Gimli Shores condo drawing a lot of interest

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This article was published 15/05/2005 (7544 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SOMETIMES, says Jay Lev, it’s difficult to keep a secret no matter how hard you try.

That has certainly been the case when it comes to Gimli Shores, a new four-storey, 32-unit condominium development that he and partner Susan Feldman, in association with Nejmark Architect and Man-Shield construction, have unveiled in Gimli.

“Even though construction is due to start in September, there’s already been tremendous interest in the development prior to going to market,” says the president of Stride Development Corp. “We’ve been doing our best to keep it a secret, but news seems to get around fast. There’s been a lot of enthusiasm about the project, so we’re expecting a quick pre-sale.”

The best part of the development is its location, says Feldman, the project’s lead realtor.

“It couldn’t be better,” says the president of Priority Realty Inc.. “There will be a residential street on one side, and beach on the other — it’s the only lakefront property available for such a project in Gimli. For their part, Gimli residents are ecstatic. It will replace a hotel that had gotten a bit disruptive, and will fit right in with the surrounding neighborhood.”

Gimli Shores will be situated on a compact parcel of land that measures in at about two-thirds of an acre. The complex itself will be comprised of concrete with additional masonry block construction to add structural integrity. The exterior will be an attractive combination of acrylic stucco and galvanized corrugated steel.

Lev says the simple yet striking design theme will carry forward into the suites.

“We tried to keep the overall design simple to keep costs down,” he says. “Most of the suites will be an open concept design with an island kitchen. Half of the suites will also be California-style with one bedroom and one bathroom on either side for independent living. That design feature will allow people to use the condominium as either a vacation, or permanent home.”

Units will range in size from 816 square feet to 1,115 square feet and the majority will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, adds Lev. Nine-foot ceilings and an array of large windows will further accentuate the open concept design, which comes in two distinct floor plans.

“As far as packages are concerned, we’ll be offering two basic styles to choose from. Upgraded packages are available, and we plan to offer flexibility in all areas through the suppliers we’re using,” he says of the condominiums, which will also feature private balconies, central heating and cooling and ample storage space. “Each unit has also been designed to accommodate an optional gas fireplace.”

Feldman says the complex’s biggest plus is the fact that three-quarters of its units will overlook Lake Winnipeg’s shimmering waters.

“It’s been designed so that 24 of the 32 units will have lakefront views,” she says of the suites, which start at $130,000 and will top out at $205,000. “That will be just a great sight to wake up to, and will be a feature you can enjoy at any time. Not only that, but you’re only a five-minute walk to the pier and downtown, where there are all kinds of quaint shops and great restaurants to enjoy.”

There are also plenty of other amenities to enjoy in Gimli, says Lev.

“It’s just a great spot,” he says of Gimli, which was recently nominated as one of the 10 best small towns to live in in the world. “There’s a brand new hospital, two full-service grocery stores and all kinds of services that can be quickly accessed. If you’re into golfing, there are four golf courses in the general area, including scenic Hecla Golf Course. And boaters love the prospect of being located right on the water, with the pier nearby. Let’s just say you’ll never lack for things to do.”

Although Gimli Shores wasn’t aimed at a specific target audience, Lev says to date, interested parties have come from three main groups.

“So far, we’ve found that the development has a broad appeal. Some people want to make it a permanent interlake residence, some want to retire here, and others want to make it a summer residence. We expected a diverse nexus of purchasers, because the design and location lends itself to different possibilities,” he says.

If there’s been one group that’s outnumbered the other, it’s been those who are looking for a convenient summer residence.

“Gimli Shores is very attractive because it has the potential to offer a very affordable beachfront vacation home,” Feldman says. “First off, they’re not widely available in such a great location. You’re right on the beach here, and it’s only takes a little over an hour to get to Gimli from the city. The views are just beautiful, which doesn’t hurt either.”

Another attractive aspect of the development is that there will be no need for residents to cut grass or perform timeconsuming home maintenance chores. For fees of about $160 to $220 a month, buyers can simply take the leisurely drive north from Winnipeg via highways 7, 8 or 9 and worry only about enjoying their stay.

“No matter what you intend to use your condominium for, the complex has been designed for easy maintenance. It’s a very peaceful area, and you’ll have a wide, sandy beach to enjoy right out your front door,” says Feldman, adding that Gimli Shores will officially open its sales office, complete with sample boards and floorplans, on the May long weekend (May 21-23). “We’re very excited about its potential, and believe the project will add a lot to Gimli’s landscape.”

Lev says he can’t wait to get started. If all goes well with construction, buyers should be able to take possession of their units by June 2006.

“The response has been so positive that we’ve actually had to hold people at bay,” he says. “Really, I wish the site were bigger so it could yield more than 32 units. It’s just fun to be part of a project that’s generating so much excitement.”