Eau Claire Lookout

This attractive tinted-glass 15-storey tower was built in 1996 as an age-restricted building, catering to adult professionals working downtown and to retirees who wanted to stay close to the action of downtown and Bow River pathways. The restriction to those over age 40 is legally enforceable and is registered on every titled property within the building. One person of a couple is permitted to be younger than 40.

The builder also tried to prohibit owners from renting out their suites (such a prohibition is permitted in B.C.), but ran afoul of Alberta's Condominium Property Act. While a well-intentioned bylaw, it was eventually challenged by an owner who had to move but wanted to retain ownership and some day move back in. That suite owner won in court, so renting of suites is confirmed to be permitted, as it is in ALL Alberta condominium buildings.

But not many people here want to rent out their homes because of the location and the sense of community in this building. The 56 suites offer lots of room, ranging from 1,006 square feet to 2,690 square feet. The building has a footprint best described as six-sided, so most suites have interesting yet practical angles. There are two levels of indoor parking housing 90 titled parking stalls, so many suites have an extra one or even two. As well, there are 53 titled storage lockers and indoor guest parking.

Ten suites have two balconies, and four suites have three outdoor spaces, plus there's a roomy tenth-floor common patio facing south. There are views up and down the Bow River Valley, to downtown and to the North Hill. The building has a lovely lobby and sunny party room with kitchen where regular in-house events are hosted. There was a hot tub, but owners converted that space into a small gym. A nice garden lies off the party room with its south exposure, and there's a great north view from the well-stocked library on the 14th floor. Security systems control access to all floors and doors. In summary: this building is classy and quiet in a great location!

The Condo Plan allocates unit factors in proportion to suite floor areas, but increase with height in the building. The unit factor for a square meter of suite floor area on the penthouse (15th) floor is double that for a square meter in a ground-floor suite, and of course expenses are allocated on a unit-factor basis. Exterior windows and doors are common property for maintenance and their future replacement. I keep the Condo Plan on file.