Bridges, The

Condo Directory Sunalta/Bankview/South Calgary Bridges, The

2300-block, even numbers, 16-A Street, SW, Bankview

These five townhouse homes are among the most dramatic in Calgary, each offering a 22-foot-high window wall facing east..... definitely "wow" factor. Designed by Jeremy Sturgess and built in 1981 by Bripat Developments, the little project is named for the concrete parking pads that span from the sidewalk to where the rowhouses were built on the slope that gives them their east views and walk-out basements, so don't confuse this with The Bridges neighbourhood of Bridgeland.

Each townhouse has an entry landing with stairs down to the living level of 427 square feet with its dramatic overheight ceiling and windows, and stairs up to the kitchen/dining of 440 square feet with its loft area overlooking the living area and views through the window wall to Bankview's old houses and back yards beyond. Another flight up is the top-floor master bedroom level of 490 square feet with a large bathroom with a sunroom glass wall and ceiling facing west, and some owners have also built stairs up to a roof-top deck. Beneath all this is a basement level of 427 square feet with walk-out access to a small garden. In all each home has just over 1,400 square feet of above-grade space plus the lower level for almost 1,800 square feet. You have to not mind stairs to enjoy these homes, but with that said they're truly remarkable.

The layouts are two-bedroom and two-bathroom, but keep in mind that one of the bedrooms is on the basement level. During the 1990s the development needed some repairs and new sealed double-pane windows, which has likely been done. Several of the homes have seen major investment in recent years, matching modern decor with the original vision of the architect. If one comes onto the market, call me quick, or let me know if you'd like to be on my waiting list!

Unit factors at The Bridges are equal, as the homes are all of equal size. Home 2316, though, is the premium suite here, as it's at one end and enjoys a larger yard than the other four homes. Exterior windows and doors are common property for maintenance and replacement as necessary. I keep on file the Condo Plan and some historical information on The Bridges.

To buy or sell in this condo development, write or call Gerald at 403-703-0675