The infill development will feature a four-storey building surrounded by a courtyard and 20 freehold bungalows.
AVERTON SQUARE
LOCATION: Niagara-on-the Lake
BUILDER/DEVELOPER Averton Homes
SIZE Suites 638 to 1,485 square feet; bungalows 1,357 to 2,423 square feet
PRICE Suites $299,900 to $698,900; bungalows $599,990 to $773,990
SALES CENTRE 120 John St. W., south of Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Open Monday and Tuesday by appointment; Wednesday to Sunday and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.
CONTACT Phone 905-378-2500 or visit www.avertonsquare.com
Averton Homes says its latest boutique-style community will cater to a wide demographic with sometimes competing demands. Single-family homes close to farmland and orchards on the Niagara Escarpment will please small-town natives; condominium suites near world-famous wineries and theatres will lure big-city denizens.
"A lot of the new developments we're seeing are not really in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Everyone likes to refer to themselves as [situated] by Niagara-on-the-Lake, but many of them are so far removed," says president Peter D'Ambrosio.
"Our biggest draw is that we're right in the heart of everything and walking distance to everything."
The intimate infill development, called Averton Square, will feature a four-storey building facing John Street surrounded by a courtyard and 20 freehold bungalows fronting Gate, Anne and Victoria Streets, less than a 15-minute walk to Queen Street shops, restaurants, galleries and theatres.
"This is perfectly situated because of the proximity to all of the amenities," says Mr. D'Ambrosio. "We're a few blocks from the main strip or the Shaw Festival, which is a huge attraction down in that area, and a few blocks away from the Pillar and Post and many of the other spas and many wineries."
Rural attractions also abound, such as lakeside parks and golf courses. "Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the prettiest cities in Canada and there are so many different amenities and the community itself is so rich in its history," Mr. D'Ambrosio sayss.
By the year's end, two model homes with lofts – the 2,414-square-foot Russet and 2,132-square-foot Braeburn – will represent the bungalow collection. Plans will offer brick, vinyl siding and/or brick and stone façades, garages, nine-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, granite counters and great rooms with gas fireplaces.
"The designs of the bungalows have lofts and a lot of open space, so there is a contemporary feel," Mr. D'Ambrosio adds. "Yet when you look at the units from the exterior, you've got your front porch and nice traditional type of Victorian-style design."
The brick and stone-clad building will have a T-shaped configuration for 83 suites ranging from one- to three-bedroom-plus-den suites with open concept principal rooms and balconies.
"There were a few [condominium projects] that were built years ago, but nothing currently. Most of the stuff under development is low-rise housing," says Mr. D'Ambrosio, who cites bungalows as the norm. "This is only a four-storey building … so it's integrated well with the community."
A two-bedroom plus den model suite – a 1,076-square-foot plan – will showcase standard features, such as nine-foot ceilings, engineered laminate floors, granite or quartz counters and stainless steel appliances.
Only building residents will have entry to the gym, party room and guest suite, all covered by monthly fees of 43 cents a square foot. Parking is extra.
Occupancy is slated for fall, 2016.