Video Blog, Episode Four: BANK Project in Old Montreal

This is something I have been looking forward to shooting since the summer time, when I was first told about the development!
I present to you a video tour of one of the hottest projects in Old Montreal at this moment.

BANK Condo Project offers us 43 units of high-end design, a graceful mix of the historic and the modern.
I had a small interview with Mickael Chaput, Real Estate Broker with McGill Immobilier and he gives us the insights of the projects architecture, features, sizes and prices.

Here is the video…

{Special thanks to Mickael Chaput for giving us the tour and to Patrice Groleaux for the video editing job. Merci!}

If you’re not able to view it from your inbox, here is the permalink.

More information on this project, visit McGill Immobilier website.

On Montreal Ritz Carlton, Condos and Diamonds

Remember the Ritz Carlton closing in the summer of 2008? Two weeks ago it was announced that the Project – estimated for 150 millions, with 130 rooms and 48 luxury apartments, will be delivering by December 2011 or January 2012.

And, get this: More than HALF of the units are already sold AND the majority of buyers are QUEBECERS.

The Ritz’s CEO expected less local buyers. And I admit, I did too.
A friend once said (about the project): There is no way that Montrealers are jumping to buy a 2 to 12 million dollar condo when they can get a house for that amount (I listened and softly disagreed). And he continued: Even the ones who have that amount of money won’t do it. Only New Yorkers do that kind of purchase.

New yorkers and Torontonians. At the time of that conversation, there was no news about multi-million condo purchases like the 28 Million dollar condo in Toronto.

Back to the Ritz Carlon Condo- and before I forget to mention: The jeweler Tiffany will be opening shop in the Montreal Ritz. Good enough reason to purchase a 12 Million dollar condo? You tell me.

In the market for a condo? Contact me to view the best units in town!

Interesting: Développements McGill Family Investment Program

I came across this great new program for young buyers in Old Montreal, specifically for students (and their parents) wanting to purchase a condo with low downpayment. Développements McGill created a new Family Investment Program that offers a fantastic purchase options. Here are the details:

“We have formed an partnership with the Royal Bank (RBC) to enable families with children aged over 18 studying or working in Montreal to enrich their family assets by buying a new condo in a booming neighbourhood with one of the highest value appreciation rates on the Island of Montreal,” said Stéphane Côté, President of DevMcGill.

The partnership lets DevMcGill offer first-time buyers very advantageous terms, including:

  • joint mortgage application by parents and children, if desired, making it easier to get a pre-approved loan;
  • the child’s name only on the property deed, qualifying the condo as a principal residence and exempting it from capital gains tax when it is resold;
  • very modest down payment (starting at 5% of the selling price);
  • guaranteed interest rate until construction is completed to shelter the buyer against any rate increases;
  • $1,000 rebate on notary’s fees when the transaction closes.

To read the full press release visit their website: English version. Version Français

For more information on the Family Investment Program and the M9-3 project, visit the sales gallery at 800 Wellington St. in Montreal or the DevMcGill.com site.

About Développements McGill: For 10 years, Développements McGill has been building intelligent living spaces for tomorrow. Its award-winning projects, including Le Couvent Outremont at the base of Mount Royal, Le Caverhill, Le 777 and Le Orléans in Old Montreal, and Square Benny in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, speak to the imagination.

Griffintown Project Revised: District Griffin Unveiled

Photo: Devimco

Back in february last year, we had news on the project scaling back by 30% of its original size. Then in March 2009, Devimco was asking the city of Montreal to step in with financial help.

The much anticipated project in the southwest borough is now unveiled.

Scaled down to $475 million from the original $1.3 billion re-development plan originally presented by Devimco, the new project is now called “District Griffin”. The city of Montreal is investing an additional 30 million towards the development of public and green spaces and infrastructure renovations.

Phase 1 of District Griffin will include four towers, from 17 to 19 storeys,1,375 residential units, a 3-star hotel will also be built. Also 200,000 square feet of office space. Commercial spaces will be available on the groundfloor, with 130,000 square feet that will include restaurants, a daycare centre, small local businesses, a gym and a spa.

La vie de Banlieue sans les ponts

banlieue

Un projet domiciliaire de maisons neuves détachées digne de la banlieue mais sans l’inconvénient des ponts. C’est le concept qu’offre le Domaine du Ruisseau Pinel à Rivière-des-Prairies. Entouré d’un espace vert, à proximité du Parc naturel de la Pointe-aux-Prairies et de la Rivière-des-Prairies. Tout près des grands réseaux routiers de la métropole et à quelques minutes du futur train de banlieue. Un secteur résidentiel accueillant et paisible qui vous charmera sûrement.

  • 17 modèles de maisons détachées avec garage (simple ou double)
  • Une cinquantaine de terrains déjà disponibles (dans la 4e Phase)
  • Choix de finitions intérieures et extérieures

balieue2

Maison modèle située au 10 540 Thomas-Paine (Entre Voltaire et Diderot)
VISITE LIBRE samedi et dimanche 13h à 16 :30h

Les HABITATIONS BEAUX LIEUX inc.
Garantie des maisons neuves de l’APCHQ

Sheila Iacono 514.823.8611 | Royal LePage Habitaction

Club Sommet: Downtown, Hip and Affordable

It’s been a while since we spoke about the Club Sommet, ever since my visit to the project there are nothing but good news. The renovation of the existing units are now taking place, and there are many styles to choose from. I had the opportunity to visit the completely furnished condo models, from different sizes and layouts, which gives us a greater range of options. It is a lot easier to envision yourself living there once you see the actual finished units. And they have quite a few!

An interesting part of this project is the versatility and the customization of the units. They can modify units to enlarge them by combining two (or more) units to meet the client’s need. I haven’t heard of a project downtown that modify existing units, and I think is fantastic.

The lobby has a stylish concept with a high end design, and it will include a concierge service. The rooftop terrace will offer BBQ facilities and lounge chair (tanning, anyone?) There was also a mention of a health club, sauna and pool (indoor and outdoor).
Now, get this…they are making a small waterfall that you can view from the courtyard where the outdoor pool will be, surrounded with gardens. [Read more...]

Griffintown: A no-go without the city’s financial help

griffintown project montreal

Just two weeks ago we had news about the Griffintown Project scaling down to 30% from its original size.
Yesterday we had news via La Presse, that Devimco is asking the city of Montreal to step in with financial help, otherwise the project won’t be finished until 2013.

The city’s response: “We’ll evaluate the request and see what we could do”.

Be sure to read more on that soon.

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