Eau Claire Estates

Built in 1981--1983 as luxury condominium homes, this complex array of concrete high-rise and lower-profile towers has only recently seen much of the river-front land around it being built upon. Now its new-generation cousin, The Princeton development, is finally in place just to the west.

There are 162 spacious suites here in 10 groupings, all connected by resort-like lobbies and hallways that surround the garden courtyard and provide access to the terrific pool, gym, and other amenities including a huge south-facing sun deck. Two of the suite groupings rise above all the others: building A rises to 24 stories and D rises to 20, with others going up 11 or just seven floors.

Parking is all indoors, and with 253 titled stalls for 162 suites, some 90 suites have double parking, some of it end-to-end. Every group of suites has direct elevator service to the parkade.

Many suites here have rambling complex layouts and views in multiple directions. While a few suites are smaller, many layouts extend to 3,000 and more than 4,000 square feet. Several top-floor suites are of two levels tucked under the angled roof systems that make these towers so identifiable. While many suites have been entirely remodelled, home shoppers will also find a few time-capsule suites that have not changed in 30 years.

An "all in" approach here sees condo fees pay for in-suite electricity use, cable television service and air conditioning, so other than property tax, there's not much else to think about. Fees also cover the full-time front-desk staffing, use of the pool, hot tub, dry sauna, gym, games room, indoor car wash bay, and even a workshop. Why go away to stay at a hotel?  About the only thing you can't do at Eau Claire Estates is have a dog, as they're not allowed.  Even vegetable gardening may be possible, as late in 2010 an area was being set aside for that hobby; 'nice!

The Condo Plan allocates unit factors in proportion to each suite's floor area. Exterior windows and doors are common property for maintenance and eventual replacement. I have the Condo Plan on file.