Classy new residences are rolling out at 321 Waterfront

You can’t see it yet (unless you’re looking at the concrete foundations), but 321 Waterfront brings a vibrant new offering to Victoria’s residential rental market. With its unique shape, upscale architecture, roomy suites and interior design by Kimberly Williams, Boardwalk is poised to make luxurious, strata fee-free oceanfront living a reality.

Karen Jawl: Jawl Properties Ltd.

Taking up the lower two floors of a six-storey building, the eight residences were originally designed as condominiums, but evolved into rental units because of an existing commercial tenancy arrangement. The current tenant of the building adjacent to Boardwalk will also be leasing all the commercial space in the new building. The sky bridge that will connect the two made subdivision problematic; and not being able to subdivide meant any strata would have to incorporate both buildings. “The management would have been too complex and not entirely appealing to a residential buyer in terms of taking on responsibility for the other building,” acknowledges Karen Jawl, of Jawl Properties Ltd. The solution was to roll the condominium units over into high-end rentals. “We’re looking for a tenant mix with a long-term interest in staying here, to build a sense of permanence,” says Jawl.

The finishing specs remain unchanged, giving the LEED Gold-targeted Boardwalk a unique appeal in the rental market. One-bedroom suites are about 1000 square feet and include a media room. Two-bedroom suites (some with media room) range from 1250 to 1700 square feet. The suites take the needs of downsizers into consideration, recognizing that the dining room table still needs to fit the whole family at Thanksgiving. Some units offer built-in workstations, pantries and stand-alone laundry rooms, and all come with ample storage for boxes, bicycles and even kayaks. The historic Selkirk Trestle graces the south and west water views, visible from nearly every room in each unit – and all come with a generous patio for taking in the sunset. Founded in 1991, Selkirk Waterfront Community will see completion of its final phase with this building. Living at Selkirk means having the sea literally at your door, as well as the Galloping Goose Trail, restaurants, cafes, a fitness centre, salons and more. Completion is slated for February 2015, with marketing beginning this coming summer.