Anthem’s newest offering links Old Town’s vibe with Chinatown’s bustle This spring sees the completion of one of Victoria’s most exciting condominium projects, right in the heart of the city’s oldest – and most vibrant – neighbourhood. The aptly named Union bridges two streets and two complementary worlds: the bustling heart of Chinatown on Fisgard, and Pandora’s commerce, retail and restaurants. Union boasts 360-degree convenience and amenities, with the boutique shopping district of Yates and Johnson mere steps away, and the MacPherson theatre just up the road. “In Western Canada, we now appreciate that time is the greatest luxury,” says Peter Edmonds, marketing director for Anthem Properties, which also has developments in Calgary and Vancouver. “Location for many buyers now is much more important than having room for your jet ski or your boat trailer. It’s all about having access to great restaurants and shopping, and not having to commute to work.” With a number of homes already sold, Anthem Properties is now releasing an initial selection of 30 move-in ready homes. All homes are finished to the turnkey stage, and are available for viewing. “We heard from our Victoria buyers loud and clear: I want to see it before I buy it,” says Edmonds. “We love building in this market, because our buyers really love the thoughtful touches we’ve put into the design and finishing of these homes and the building itself.” More phases will roll out over 2014. Union’s 133 homes comprise a mix of square footages and bedroom configurations to suit any buyer. The unique footprint of the community – two buildings connected by a courtyard and historic Theatre Alley – means there are a variety of suite styles. Want to be part of the Chinatown action? The north side of the Fisgard building is your location. Craving views of the Olympics? Pandora south is your ticket. If you want the proximity of downtown but need to surround yourself with nature to decompress, pick a courtyard suite. Tony Zarsadias from The Condo Group Mirroring building concepts of condo developments in other densely-populated cities like Vancouver and San Francisco, select suites at Union have bedrooms at the rear of the home, leaving windows and sunlight for the living spaces. (All bedrooms have an outdoor vent) ventilated to the outside.) Functional floorplans, pocket doors and well-designed storage make even the smallest suites feel ample. “Size doesn’t matter here,” says Realtor® Tony Zarsadias. “There’s no wasted space with long hallways. And there’s quite a bit of storage as small spaces go.” When the Union property became available, Anthem recognized an opportunity to honour and reflect some of the history of Canada’s oldest Chinatown. “We believe we’ve designed and built a property that not only fits Old Town but that provides fresh housing opportunities for people who want to live in this unique and special place,” says Edmonds. Careful work was done in restoring the heritage façade on the Pandora side, with the reclaimed brick being recycled into other elements on the property. “That’s where we talk about ‘traditionally modern’ living,” says Edmonds. “We evoke this sense of the traditional, but we also have this great modern space happening.” Bathrooms are well appointed with clean lines, chrome handles and shining white subway tile over an inviting soaker tub. The kitchens are intuitively placed and loaded with soft-close drawers and cupboards, not to mention sleek stainless steel appliances. In-suite washer/dryer combos bring the total of Union’s appliance package to six. Wide-plank laminate floors contrast with the airy white of the walls, inviting any colour scheme. And with acoustic barriers built above and beyond the sound rating building code mandates, Union promises peace of mind…in the heart of the action. See more photos and learn more about Union.