It took eight years to gather the land at 3316 Quadra St., including that of the pioneer Holt family, and the payoff is finally here in the form of The Shire, a three building condo development.
“It was a lot of work and a long wait to assemble all eight properties,” said real estate agent Chuck Meagher, in charge of The Shire’s marketing.
“It started with identifying the land, which is hard to find in Saanich in the first place.”
The builders are Jim Mclaren and Dave Vidalin, who’re also launching The Landmark development in Langford, atop Captain Langford’s original Colwood Farm (it includes the original stone Colwood dairy house).
The target demographic for The Shire is wide open, Meagher said.
“This particular development uses a process that is somewhat unique. What the developers have tried to do is build a balanced community. Instead of specifically targeting second-time buyers, or empty nesters, or first-time buyers, they’re instead trying to design a building with a lasting design for all ends of the demographic.
“It won’t be as trendy as some current developments and will have more of a classic feel that we believe will weather the style trends and still be relevant in five years.”
Ground is set to break this week (or next) on the first two of the three buildings. Building A will have 25 units and building B slightly larger at 35.
There are eight different floor plans, another unique element to the building. And they’re selling at an even pace.
In theory, The Shire should, therefore, appeal to first time buyers, as well as people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s and 70s, Meagher said.
“We expect the units to be purchased by people from across that range,” Meagher said.
“We’re seeing our sales come from different demographic markets, and different suites are being selected.”
Building A is already sold out and B had sold 10 of 35 units as of earlier this week.
Building C will have 31 units and is expected to go ahead in 2016.
The buildings are built to Green CHBA standards and has minimal additional facilities.
While a common balcony sits over the entry of each building the amenities have been limited to keep strata fees down, Meagher said.
“If you put in a games room or a sauna, a small number of people use it and everyone pays.
“The second question all buyers ask is, ‘What are the strata fees,?’ It’s a big concern.”
Visit theshirecondos.ca for more information.
reporter@saanichnews.com
