News

Upper Cornell

LOCATION: Markham

BUILDER: Aspen Ridge Homes

SIZE: detached, 1,600 to 2,437 square feet; semi-detached, 1,853 to 2,342; townhouses, 1,640 to 2,000

PRICE: detached, $386,990 to $428,990; semi-detached, $347,990 to $374,990; townhouses, $316,990 to $339,990

SALES CENTRE: Bur Oak Avenue and Ninth Line in Markham. Open Monday to Thursday, 1 to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CONTACT: (905) 554-3446 or http://www.aspenridgehomes.com

Last fall, Aspen Ridge Homes put a new batch of houses on the market at its growing Upper Cornell project in Markham, a subdivision, the builder says, designed for pedestrians - not cars.

Its family-friendly village setting has attracted buyers for more than half of the latest collection, according to sales manager Jason Attard. It consists of 47 detached houses on 30-foot lots, semi-detached residences on 24-foot lots and townhouses on 20-foot lots, all to be built by fall.

Over several years, the builder has constructed more than 500 homes on the site at Bur Oak Avenue and Ninth Line - close to parks, walking trails and a nature preserve. The development also includes a new school and a public square.

"You have all the amenities nearby, so once you get home, you essentially don't need to use your car," Mr. Attard says. "It's really unlike anything else that we develop in the York Region or 905 [area]."

Residents also are close to retail shops - from small businesses to department stores at Markville Shopping Centre - as well as golf courses and cultural facilities. And commuting by car is easy via highways 7 and 407 or by the GO Train.

"You could get from Cornell to downtown Toronto within 25 minutes [by train]," Mr. Attard says.

Because the homes are designed according to "new urbanism" principles, garages are located in the rear, out of sight.

"When you walk in the foyer, on your right side or left side where you'd typically have a garage, you'd have living space," Mr. Attard says. "You definitely get a better layout because you're not designing around a garage."

Buyers of detached homes have the option of a "coach home" - a space above the garage with a bedroom, kitchen and living room - for an extra $55,000. "It's a great living space for a teenager growing up, as an in-law suite, or a good investment for a rental [unit]," Mr. Attard says.

Facades are a mix of brick, stone or stucco, and feature decorative accents, covered porches with columns and arched windows with keystones above (depending on the plan).

Interiors include combined living and dining rooms, and family rooms joined with eat-in kitchens. On the upper levels, master bedrooms will have en suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, as well as laundry rooms and balconies. There is the option of a third-floor loft in some plans.

Standard features include nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, oak pickets and handrails on stairways, and cold cellars. Semi-detached and detached models will incorporate gas fireplaces.

Flooring materials include ceramic tiles, natural oak-style laminate and 40-ounce broadloom.