Claridge Icon - Sales Update

** For more information about Claridge Icon, visit our Claridge Icon page, with all of the renderings, floorplans, detailed information, etc. CLICK HERE.**

Claridge Icon, located at 505 Preston street and just north of Dows Lake and in Little Italy, is continuing to sell units as construction moves along. Currently the building is over 50% sold out and has a good selection of sizes and prices. Units start at $336,000 for the Gable (610sqft), or the Redford (625sqft) for $338,000.

Occupancy is slated for October 2020. Prices average $604sqft. Deposit is 15%.

Claridge Icon - Construction Update

Claridge Icon, located at the corner of Carling and Preston street, is currently on the 27th of 45 floors. Glass has started being installed in the lower flooring as things continue to move along well. It’s hard to imagine exactly how high that will be when looking at the building…. Keep in mind this is a rough example below.

There will be 320 units with an estimated completion of early to mid 2020. Prices range from $330,000’s and up, with unit size ranging from 610 to 1630 square feet.

Claridge Icon - Sales and Construction Update

Located in Little Italy at the corner of Preston and Carling, Claridge Icon is coming along on time. Construction crews are currently pouring the 18th floor, out of the 45 storey building. 

There are roughly 188 units still available to purchase (out of the 320) with prices starting at $331,000 for the 610sqft one bedroom "Gable" floorplan". There are roughly 87 one bedroom units, 37 one bedroom plus den, 63 two bedroom units, and only one two bedroom plus den units that remain. Keep in mind that some floorplans are sold out, with only some floors available for certain floorplans.

- The building is set for occupancy April 2020
- Parking is $40,000/spot (condo fees are $34.35/month per spot)
- Lockers are included with each unit
- Deposit - 15% total - with 5% at signing and 10% provided 60 days after signing

For more information on downtown Ottawa condominiums, fill out the form below! 

Claridge Icon - Construction Update

Construction is moving along as projected at Claridge Icon, located at the corner of Preston and Carling in Little Italy. Construction crews are currently pouring the eleventh floor of the 485 foot, 45 storey building that is set for completion in April 2020. 

If you have questions about condos in Ottawa, fill out the form below and let's chat!

Claridge Icon - Construction and Sales Update

The Claridge Icon is well underway with construction crews currently pouring the 5th floor. Set for completion by April 2020, there is a rumor that they are moving ahead of schedule and occupancy might even start earlier. The 45 storey building will stand 485 feet high above the ground. 

The building is currently around 40% sold (124 of the 320 units), with only two of the twelve penthouse units still available. Some floorplans are almost all fully sold out like the Bertoia (2bed-855sqft), New Pacino (1bed 645sqft), etc. Sales are estimated to pick up significantly this year with the increased demand in the Ottawa condo market.

Questions about pre-construction condos in Ottawa? Fill out the form at the bottom of the page and let's chat.

Claridge Icon Ottawa Condo - Construction Update

Claridge Homes is steadily progressing on construction of what will be Ottawa's tallest condominium building. Claridge Icon is located at 485 Preston Street in Little Italy and across from Dow's Lake. Expected completion of the 45 story building is April 2019. Unit price ranges from $291,000 to well over $1,235,000 of the 230 total units.

For more information about pre-construction condos within the city of Ottawa, please contact Matt Richling (sales representative with RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group) by filling out the form below.

Claridge Icon - Construction Fire

Photo Source: Ottawa Citizen/Kara Hayne

Construction fire at the Claridge Icon site at 485 Preston St. The full article from the Ottawa Citizen is below; read the full article here. 

Hazmat call, fire at construction site doused in Little Italy
- Megan Gillis, Ottawa Citizen, August 10th 2016
A fire that ignited spray foam insulation at a Little Italy construction site has been doused and fire and air tests turned up clear, although road closures are still in place, Ottawa Fire Services said Wednesday as the afternoon commute began.

Concerns about potentially-toxic burning insulation was behind the large perimeter established around the Claridge Icon project at Carling Avenue and Preston Street after a loud noise and smoke were reported at noon, a fire service spokeswoman said.

First responders called the hazardous materials team to the scene and closed Carling Avenue from Bronson Avenue to Sherwood Drive, and Preston Street from Pamilla Street to Prince of Wales Drive. Crews have since reopened Carling.

Firefighters wore the breathing apparatus they don during working fires during the safety perimeter while police asked that people avoid the area.

Witnesses tweeted that firefighters were trying to extinguish insulation that had been applied to the foundation at the condo tower that’s under construction.

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!

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. 

View fullsize

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.

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

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

Tribeca Sobey's NOW OPEN!

Centertown has just stepped up another notch with the addition of a well needed grocery store. Sobey's 2,400 square metre store has now opened in the ground floor of Claridge's Tribeca at the corner of Metcalfe street and Slater. Hours are 7am till 11pm seven days a week. There is underground visitor parking for those from outside the building (140 visitor spots in total).

Looking to live in the downtown core and have a grocery store just an elevator ride away? I would love to help you out!

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.

Ottawa Citizen Feature - Perks Help New Centretown Condo Sell Quickly

This past weekends Ottawa Citizen that profiled a recent sale. Click here for the online version. 

