Historically, St. Albert has been known for offering homebuyers big houses on big lots. While single-family homes are still the norm, the city has been steadily pursuing a better mix of housing: town homes, duplexes and condos to meet the needs of all types of buyers, from young families and singles to downsizers and snowbirds.
One example of the coming change is the 10-acre downtown site in the Grandin mall area, slated to house 3,000 residents in high-density, multi-family units.
“We're looking for a healthy balance in housing types – a changing society demands it,” said Harold Pacheco, marketing specialist with the city's economic development office. Case in point: The Avions of Northridge, entry-level duplex units that sold out more quickly than expected, mostly to young families.
Also on track to sell fast, the adult gated community Legacy Point is now pre-selling in Lacombe Park Estates. The 44 lake-view half-duplexes from Chelsea Developments promote an active lifestyle, security and community in a sweet package. It boasts a coded private park access, walkout units and a location minutes from the Red Willow Park system, Anthony Henday, downtown Perron Street and the new Ville Giroux retail complex.
“There's an absolute demand for this type of housing. It checks a lot of boxes for active adults,” said realtor Tug Knowlton, who is marketing Legacy Point. “It's in a special spot with private courtyard and pergola, and units that all face outward.”
David Jackson, managing partner with Chelsea Developments, said the location and houses (1,320 to 1,340 square foot, one-bedroom plus den bungalows) bring prospective buyers in, but there's an energy in the park that holds their attention – people just want to be part of it.
“Buyers tell us they've been waiting for a project with the lake and park, but they also really care about building a neighbourhood, making friends and feeling safe and secure,” Jackson said. “We've just started marketing the property and almost 25 per cent of the units are on hold or under contract.”
St. Albert realtor Ryan Boser isn't surprised at the popularity of the adult community. He points to just one other gated development in town, the 10 year-old Vintage Oakmont on Oak Ridge Drive. “Sometimes, there's a prestige to living in a gated community, but the main plus to home buyers is security. People can lock the door and head south—the snow is shoveled and grass is cut,” he said, adding that there's a peace of mind in this type of adult community, where homeowners don't have to worry about partying neighbours, or strangers walking or driving by. “It's a lifestyle that definitely appeals to a segment of St. Albert's population.”
The bungalows in Legacy Point, ranging from $489,900 to $599,900, come with finished basements and standard features: hardwood and ceramic floors, maple cabinets, triple-glazed windows, six appliances, stone front accents and free interior design consultation.
An on-site Legacy Point sales centre is set to open by year's end, with homes slated for completion by late 2015 or spring 2016. In the meantime, interested buyers can visit the presale centre at 38 Leveque Way, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
