Clarkson Village development’s modern, low-rise style complements its forested setting.
THE CRAFTSMAN CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES
LOCATION Mississauga
BUILDER/DEVELOPER Vandyk Group of Companies
SIZE 602 to 1,750 square feet
PRICE From the low $300,000s to just over $1-million
SALES CENTRE 1601 Lakeshore Rd. W. Mississauga – opening Feb 21, 2015. Open Monday to Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.; Friday, weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.
CONTACT Phone 905-823-4044 or visit www.craftsmancondo.com
Developer John Vandyk built three four-storey buildings between Oakville and Mississauga – plus his private residence – with modern designs and horizontal lines reminiscent of the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
But he calls his latest development in Mississauga his signature project paying homage to the American pioneer.
"There's nothing being built like it from Mississauga to Toronto on the lakeshore," says Mr. Vandyk, president and CEO of Vandyk Group of Companies. "To me it's a piece of art and that's not a typical thing to say."
The Clarkson Village community is short on new residential projects, while classic yet modern low-rises like this one are even rarer. The fieldstone, brick and glass-clad façade complement its forested setting abutting Birchwood Park, while gardens and a water feature are evocative of Mr. Wright's Fallingwater residence.
"[Buyers] like the fact it's four storeys set right into the landscape within the hill of the park behind it," says vice-president of sales and marketing Linda Mitchell Young. "This is more Vancouver/West Coast-inspired with the warm wood colours and stone, because so many buildings around the GTA are all glass and precast."
Further distinguishing the 299-unit project – named the Craftsman after the Arts and Crafts movement that influenced Mr. Wright's works – will be its W-shaped form, increasing the number of corner units, balconies and views of the courtyards to which some units will have patio access.
"[Buyers] love the amount of green space that goes along with the building because they're giving up backyards," Ms. Mitchell Young adds. "[The developer] really wanted to make sure there was a space where people could go out and have a tranquil environment."
Solace can also be found in gardening, hobby and fitness rooms, and barbecue terraces, including one on the roof and another with a double-sided fireplace shared with an indoor social, dining and cooking space.
Since October, the developer has sold about a third of the infill project at 1575 Lakeshore Rd. West, near trails, boardwalks and parks, including Rattray Marsh Conservation Area on Lake Ontario.
"When you're looking at apartment living, a lot of buildings today are much taller," says Mr. Vandyk. "It's great for people downsizing that have lived in the area all their life as this is a natural progression for them to stay within the village since it's really maintenance free."
Urban attractions range from golf, yacht and racquet clubs to restaurants, cafés and shops.
"It's very close to the Clarkson GO station, a few minutes to the QEW and next door to Oakville on the west side and Port Credit on the east side," Ms. Mitchell Young notes. "It's really a little hidden gem."
Buyers can chose from one to three-bedroom plans, some with dens and full laundry rooms, but all with nine to 12-foot ceilings, engineered hardwood floors and Union31 designed kitchens island, quartz counters and flat-panelled cabinetry with wood veneers and high-gloss lacquer finishes.
"We kept in mind that people are coming from houses with a pantry, laundry room with a tub and counter to fold clothes," Ms. Mitchell Young notes. "We've got really nice, wide living and dining rooms understanding they're going to have dining furniture, tables, chairs and hutches."
Parking and a locker will be included, plus monthly fees of 50 cents per square feet. Occupancy will be December, 2017.