Urbandale's zoning amendment application for 99 Parkdale is underway, with a request to increase the allowable height from 14 to 24 storeys over a first level podium, so in reality a total height of at least 27 storeys.
Unlike other nearby projects there is no pretense of this being a green building conveniently located by the Transitway: the development plan calls for 162 parking spots for 158 condos, most ranging in size from 700 to 1100sqft, with 6 units per floor.
It would seem that for a change of pace, Urbandale is working with Barry Hobin & Associates on this project, a name that is so often flaunted in Ottawa condo marketing.An additional six (or seven) 2-storey townhouses fronting Parkdale are planned, and there is already blue sky talk of the adjacent apartment buildings to the south being razed for a twin tower:
Urbandale hopes to have approvals in place by the beginning of 2013 with a view to offering an occupancy date of 2014. So far there has been no word as to pricing, but the website's submit form would seem to suggest that those not ready to pay at least $350K for this address need not bother to pre-register.
Tunney's Pasture workers and fans of Ontario microbrews will note with sadness the closing this month of The Cottage and a Kitchen on Parkdale Avenue after the owners received an offer too good to refuse.
The property—coincidentally a stone's throw from the new SOHO Parkway—has been purchased by Richcraft with the intention of building condos. Further north on the same stretch, Urbandale has secured a parcel of land with a view to more of the same. If the Urbandale development is even half as good as what they've done with Riverside Gate, then this space will be one to watch:
But with 8 condo buildings north of Scott St, it seems that this section of Parkdale is poised to become another condo alley (ghetto?) similar to Laurier Ave West.
Given the number of units in the neighbourhood there is very little turnover and with good reason. For the most part these 1980s buildings feature spacious, well built units in an excellent location that used to be under the radar. But most are more than 20 years old, and these are dog years when it comes to condos. It will be interesting to see how these established projects hold their value against the glamour and size of these upstarts.
Unlike other nearby projects there is no pretense of this being a green building conveniently located by the Transitway: the development plan calls for 162 parking spots for 158 condos, most ranging in size from 700 to 1100sqft, with 6 units per floor.
