Buyer sold on award-winning design and vibrant location

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When Maria Dardano was in her teens, she was already envisioning the way she wanted to live when she grew up and was convinced that when she got older, she’d be ditching Calgary for the cosmopolitan lifestyle of New York City.

“I remember growing up and watching old movies and always wanting to live above a restaurant or laundry mat. I love great architecture and just being able to walk out the door for a coffee. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes me so happy,” says Dardano.

Flash forward to today and this 25-year-old freelance journalist, blogger and restaurant manager has no plans to go anywhere.

“Calgary is a totally different city now. It’s growing so much and it is becoming a really cool city to live in. I have fallen in love with it,” she says.

In fact, she recently purchased her first home, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 900-square-foot corner unit condominium with flex room option, at Courtyard 33 (CY33) in the hip inner-city community of Marda Loop.

Designed by Winnipeg’s 5468796 Architecture, the six-storey 56-unit multi-use residential project features an award-winning innovative design (it picked up the Mayor’s Award for Architecture and Design) — the interior portion is carved out, allowing for a large public plaza accessed from 33rd Avenue by a grand 50-foot wide staircase, reminiscent of the Spanish steps. The courtyard will also be accessible via a staircase from the laneway.

The project is developed by Rndsqr, known for its cutting-edge designs and creating strong connections to and within community by crafting lifestyle experiences and building amenity spaces that really resonate with a broad range of demographics.

“We really want to create a sense of vibrancy and culture within our projects,” says Rndsqr founder Alkarim Devani.

The first two floors of CY33 will host a hand-picked selection of businesses from Diner Deluxe — expect Sunday pop-up brunches in the midst of the courtyard — to Brewer’s Apprentice, a local craft brewery and store, along with a 10,000-square-foot co-working hub — a joint venture with The Commons. A stunning collection of six-storey-high public art murals will also grace the building.

“When I was told that there were businesses below the condominiums, I thought, ‘oh, that is so cool.’ To be able to wake up and walk downstairs and get something is very appealing to me,” she says.

Dardano grew up in the suburbs in Calgary’s far north, so being able to walk to amenities held huge appeal. She currently works out at YYC Cycle and you’ll often find her wrapped in tree pose at Yoga Nova.

Dardano was first introduced to the community of Marda Loop while attending Mount Royal University.

“We would hang out there all the time and it was so cool because it had everything, but wasn’t downtown and everyone was like — this is the dream — but I never thought that a 25-year-old could live there comfortably. I always thought it was for millionaires,” she recalls.

Still, whenever she hit a yoga or spin class, she would drive around the community looking at new projects, but nothing really hit the mark or her price tag. She’d been saving for a home since she started university, so had the nest egg in place to kickstart her dream of home ownership, a fact that she credits to her parents and having the luxury of living at home rent free.

“I’m lucky that I have Italian parents who don’t ever want me to leave,” she says with a laugh. “They have really encouraged me to buy something rather than rent, because then you are investing in something that is yours,” she says.

Needless to say, when Dardano saw the CY33 project on her Instagram feed back in 2018, she was intrigued.

“I was so excited. I went to check out the sales centre right away. It had everything that I wanted and the timing was perfect. Plus, it was so affordable,” she says.

Home designs range from 500 to 950 square feet and include one-and-two bedroom designs, some with flex options. Buyers can choose from 29 home plans.

The minimalistic design and modern aesthetic of the interior spaces really appealed to Dardano, as did the fact that the building was pet-friendly.

“I couldn’t go anywhere without my cat Boots,” she says.

And the kitchen design with its black fixtures and sleek look was also a big attraction.

“I am so excited to have people over and cook. And being in Marda Loop, there are just so many options for us to go out after,” she says.

The project recently broke ground and possessions are expected in late 2020.

About the Project:

CY33
A vibrant and edgy six-storey mixed-used development with 56 one-and-two bedroom apartment-style condominiums. Homes range from 500 to 950 square feet and buyers can choose from 29 different floor plans.

Builder/Developer: Rndsqr
Architect: Winnipeg’s 5468796 Architecture
Community: In the heart of Marda Loop
Price: Homes start at $284,800 and include one parking stall.
Presentation Centre: The presentation centre is located at 2212 33 Ave. S.W. and is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Information: Please visit www.rndsqr.ca or on Instagram @rndsqr_