 

For more information about the three developments, or to see sample units and pricing click here. If you are looking for assistance with purchase, fill out the form below - I would love to help.

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.