To identify cities or neighbourhoods on the rise, all one really needs to do is look to where the most prominent developers are laying fresh foundations.
In Metro Vancouver, the Burquitlam neighbourhood — located on the western edge of Coquitlam, along Burnaby's border — is clearly one of those rising hotspots, with numerous big developers currently bringing projects to the area.
The most prominent of them all, however, is arguably Intracorp Homes, which was founded in 1976 in Vancouver and has since expanded its operations to Washington State, California, and Texas.
The developer's $450M new build in Burquitlam is called Gardena. The master-planned community is tucked behind Como Lake Avenue in the residential Oakdale neighbourhood , about two blocks (or a five-minute walk) away from the hustle and bustle of Burquitlam SkyTrain Station. Just far enough to maintain a peaceful ambiance, while remaining near enough for convenience and easy mobility.
Named after the street it sits on, Gardena will consist of two six-storey rental buildings, a 17-storey condo tower named Magnolia, and the crown jewel of the community: the eye-catching 42-storey condo tower named Lotus.
All in all, Gardena will include 527 strata residences — over 400 of which have already been sold — and 218 rental homes, across a diverse range of sizes and floor plans.
A rendering of one of Gardena's residences.(Arcadis IBI Group / Intracorp Homes)
The homes feature a wide assortment of fine features, from two colour schemes curated by the award-winning Ste. Marie Studio, through to the dynamic functionality of built-in fixtures, the integration of Bosch and Fulgor Milano appliances, and the innovative glare-reducing Low-E windows — among many others.
In recent years, developers have proven increasingly focused on delivering unique amenities for residents, but the list of amenities Intracorp Homes is providing at Gardena may set a new standard.
Aside from the must-haves (social lounges, dining lounges, a fitness centre), Gardena will also include a cross-training studio, an indoor-outdoor spa featuring a barrel sauna and Nordic rainfall shower (for cold water therapy), a co-working lounge, an outdoor rooftop movie theatre, and a stunning, five-storey-tall, forest-like "Secret Garden."
"We focus on design. We focus on our homeowners. We're so proud of this project and are very excited to bring it to Burquitlam, says Evan Allegretto, President, Intracorp BC. "I think the great thing about a master-plan community is that you get to develop a rich amenity program — and we've done that here."
A ground-level rendering of Lotus and The Secret Garden.(Arcadis IBI Group / Intracorp Homes)
That list of amenities doesn't even include Burnaby Mountain, the Vancouver Golf Club, the new Bettie Allard YMCA, and several parks, all which are within close proximity to Gardena, whether on foot or by vehicle.
Joining Intracorp Homes in bringing Gardena to life is globally-renowned Arcadis IBI Group, lead architect of the development, and local mainstay Durante Kreuk, landscape architect — both of whom have placed a strong emphasis on incorporating elements of nature throughout Gardena, in line with the immediate neighbourhood and Coquitlam as a whole. Sales are led by rennie, who have been supporting community building for over 40 years.
Homes at Gardena will cater to a wide range of resident lifestyles and family sizes; suites begin at junior one-bedrooms, and go all the way up to three-bedroom layouts — and construction is already underway.
For a limited time, buyers can own at Gardena with a two-part 10% deposit: 5% today, and 5% in a year. And, those who act soon can benefit from up to $15,000 in savings.
To learn more, you can register online. Or, stop by the presentation centre at 1037 Austin Avenue to explore two full display homes, and an immersive digital experience that provides an inside look at the master-planned community.
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This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.
