Times Group Corp. has included energy-efficient features in many of its residential projects, but its new condominium, Majestic Court in Markham, will be the first of its buildings to be certified by the Canada Green Building Council. And it's the first of its kind in Markham.
Given a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating by the council, the luxury condominium near Highway 7 and Warden Avenue will require about 30 per cent less energy and 40 per cent less water than a conventional building, according to Times Group.
"We think that people will need this, but maybe they don't realize it today," Times Group president Hashem Ghadaki says. He notes that at the company's previous "green" projects, it was only after people moved in that they began to appreciate how "green" features help lower utility bills and conserve natural resources.
Majestic Court will contain 400 units, in models ranging from one-bedrooms to two-bedrooms with a den. Suites will run from 617 to 1,258 square feet in size, but they can be combined to accommodate larger families.
Units will include everything from water-saving toilets and Energy Star kitchen and laundry appliances to low-emission paints and double-glazed, low-E windows with argon gas.
Some "green" features in the new building aren't included in the company's non-LEED projects, including a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) unit in each suite, which will improve air quality and reduce energy costs.
Suites also will have separately metered utilities, keeping the monthly maintenance fee at 36 cents a square foot.
Because of the proximity of office and commercial districts that offer shopping, dining and entertainment, residents will often be able to leave their cars at home. Public transportation is available via York Region Transit and GO Transit.
The contemporary brick and precast stone structure will have 10- and 12-storey wings and a central six-storey section with suites, commercial space, and a 15,000-square-foot recreation centre with an indoor pool and gym.
Groups will be able to gather in the private theatre, or party room with its wet bar and terrace. There also will be a rooftop garden, landscaped with grass, flowers and trees, and surrounded by barbecue stations and seating areas.
Suites will have an open living and dining room with at least one balcony or terrace. Many kitchens will have optional islands, and bathrooms will feature soaker tubs and glass shower stalls.
Mr. Ghadaki notes that there will be "a lot of extras," including nine- or 10-foot ceilings on certain floors, granite kitchen countertops and ceramic tile backsplashes, as well as laminate, porcelain tile and carpet flooring.
Majestic Court
Location: Markham
Builder/developer: Times Group Corp.
Price: $185,100 to $438,000
Square footage: 617 to 1,258
Sales centre: 381 Highway 7 East, Thornhill.
Open: Monday to Thursday, noon to 7 p.m.; weekends, noon to 5 p.m.
Contact: (905) 882-8078 or http://www.majesticcourt.com
