Rocky Mountain Court

Everything is BIG at Rocky Mountain Court. From the suites themselves to the suite-wide balconies and the go-on-forever views from upper floors, big was the name of the game in 1980 when this 29-storey tower was completed as a rental building. Conversion to condominium ownership was done in 1993, with many suites bought at that time by investors operating their suites through the in-house rental pool. Many suites have become owner occupied as investors cashed in and sold, so today there's a mix of fairly permanent and rental residents. The owner-occupied suites tend to have been upgraded. I've seen spectacular modernized two-storey penthouses here that would impress any millionaire.

There are five commercial condominium spaces on the ground floor, plus the rental office, shipping access for the commercial spaces and ramps both up and down to parking levels. The parking is in three parts; one level is below grade in a true parkade, while two levels are above ground and are secured, but are open to the breeze. Above that three-storey podium of non-residential functions is the tower with its 300 suites, starting with a roof-top deck, sauna, hot tub and squash court. The tower is topped with another roof-deck area, furnished with seating and a barbecue, where all residents can enjoy the sun and views in good weather.

Floor plans repeat for 24 floors with 12 suites per floor, starting with one at 549 square feet., 10 large one-bedroom suites of 775 or more square feet and a two-bedroom suite of 990 square feet. On the top two floors are 12 two-level penthouse suites ranging from 1,604 to 1,744 square feet. These suites are extra large in part because their top floor extends into what is the balcony on floors below. For all suites these balconies are at least 226 square feet, and can be 300 or more square feet. Like I said, everything's big!

Because it was a entirely rental building initially, Rocky Mountain Court suites had no in-suite laundry, although some suites have installed them, and may have avoided dryer venting issues by using the all-in-one laundry machines that condense and drain away their water. There's a small laundry room with card-ops on every floor. The construction method was a pre-cast system that leaves visible seams on floors and ceilings. I've heard that divisions between suites are structural concrete walls, which is great for noise reduction, although I've not yet personally poked around to confirm that. There are three quick elevators. At last word the building remained adults-only and allowed cats but not dogs.

Exterior windows and doors are common property for maintenance and their eventual replacement. I have the Condo Plan on file.