Perks Help New Centretown Condo Sell Quickly
Jennifer Campbell - Ottawa Citizen - March 3rd 2015

Location: Tribeca, 179 Metcalfe St., Unit 1607
Features: Large and stylish one-bedroom, one-bathroom. Price included parking, hardwood floors and storage locker.
Asking price: $354,900
Selling price: $348,000
Days on market: 25

Word from the sales rep: “This is a unit that shows beautifully, with stunning views looking south over the city, and we priced it competitively,” says Matt Richling, a condo sales rep at Re/Max Metro-City Realty. “The Tribeca (built by Claridge) is brand new, with some of the best amenities in the city, and the perfect location. Add this all up, and it’s no wonder the buyer fell in love.” (The buyer was represented by David O’Reilly at Keller Williams Ottawa.)

What’s good about the ’hood: Walking distance to the ByWard Market, Elgin Street, Rideau Canal, Glebe, Chinatown and Parliament Hill.

Richcraft Joins The Tallest Condo in Ottawa Battle!

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

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. 

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

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.

Click Here To Contact Matt

Claridge Icon Started

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.

Photo: Sheldon DeFilippi on Flickr

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

Which Ottawa Condos have Pools?

Indoor pool for the owners at 200 Rideau St and 234 Rideau St, built by Claridge

While it might seem like the amenities rarely get used in a building, for those that take advantage of them, its like adding extra rooms onto your condo for free! (Well... yeah you pay for them, but still)

Lets look at which condo buildings around Ottawa have pools!

Claridge (especially lately) has been a big believer in amenities and nice big pool areas. Take a look at  Claridge Plaza (phase 1-4), La Tiffany (phase 1 and 2), Lebreton Flats (250 Lett),  Tribeca (pool under construction), and eventually Claridge ICON (est 2018), etc.

Urban Capital has started including resort styled pools with The Mondrian (324 Laurier) and the Hideaway (on Mcleod). 

Mastercraft Starwood, known for high quality amenities includes pools at SOHO Lisgar (300 Lisgar) and soon SOHO Champange. SOHO Parkway only gets a rooftop hottub with some of the best views of the city... (sarcasm...). 

Richcraft has built a few pools including, The Galleria (200 Besserer), The Galleria Phase 2 (238 Besserer), The Laurier (570 Laurier), and soon to be built The Bowery.

Other central buildings with pools include 90 George St, 160 George Street, 199 Kent, 500/530 Laurier Ave, 470 Laurier Ave, 556 Laurier Ave, 151 Bay, 20 The Driveway.... etc. The list goes on.

Currently we have a few units available with pools including, Claridge Plaza (234 Rideau Unit 1005, Mondrian (324 Laurier Ave Unit 2209) and two units at Tribeca (179 Metcalfe)! 

If you enjoy taking a dip and are looking for a condo with a pool in Ottawa, lets chat! I would love to help you out!

Click To Contact Matt Richling

Ottawa Pools

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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.

Ottawa Citizen Article - Condo Roundup - Take Aways

The Ottawa Citizen published an article today about the condo market in Ottawa, along with some insider forecasts on the current and future market. You can read the full article here. I have summarized the important take aways, then going to run through exactly what it means for buyers, sellers, and everyone else. 

Coles Notes:
- CMHC reports lowest condo construction starts this year since 2009.
- CMHC says the unsold inventory is to blame
- CMHC forecasts another smaller decline in 2015, then rallying back in 2016
- An industry analyst (from PMA Brethour Realty Group) predicts condos will represent ~18% of sales in 2014, compared to 25% in 2013, 29% in 2012.
- PMA blames poorer job prospects, and more cautious first time buyers, and investors are buying less than previous years, are maxed out, or scared by still-increasing prices.
- PMA sees condo sales increasing over the next year when first time buyers return to market. 

What exactly does this mean for those looking to buy in Ottawa?

Donald Trump is famous for saying you make money in the buy, not the sell. During the meltdown in the USA, Warren Buffett was advising to buy residential real estate before prices went back up. Over the next year or so, CMHC along with other analysts, are expecting the market to continue to soften, and then start to rise again. If you are in the market to buy, there is no better feeling then knowing the prices are going to lower (allowing you to buy low), and then rise. Obviously, you want to take your time and find the perfect place, at the best price, that suits you and your future. *NOTE* Plan on holding your property for at least three years, (preferably five), other wise the costs will outweigh your benefits. So think hard and long about your future or if uncertain, at least look at units that can cover the costs by renting it out. This also means the style of property. Are you dating? Chances are that 500sqft unit wont work for the future couple. Want a dog or kid? same thing. Think ahead and save yourself down the road.

What exactly does this mean for those looking to sell in Ottawa?

Certainly not great if you purchased your condo since 2009 and are looking to sell in the next year or two. You have more competition, and harder pricing. You will need to make your property stand out among the rest, and be willing to work with a buyer for a sale. ***Chances are, you have/will never heard/hear an agent say this but....*** if you can hold out, do it. Wait it out. This is the opposite of what we are "supposed" to say, but this is your largest investment - treat it as such. While you wait, the mortgage is getting paid down, and you will have more room later on. THE FLIP SIDE of this, if you need to sell, take the hit now (hopefully as small as possible), and find a great deal that will have a better return. 

What does this mean for those who are just checking in, with no immediate plans to buy or sell?

Don't panic. Everything goes up and down, and while we have seen a slow but constant increase, corrections are due to happen. Re-evaluate your life plan and see how your living situation will fit in the property over the next four or five years. Then try and plan accordingly. 

Do you want to chat about planing to buy? Or make a plan to reduce the hit you will take when selling? I would love to help you out, click the button below.

Click Here to Contact Matt Richling

Citizen Article - Condo Market 2014

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.