In the heart of downtown
Tribeca towers bring an infusion of modern urban living to the core
Tribeca is not the most original name for a condominium project. It’s borrowed from TriBeCa (Triangle below Canal Street), a Manhattan neighbourhood so cool it has its own film festival. But if the name isn’t a standout, Claridge’s Tribeca, at the corner of Metcalfe and Lisgar, has much that is notable.
Tribeca, which will eventually encompass two 28-storey towers, low-rise condo flats above a grocery store and a recreation centre for residents, will bring a welcome infusion of people into a block that has traditionally had little housing.
Many new owners have moved into the first tower, and there are only about 30 units left. However, there are two reasons it’s worth touring the four model suites on the eighth floor. The first is you might fall in love with one of the remaining condos and snap it up. Second, a look at these suites will give you an idea of what it will be like to live in Tribeca East, the tower next door that will be ready for occupancy next summer.
Yes, the floor plans for those condos are different: The east tower will have studios and some layouts will reflect the curved walls of the building’s design. But “the finishing will roughly be the same from building to building,” says marketing co-ordinator Adam Brunke.
He mentions other similarities as well. Walls of windows mean these condos are filled with light, designs have a contemporary sensibility and the downtown location puts you in the heart of Ottawa.
FLOOR PLANS
There are four models to tour. The Surrey, the Carlyle and the Astoria all have one bedroom plus a den and 1 ½ bathrooms. The Broadway has two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Prices vary by floor. The smaller units range from $329,000 to $406,000 and the Broadway is in the low $400,000s.
All models feature ceramic floors in bathrooms and the foyer, and hardwood in all other areas. They are pre-wired for phone, cable and high-speed fibre-optic cable. Each unit has its own furnace and individually controlled air conditioning. Four kitchen appliances and stacked washer-dryers are also included.
Here’s a closer look at two of the model suites.
THE BROADWAY
This appealing two-bedroom suite packs a lot into its 900 square feet, which could be the reason it has picked up two awards. The first was a nod from the Housing Design Awards in October. A month later, it was honoured as best high- rise condo model at the Sales and Marketing Awards, or Sammys, sponsored by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association.
The front hall has room for guests to remove coats, and where you would normally expect a powder room to be is instead a threepiece bathroom, including a walkin shower with glass doors. The sparkling mosaic tile is an upgrade.
Although hardwood is standard, the blond wood floors here are also an upgrade. The floor choice sets a light tone for the rest of the unit.
The upgraded kitchen cupboards are ash brown, the tufted couch is pale grey and all the bedding is a crisp white. The kitchen is along one wall, but there is an option for an island.
In the master bedroom, there are two generous closets and an ensuite with a shower-tub combination. Another door in the master opens to a stacked washer-dryer. The second bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling window overlooks the balcony, which is accessed from the living area.
THE SURREY
The large buffed concrete column in the living area gives this one-bedroom (plus den nook) an industrial edge, which is echoed in the dark tones of the floor, the angular furniture and the metal light fixture in the dining area.
Upgraded kitchen cupboards in bright white add a flash of contrast to this 753-square-foot unit. The den has room for a desk and brilliant red chair, but is likely too small to accommodate an overnight guest. The entrance hall has a coat closet and another set of doors that hides the furnace and laundry facilities.
DESIGN CENTRE
Claridge’s design centre is at 133 Booth St. During the week, it’s open by appointment. Call 613232-3888. On weekends, it’s open noon to 5 p.m.
IN THE AREA
Tribeca is one block from Elgin Street, with its restaurants, shops and the National Arts Centre. A few more minutes of brisk walking brings you to the Rideau Centre and the ByWard Market. And when Ottawa’s light rail transit system is complete, the Parliament station will be just a few blocks away.