Calgary area: INK by Battistella

With a New York City loft vibe, an affordable price point and situated in one of the hottest locations in Calgary it’s not surprising that condo buyers are flowing to INK.

Crafted by Battistella Developments, INK is a 14-storey concrete building in East Village comprised of 119 suites and a 15th-floor rooftop patio that will provide exceptional views of downtown, Stampede Park and Fort Calgary.

“We launched INK last fall and the response has been amazing, as more than 50 per cent of the building is sold,” says Chris Pollen, director of sales and marketing. “INK is a micro condo development, so our suites range from a 368-sq.-ft. studio to a 689-sq.-ft. two-bedroom, two bath, and it’s been such a hit with buyers that our studios are sold out, but we have a great selection of one and two-bedrooms still available.”

A key attraction for buyers is the design, he says. “It features Battistella’s signature polished concrete floors and a raw concrete ceiling with exposed ducts and pipes for a very New York-inspired warehouse loft type feel; it’s what Battistella is most known for – our signature industrial, urban style.”

It builds from Battistella’s legacy in the East Village with Orange Lofts. “We had such a success with Orange Lofts that we wanted to reflect that, plus we heard from so many people that they wanted something different, something that stands out and makes a statement and INK does that.

“The architecture is really unique with bold colours, angular shapes to the walls and offsetting balconies so the way it’s designed it almost looks like it’s twisting,” Pollen says. “It will really stand out because of the movement, it looks like a sculpture; there’s nothing else like it in the city and our homeowners love it.”

INK has also been designed to “meet the downsizing trend of ‘stuff’ and mortgage by today’s urban explorers; it’s really a lifestyle they’re looking for, they want to be central to everything,” he says. “At INK, they have the river pathway and can walk to amenities. We also sell the parking separately because it’s not a necessity for our buyers and it ups the affordability factor (one-bedrooms start from $224,500 plus GST).”

Interiors are well-appointed presenting that artisan loft feel with “nice and bright layouts” that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, 9.5-ft. ceilings, quartz countertops, 39-in. gloss cabinets, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, stacking washer and dryer and air conditioning.

“The community of East Village is one of the best in the city and it’s only getting better as more developments come on like the recently announced Loblaws City Market,” Pollen says. “We’re breaking ground this fall and expect to be complete by 2018 and Loblaws should be complete shortly after us, which is a huge benefit for our buyers.”

Close to the downtown with the river running by it, East Village creates ideal setting for people who enjoy walking or biking to work and there are numerous pathways and bike trails just outside the door, as well as recreational amenities such as Fort Calgary, Stampede Park and St. Patrick Island Park.

Residents also have great access to local conveniences such as the repurposed historic Simmons building that includes a bakery, coffee shop and Charbar, the second restaurant by the chefs who created Charcut. Plus there are numerous shops, services, restaurants, entertainment and transit all within easy walking distance or a short bus or LRT stop away.