ELLA by Trillium Projects in Vancouver

It’s a long-established neighbourhood brimming with charm, a place where shopkeepers know their customers by name and you’ll often see people travelling on two wheels or two feet rather than in their car.

And now there’s something special coming to the Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhood in East Vancouver. Introducing ELLA, a collection of 45 contemporary apartment residences located at the corner of Nanaimo and Grant. For people who’ve been waiting for the opportunity to purchase a brand-new home in this dynamic neighbourhood, ELLA is already turning heads and creating an enthusiastic buzz.

“This is such a charming and thriving community,” say Goran Arevski, one of the Trillium Projects’ team members behind ELLA’s design. “We’re just steps from several popular mom’n’pop shops, including an Italian coffee bar that’s been here for over five decades and serves the best cappuccino in town. Plus, it’s only a few blocks to all the delights of Commercial Drive.”

More good news for ELLA homeowners: The City of Vancouver is committed to making this an even more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly neighbourhood. Nanaimo Street is being upgraded with new landscaping, reduced car and truck traffic and segregated cycling lanes in both directions. And, with adjacent blocks recently rezoned to mixed-use lowrise, there will be even more retail and other amenities coming soon.

Designed with end-users in mind

“From day one, we were committed to building homes that maximize utility and value,” Goran says. He points out just a few of the single-family-esque features: Nine-foot-long kitchen islands that comfortably seat four; full-size fridges and ovens that cater to family cooking; side-by-side washer/dryer with a shelf above for folding laundry; double sinks in every ensuite; and the convenience of full-height pantries that are found in every two-bedroom home. “It’s all about livability, about maximizing the usability of every square inch.”

There’s no question this philosophy has resonated with local buyers. Within the first few weeks, 80 per cent of these homes were sporting bright red SOLD signs. “ELLA has been very well received both by young families and downsizers,” Goran says, adding that he’s seen several multiple sales going to people who already live in the immediate neighbourhood.

Thoughtful amenities

“We also gave great consideration to how people will use the amenities we build at ELLA,” Goran says. “For example, we’ve provided a secure delivery locker, so if you’re not home when your online purchase arrives, the delivery person can simply open the locker using an auto-generated code.”

Plus, there’s a pet wash station for four-footed family members, a bike service station for keeping your two-wheelers pristine, and an onsite Modo car share. And with an eye to the future, every parking stall supports an EV charger. Designing with sustainability in mind, the SHARC™ Energy System recovers energy that is typically lost, and reuses it in an endless loop.