¢ Bw bd H iving in the lap of luxury Market sees increasing demand for highrise condos on N. Shore THE NORTH Shore has always been perceived, both physically and psychologically, as being separate from Vancouver. For years, the North Shore has been .a_ sleepy, family-oriented suburb isolated from the rest of the Lower Mainland by the Georgia Strait and Burrard Inlet with restricted access via two con- gested bridges. But the North Shore is slowly changing its image as concrete towers mark the hillsides of North and West Vancouver. Seven luxury towers have been completed recently, or are nearing completion, on the North Shore. “There is an increasing demand for luxury condominiums in North mf. ny we THE. OBSERVATORY has two square-foot sundecks. and West Vancouver,”” says Al Sutton of Sussex Realty. As top real estate agent on the North Shore for three consecutive years (based cn MLS statistics for greatest number of units sold), Al Sutton explains that ‘tas ‘empty nesters’ downsize their homes, the demand for luxury condominiums will increase. “*These people who were living ‘. dm quality areas such as Upper Lonsdale, Capilano Highlands and the British Properties are looking for carefree living in a quality en- vironment, and luxury towers meet their needs,’’ Sutton says. The gradual facelift of the By Mylene Pilutik Contributing Writer Lower Lonsdale corridor with the Lonsdale Quay amenities and at- tractive new retail/commercial buildings is making Lower Lons- dale a more desirable residential area. Access to downtown has been simplified by the SeaBus, and prices are more attractive than comparable suites in the downtown core. “I think you’re going to see more of thise developments in the future,”” sas Sutton of the new concrete towers in Lower Lons- dale. “*There are a Jot of people who do not care for frame construc- tion. They want something that’s soundproof and they want a _view.”” According to Michael Aghtai of Fama Holdings, the company that developed The Saitview and The Olympic (both on 2nd Street near Lonsdale), ‘The North Shore market is very closed."" See N. Shore page 41 , NEWS photos Clady Goodman CRESSEY DEVELOPMENT'’S. 29-storey showpiece The Observatory, at 120 West 2nd St., is the tallest building in North Vancouver. The ‘top seven’ local condo developments * Listed from most exclusive down... @ Les Terraces - 2250 Bellevue Ave. West Vancouver Developer: CPI Development Corp. Consiruction Period: January . 1990 to May 1991 Building: 14-storey Total Units: 11 Unit Mix: All three-bedroom Unit Size: 2,955 to 5,027 square feet . Marketing Date: July 1990 Price: $1.775 million to $2.86 million Sold: Three units Features; One three-bedroom suite per floor, indoor pool and health club, three park- ing stalls per suite, ocean and mountain views, large balconies. @ The Westroyal Taylor Way and Marine Drive ‘West Vancouver Developer: Viam Holdings Construction Period: January 1991 to Spring 1992 Building: 24-storey Total Units: 101, townhouses Unit Mix: seven three-bedroom 10 three-bedroom townhouses Unit Size: 1,277 to 2,200 square feet Marketing Date: May 1991 Price: $337,900 to $1 million Sold: 40% Features: Indoor pool and health club, two parking stalls per unit, large balconies, solariums, ex- quisitely landscaped grounds. © The Observatory 120 West 2nd St. North Yancouver . Developer: Cressey Develop- ment Corp. Construction Period: January 1990 to December 1990 Building: 29-storey concrete Fotal Units: 72 Unit Mix: All two-bedroom two penthouses Unit Size: 1,055 to 2,314 square feet Marketing Date: plus 10 September 1990 Price: $190,000 tc $800,000 Sold: 80% Features: Audio-video monitored entry system, in- door iss pool and health club, garden courtyard, secured underground park- ing. @ The Sovereign 1555 Eastern Ave. North Vancouver Developer: McLean Ment Construction Period: February 1991 to July 1991 Building: 15-storey concrete Total Units: 53 Unit Mix: All two-bedroom Unit Size: 966 to 977 square feet Marketing Date: February 1991 Price: $200,000 to $400,000 @ The Olympic 140 East 2nd St. North Vancouver Developer: Fama Holdings Ltd, Construction Period: January 1990 to December 1990 Building: 16-storey Manage- Total Units: 48 . Unit Mix: 33 two-bedroom 11 one-bedroom four penthouses Unit Size: 731 to 1,800 square feet Marketing Date: June 22, 1991 Price: $155,000 to $380,000 — Sold: 50% _ Features: Marble, granite and brass finishings, in-suite Jaundry area, individual hot-water heaters, mirrored closet doors, TV monitored intercom system, secured underground parking. @ Victoria Place 123 East Keith Rd. North Vancouver Developer: Interlude Projects Ltd. Construction Period: February 1980 to November 1990 Building: 16-storey Total Units: 32 Unit Mix: All two-bedroom Unit Size: 1,200 square feet Marketing Date: August 1990 Price: $270,000 to $335,000 Sold: 100% Features: Two suites per floor, fireplace, in-suite laundry, two large balconies per suite, two parking stalls per suite, fireplace in. Jobby, land- scaped grounds with foun- tain and gazebo. @ The Sailview 125 West 2nd St. North Vancouver Developer: Fama Holdings Ltd. Construction Period: January 1990 to December 1990 Building: 12-storey concrete Total Units: 29 Unit Mix: 18 two-bedroom nine one-bedroom two penthouses Unit Size: 1,031 square feet . Marketing Date: Late October 1990 Price: $210,000 to $275,000 Sold: 90% Features: Marbic, granite and brass finishings, in-suite laundry area, individual hot water heaters, mirrored closet doors, TV monitored intercom system, secured underground parking. to 1,350