With the new Province of Ontario’s “Places to Grow” program, and as the largest city centre in Simcoe County, Barrie's condo and townhome developments will continue to expand. The province’s growth plan under “Places to Grow” outlines the need for better policies and management to control growth and urban sprawl, while protecting the natural environment that includes Lake Simcoe.
One of the ways Barrie will work to control sprawl and protect neighbouring greenspace is through vertical development in the form of multi-family condo and townhome developments, offering current and future residents a range of housing options. These developments can work within existing Barrie neighbourhoods by working with the natural features of the area, unique planning needs based on roads and current home designs and maximizing lifestyle features. Many residents and new comers to Barrie want a maintenance free lifestyle, natural lighting, green construction and quality amenities found in new home designs – but want them in smaller open-concept living spaces. Buyers of Barrie condos and townhomes want easy access to the downtown, shopping, cultural events and dining. Therefore it will be easy to understand that the downtown and waterfront areas of Barrie will be where most of the vertical development will be focused. Several condos have been developed along the Barrie waterfront in recent years, including Nautica condos, Waterview and Grand Harbour condos on Toronto Street, Regatta and Marina Bay condos on Ellen Street. Townhomes where added to the Nautica condo development to take advantage of urban living with the proximity to the waterfront. An excellent example of an urban townhome development that has fit perfectly into the natural landscape of the area and neighbouring homes is on White Oaks Rd. At the Minets Point and Lakeshore Dr. area of Barrie, located at the end of the waterfront walking/bike path, you will find a row of Barrie towhomes designed for urban living. Future developments in the downtown area include a development called Blue Sails. Situated between the Toronto Street (Grand Harbour & Waterview) condos and the Nautica condo towers along Lakeshore Dr., the Blue Sails development will include two 24 floor condo towers. And feature a restaurant on the top floor and with townhomes and commercial space on Bradford St. There is another downtown Barrie condo project on schedule for development called “Maple Condo Towers” by Auburn Developments Inc. Located directly across from the bus terminal at Mary St. and Simcoe St., this project will be 15 stories high and will feature easy access to downtown restaurants, marina and include lake views. The Allandale Village / Train Station development will also be a mixed-use condo development. The proposed plans state that the development will include: a hotel, condo development, loft-style work office spaces, retail, and GO station. A recent Barrie Examiner article titled “Barrie Condo owners living the high life” recently highlighted a Pratt Homes condo development, called the Manhattan, in south Barrie that works well with the Places to Grow formula. It is set into a unique area of Barrie where the units back onto an eco-park, forest and will have a “central park” like area and boardwalk. Mason Homes is building a townhome project called Townhomes 4U in the south end of Barrie. These open concept townhomes are being built for the first-time home buyers or people looking for a condo lifestyle with upscale kitchen and bathroom amenities. The layouts look good and the project layout with the landscape drawings look clean and modern. The Barrie Condo Team focuses on condo and townhome real estate in Barrie. The time is right in Barrie to have an experienced real estate team focus on a specific need. Stephanie Adams, Sales Representative at Royal LePage in Barrie (First Contact Realty Brokerage) is part of the Barrie Condo Team – her energy and focus has already produced positive feedback from customers. Stephanie’s willingness to provide education around condos and townhomes has lead to publishing a Barrie condo guide and Barrie towhome guide. Both are found online at our web site – www.barrieCondoTeam.com. In the spring 2010, the Barrie Condo Team will begin offering seminars that will focus around condo buying and selling, mortgages, insurance, rules and regulations and inspections. As Stephanie states “we want our clients to feel comfortable and informed during their entire condo real estate transaction”. Supplemental: Barrie Waterfront Condo Developments Overview Nautica Condos, Barrie Waterfront Designed by Ian S. Malcolm, one of Barrie’s finest Architects, Nautica’s unique, full-glass design is a show-stopper and provides each suite with exquisite year-round panoramic views of beautiful Kempenfelt Bay and Barrie’s Waterfront. Nautica’s stunning two-storey centerpiece, the Garden Terrace Lounge, anchors the two residential towers, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of Kempenfelt Bay. The Lounge provides a resort-style getaway from the daily grind, with an indoor pool, whirlpool, saunas, and opulent banquet room. Location: 37 Ellen Street, Barrie, Ontario Regatta & Marina Bay Condos, Waterfront One of Barrie’s first waterfront condominium projects, Regatta Condos are still one of the most popular choices for would-be residents due to its’ convenient central location, oversized terraces, and soaring views of Kempenfelt Bay. Regatta Condos is a crowd-pleaser, offering entry-level pricing and low monthly fees. A must-see for the condo enthusiast! Location: 65 & 75 Ellen Street, Barrie, Ontario Grand Harbour & Waterview Condos, Lakefront - Toronto Street One of Barrie’s luxury condo developments, Grand Harbour’s sophisticated elegance includes two-storey front suites overlooking Barrie’s marina and yacht club. All suites provide sparkling panoramic views of the City and the Waterfront through floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-enclosed balconies. Grand Harbour’s luxe amenities extend to the games room, banquet hall and lounge featuring a cappuccino bar with full kitchen. Location: 2 & 6 Toronto Street Bayshore Landing, Downtown Barrie One of the most sought-after condominiums in Barrie, Bayshore Landing is conveniently located in Barrie’s historical downtown, just steps to restaurants, fine shops, Talk Is Free Theatre, MacLaren Art Centre, City Hall, and more. Open-concept suites provide panoramic views of the City and the Bay, and the marble and leather-appointed lobby welcomes guests with a luxurious touch. Location: 140 Dunlop St. East, Barrie, Ontario
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