Modella

This is a lovely condo conversion of the formerly run-down Carlton rentals by the Cheviot Group of Companies, the same people as did the Churchill Towers project next door to the east. This building's exterior, though, was easier to improve, so all new windows and patio doors, paint, plus wood-slat railings and patio fencing have given it a lovely modern and almost Oriental look; attractive! The building dates back to 1969, with its mechanicals pretty much worn out when it was converted in 2005 and completed in 2007. Work here followed on the heels of the Churchill Towers project, and that building's lower parking shares a driveway off Tenth Street with the Modella's parking, which is 13 assigned and surveyed outdoor stalls, so 25 suites do their best with on-street parking.

The builder made some changes to the condo plan, which either means a change of mind or that he bought the project from someone else, but the result is nice. The new plan created an additional suite on the ground floor in the south-west corner, which enjoys a large patio, and unified a two-bedroom and a one-bedroom suite on the top floor at the north end, so someone has a palace of a home--1,425 square feet--with a downtown view and a balcony north and a second facing west. The balance of the building houses 29 one-bedroom suites of 492 to 582 sq. ft., and eight two-bedroom suites of just over 900 sq. ft. All suites have a balcony or a newly-created enclosed patio taking in some lawn as well as concrete area, which has really enhanced the building. There is no basement, but there's a main-floor laundry and bike storage, and there's a single refurbished elevator.

Renovations to all suites at Modella reflect the same imagination as the renewed building's exterior. The kitchens are impressively large and well equiped, with either mosaic glass tile or stainless-steel backsplashes, high-end fixtures, steel-finish appliances, some frosted interior glass doors and hardwood floors. All suites received laundry hookups and all-in-one washer/dryer combos. Common-property improvements included a new "six-stage" boiler, which I presume means it's efficient, a new roof and all new decor in the lobby, hallways and elevator.

Exterior doors and windows remain common property for maintenance and future replacement, but with new ones in 2006 there's 30 years of clear sailing on that need.