Today's condo market is becoming more and more competitive with so many homes for buyers to choose from, so it's important for developers to create projects that stand out.
The Parc in Coquitlam does just that, primarily because of the high-end finishes in all the suites.
Here, there are no upgrades in a building that boasts "executive residences" for all 96 condos.
It's a recipe that seems to appeal, considering that 75 per cent of the units have sold since they went on the market in late November. (The sales office was closed during the Christmas holidays, but sales continue to be brisk since the presentation centre reopened this month.)
The interior designer has used natural and sustainable materials to bring the sense of the outdoors in, and to take full advantage of the light.
The condos all have open floor plans with two colour choices: the lighter "sandalwood" and the darker "spiced".
Features include granite and marble countertops, a front-load washer and dryer, and a Bosch European-style stainless steel appliance package. That package includes a slide-in range with an advanced circulation system, a built-in dishwasher, an over-the-range microwave and ventilator and an Amana refrigerator with bottom freezer compartment.
The bathroom has a soaker tub, and the fireplace has a wood-panelled surround with a built-in air purifier.
The condos also have an optional Sonos pre-wired in-suite digital music system that will allow for wireless streaming of music to any room.
All residents will have their own temperature-controlled wine storage locker and access to the Wellness Centre, with its fitness equipment and yoga studio.
Buyer Ed Wong, who lives in south Surrey, says he was attracted to the high-end finishes and the location when he came to make his investment purchase.
"The location is great. It's close to everything and the quality of finishes is high, particularly the appliances," he says. "I went to it and thought it would fit into my long-term plans, whether I want to rent or sell it. The place is just booming. I'll hold it and see where it goes with its value."
Project sales and marketing manager Mahamed Karim, of RE/MAX, says most of the buyers have been attracted by all the top-end features, and with only six condos per floor, there is no concern about crowding.
"What's been a big draw is the high-end finishes. The other big plus is our flooring. It's a hand-detailed hardwood floor. Because it has been hand-scraped, it has a bit of a texture to it. It's not a flat surface," says Karim.
That flooring is in both the living and dining area.
The bedrooms have stain-resistant twist carpeting and the entries and kitchens have 12-by-24-inch imported floor tiles.
"It's the little details that stand out compared to other developments," says Karim. "In the kitchen, there is veneer cabinetry and a bridge pantry unit to give more storage space."
Another big selling factor is the building's location, he adds.
The Parc is directly behind Coquitlam Centre, providing easy access to shopping, restaurants and services, and near Westwood Plateau Golf Course and Training Academy, the Coquitlam Public Library and City Centre Aquatic Centre.
The developer, the Executive Group of Companies, was established in 1984, and has completed over 2,500 single-family residences as well as many multi-family projects and commercial ventures.
Among them are the Portofino Tower and Executive Hotel Vintage Park in downtown Vancouver, the Executive Tower and Plaza Hotel in Richmond, the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam and Encore Lifestyle Residences in Coquitlam.
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