Kensington Plaza

Sounding like a grand hotel, this 14-suite three-storey walk-up dating from 1979 is not glamorous, but what a location! These homes are tucked just behind all the shops, restaurants, and cafes of Kensington in Hillhurst neighbourhood; so close that residents likely wake daily to the aroma of lattes being brewed. Yet because of a traffic-controlling closure of Kensington Crescent, there's no through traffic at all; 'nice!

Two suites here are half below grade, yet offer 720 square feet of living space each and are surprisingly bright. There are also three bachelor suites on upper floors, each with 550 square feet. The balance of suites range from 795 to a sprawling pair of 1,450-square-foot suites, so maybe that's pretty grand after all. Many suites have in-house laundry hookups, but there's also a coin-op on the lower floor. There's parking for every suite around back, with half of the stalls tucked under the building, out of the weather.

The building's construction is frame with cedar siding and stucco, and a house-like peaked roof, all of which looks lovingly maintained. The owners voted in 2001 to make all exterior windows and doors the responsiblity of each suite's owner. I have the Condo Plan on file.