The stock of low-rise homes in Richmond Hill's exclusive Mill Pond community typically consists of detached century houses that sell at anywhere from the $700,000s to approaching $1.5-million, according to Arten Development Group.
Last weekend, the developer - along with building company Maren Group - began previews for the Nouveau Town Manors, a rare project that offers new boutique-style townhouses that are priced under $500,000.
"It's one of the only areas in this particular part of Richmond Hill that would allow for some higher-end townhouses," Arten president Dean Artenosi says. "It's a prime location."
It took more than a decade for the developer to acquire enough land to build 18 freehold townhouses at the corner of Benson Avenue and Hall Street, just west of Yonge Street.
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The infill site is set amid mature trees minutes from Mill Pond Park, a popular destination for its wildlife, nature trails and annual winter festivals and summer concerts.
The site is down the street from more urban attractions, such as restaurants and shops on Yonge and the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, which is one of the many revitalization projects under way in the downtown core.
Elsewhere in town there are multiplex theatres, major retailers and supermarkets and a GO Train station.
To complement existing homes and meet strict architectural guidelines set up by the Heritage Committee of Richmond Hill, the townhouses will have classic brick facades with mansard roofs and bay windows.
Street-level entrances and recessed, built-in garages with sectional wood rollup doors will "provide a beautiful streetscape," Mr. Artenosi says.
Around the back will be wide decks and deep backyards. Some lots are as long as 160 feet.
There will be three model designs with similar three-bedroom layouts, each with a rear family room and a finished basement that provides access to the garage.
The main floor will include an eat-in kitchen and open living and dining rooms with back decks.
Laundry rooms and main bathrooms will be located between two bedrooms on the second floor, while master retreats on the top level will feature private bathrooms, walk-in closets and back decks.
Luxury finishes that will be included as standard include crown moulding on the main floor, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.
The townhouses will meet Energy Star requirements, with energy savings of up to 40 per cent, Mr. Artenosi says.
Full-service elevators are optional.
Construction is scheduled to begin in July, and the townhouses will be ready six to eight months after that.
Nouveau Town Manors
LOCATION: Richmond Hill
DEVELOPER: Arten Development Group
BUILDER: Maren Group
SIZE: 2,025 to 2,452 square feet, including finished basements.
PRICE: $439,990 to $499,900
SALES CENTRE: 2162 Major Mackenzie Dr., east of Keele Street in Maple. Open by appointment.
CONTACT: (905) 653-7640 or http://www.nouveautownmanors.com
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