March 28, 2007

Mixed Family Housing

Master plan communities offer buyers transitions

Jean Sorensen

correspondent

PORT MOODY

While master plan communities springing up throughout B.C. and Alberta provide economic advantages for both municipalities and developers, they also give social advantages for those residents living within the housing mix.

General sales manager Gary Marshall of ParkLane Homes says that Heritage Wood, one-such large scale development located in Port Moody, offers different forms of housing to suit a range of buyers not just now but downstream. As the development of 1,450 homes and housing units (plus schools, parks, and transit) nears completion it provides housing alternatives for all life stages within a community, albeit entry level or the traditional family. Once in place, “many people who raise their family in such a community don’t want to leave”, he says, even though their housing needs may have changed. As a result the mixed multi-family and single-family housing provides the option to downsize or upsize, yet still keep the family in the area and the kids or grand-kids in the same neighbourhood schools.

“We are really building communities for life,” says Marshall, adding that individuals who buy into the master plan community also like the idea of living within a community where all the facilities are new and modern.

ParkLane Homes

Bedford Landing is a $400 million residential development located on the banks of the Fraser River next to Fort Langley's downtown centre.

During the past 10 years, ParkLane has followed other developers into the field of building master plan communities but using its own construction division to handle the home phases of construction on site. Marshall says that because it is a master plan community that doesn’t mean there isn’t diversity in design, even though the design is themed to suit the Heritage Mountain scape. “We have tried to provide a West Coast look to the homes,” says Marshall, with many reflecting a traditional feel. Areas within the communities are segmented to express that diversity and the housing ranges from single family units and townhomes to street row houses and smaller single family homes, which suit the entry level or empty nester market.

The housing diversity in content and style holds together because ParkLane uses its own in-house construction firm, says Marshall. “It is designed with a single vision that is implemented with one builder – so there is an integrated and consistent look and feel. People know what they are getting,” he says. Also, since there is a master plan for the development, individuals are not caught with surprises as add-ons occur.

Heritage Woods is built upon 1,200 acres and approximately half of the land area is dedicated to green ways, walkways, parks and recreational sites and schools. Approximately, 50 executive homes are now being built to conclude the product.

Those 50 homes that will finish the project are high-end, larger structures that will be located in an area called Heritage Estates. “This will be a small enclave of homes,” says Marshall, “That will have a gated community feel, but will not be gated.” Each home has been fully finished, landscaped, offers a basement and irrigation system. “They are all fenced which provides a consistent look to the neighbourhood,” he says, adding when buyers invest in a home they want to ensure the neighbourhood retains its integral value. Today’s challenge with undertaking master plan communities is finding the land to undertake such large-scale developments, says Marshall. Municipalities see the potential in them as they bring an increased tax base to the community as well as new residents to an area.

Tien Sher Group of Companies

The Quattro project in Surrey is an 1,100 unit residential and commercial development offering buyers many luxury features. This niche market appeals to the lower side of middle income earners.

The newest master plan community that ParkLane is just starting is Bedford Landing in Fort Langley, an area that is growing in popularity because of its history and character homes. Bedford Landing is a $400 million residential development located on the banks of the Fraser River next to Fort Langley’s downtown centre.

Bedford Landing is being built on the former 78-acre site of Interfor’s McDonald Cedar Mill. It’s the only development bordered by a golf course, river and urban centre in the Fraser Valley. When complete, it will add 378 homes to the community. It will also offer greater access to the Fraser River, additional park and green space, an enhanced waterfront trail, a refurbished rowing club and a new public plaza and wharf.

It is the first new development in Fort Langley in decades and is attracting a lot of attention from homebuyers as surveys have shown there is a pent-up demand for housing in the area which is known for it’s village charm and historical roots. By having a master plan, says Marshall, a developer is able to reflect those elements in the housing design by elements such as traditional home design and smaller features such as large front porches where individuals can sit, chat or wave to neighbours.

The first offering of Bedford Landing homes is comprised of two-storey single family homes and row homes. This release of single family homes ranges in size from 1,600 – 2,100 square feet plus full unfinished basements and prices range from $499,900 - $599,900. The row homes were designed to resemble a large manor house. These buildings will have four units that range from 1,340 - 1,430 square feet plus a full unfinished basement. Prices for row homes range from $375,000 to $425,000.

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