Riverfront

This modern low-rise-design condo building opened in 2000, giving 145 homeowners a downtown location and some great Bow River views, but in an almost suburban-feeling building. Built to fit onto the irregular-shaped lot, the building is roughly an "H" shape with extensions east and west. The east wing is only a single suite wide, ending on each floor in a home that is long and skinny, allowing each suite several windows facing north to the Bow River and its pathways. The building's height was limited by the city to prevent winter-season shadowing of the river and its pathways.

The building is frame construction with floor overlay, four storeys tall, atop an in-ground concrete garage that offers all owners assigned indoor parking, but which also has 28 titled parking stalls. In a classic case of "leaky condo", the building's original exterior cladding proved not be water-tight, so in 2010 new siding was applied that should wear much better; my photos all show the new exterior. It's a disappointment that investment was needed, but owners can be proud that they've paid the bill and done the job that will preserve their condo apartment homes and their investments. 

The Riverfront Condos' complex floor plate means there is tremendous variety among suites, both in layouts and in sizes; I count 25 different floor plans. One-bedroom suites are small, in the 500 to 600-square-foot range. Two-bedroom plans range from a tiny 613 square feet to the spacious, about 1,000 square feet and as large as 1,022. There's a large lobby off the courtyard pedestrian entrance and there are two elevators. All suites have over-height ceilings, in-floor hot-water heating, a decorative electric fireplace and full-sized in-suite laundry equipment. All upper suites have a balcony and main-floor suites have a patio enclosed by fencing and gardens.

Riverfront's location is key for most residents here. Some Chinese-Canadian owners want the proximity to Chinatown, but I see many non-Asian residents as well. Everyone has immediate access to the Bow River, the Harry Hays federal building next door, and all downtown employment and entertainment. 'Can't go wrong! Exterior doors and windows at Riverfront Condos are common property. I have on file the original sales literature and all floor plans, plus the Condo Plan.