Chelsea Terrace

This is one of the most interesting complex condo buildings in the city with an array of one-level and two-level loft suites, huge balconies, and roof-top decks. For a hint, notice the closest top corner in the photograph; see the flowers? Eight suites up there have HUGE roof-top decks covering the west half of the building's top, while other suites enjoy at least large balconies or large tree-shaded and fenced patio spaces. One suite even has for its balcony the top of the entire entrance canopy. These are homes where you can forget you're in the city. With huge windows, some sloped glass ceilings, and skylights for upper suites, outdoor spaces and wood-burning fireplaces, you'd think you were at your luxury second home or a high-end B+B in Bragg Creek.

There are 34 suites in this sprawling built-as-a-condo development that was started in 1979 and finished in 1981 by Spartacus Holdings Ltd. Twenty-four suites are two-level lofts and 10 are single-level homes. Only four of these are smaller, ranging from 752 through 851 square feet. After that suites are either large or enormous, ranging up to 1,556 square feet. Just a couple of the two-level suites don't have an open two-storey area over the living room, while seven penthouse suites have two open areas each. Because this building has been around for 25 or 30 years some suites are dated, but many have been fabulously renovated. The two-storey lobby and the hallways have been nicely updated, but still harken to 1980s fashion with semi-circular lobby seating and a fountain, plus a spiral staircase to a small mezzanine area overlooking the main lobby.

Although the vinyl siding and low-rise design suggests a wood-frame building, Chelsea Terrace is entirely of concrete. There is indoor assigned-stall parking and storage lockers for every suite, with the garage divided into two areas with north and south entries off the lane. High fencing and the building's setback here allow three of the smaller single-level ground-floor suites to have treed east-facing patios, although five west-facing patios at the building's front are even larger. The building has no air conditioning, so some suites have installed portable coolers. All suites were built with in-suite laundries with vented dryers. The building's exterior windows and doors remain common property for maintenance for future replacement. The exterior cladding was replaced in 2008, when balconies were also resurfaces and glass-panel railings were installed.

Exterior windows and doors at Chelsea Terrace are common property for maintenance and eventual replacement. I keep the Condo Plan on file.