Claridge Plaza I & II | 78m |25 fl| Completed

[AznHalf]

Yeah, no I don't know if it's in the purchasing agreement, I just put it in as an exception when I purchased that I didn't want that based on what I saw in phase 1. From what I was told, none of the 2nd phase units has the raised breakfast bar. I was told that the decision was made in terms of requests made by the purchasers, so I can only assume from that statement that many of the purchasers requested that it not be raised.

I got the same answer in regards to the cupboards going to the top of the ceiling in the kitchen. Requests by purchasers for them not to go all the way to the top.

Guess that doesn't help you in your request ... but really, you want it to be raised? Very old school !!! jk jk (to each his own)

[FeeltheFreedom]

Oh oh, I got represented by most of the purchasers. I cook a lot and so use the sink a lot. The raised bar can block spilled water from rolling behind the countertop.

Originally Posted by AznHalf

Yeah, no I don't know if it's in the purchasing agreement, I just put it in as an exception when I purchased that I didn't want that based on what I saw in phase 1. From what I was told, none of the 2nd phase units has the raised breakfast bar. I was told that the decision was made in terms of requests made by the purchasers, so I can only assume from that statement that many of the purchasers requested that it not be raised.

I got the same answer in regards to the cupboards going to the top of the ceiling in the kitchen. Requests by purchasers for them not to go all the way to the top.

Guess that doesn't help you in your request ... but really, you want it to be raised? Very old school !!! jk jk (to each his own)

[ott2005]

Originally Posted by cityguy

Come on Claridge owners,show us your condo.

I have a friend in Phase I and I'd have to say these condos are really boring (sorry). The exterior is just way too much concrete and the interior and inside the unit feels like an 80s apartment building. They just have no character whatsoever, not a fan. My friend is trying to sell it.

[ebrie014]

"I would rather have the raised breakfast bar but it is surprising that there is no raised breakfast bar in all the kitchen photos I viewed of more than 10 phase 2 units. The raised breakfast bar is mentioned in the original advertisement pamphlet but I could not locate it in the purchase agreement. Could you advise me where, which page in the purchase agreement, I can find words about the raised breakfast bar? Thank you so much!"

About the raised breakfast bar, I bought in CP3 awhile back and asked them how the breakfast bars would be and if they would be raised. The Salesman at the sales office told me that they were having structural problems with some of them in CP1 and that some people were putting to much pressure on them causing a few to break because of the way they were raised. He said that they were modifying it and doing a 3/4 ft flat extension of the counter to CP2, 3 and 4.

Hope that helps.

[AznHalf]

Yeah, I remember the last time I walked into a building and they had a stage with comedians to keep me entertained, you know - not bored. I guess your friend will be able to find a lot of exciting things to do with the $80-100,000 profit from his tower 1 purchase. I say that is a good trade off.

I mean, yeah I opted for the parquet flooring - and painting my interior walls light blue and pink - you know Miami Vice style, cause I love the 80's.

[reidjr]

Does anyone know with the way 1 and 2 have gone will they still build 3 and 4.

[AznHalf]

The way 1 and 2 have gone? You mean completely sold, prime location? Plaza 3 is already 70% sold ... guess that is the market power at its best. Haha, how 1 and 2 have gone ... fail.

[reidjr]

Originally Posted by AznHalf

The way 1 and 2 have gone? You mean completely sold, prime location? Plaza 3 is already 70% sold ... guess that is the market power at its best. Haha, how 1 and 2 have gone ... fail.

I am just going by the amount of complaints i have seen on this site and other how one and 2 are nto great etc.

[AznHalf]

I've read through the entire post, and I'd really like to see complaints from actual owners, rather than the peanut gallery of want-to-be downtown condo owners, whose most constant supposed problem they have with these buildings are their opinionated view of it's physical appearance. Anything more substantive would be nice.

I think if there was such a big problem with the buildings, they'd obviously have problems selling the 3rd and 4th towers - which the opposite is happening. So, I'd have to say that the majority of purchasers have disagreed with your flimsy opinionated argument. Guess your opinion is just "nto great etc."

[BRETeam]

My photographer is taking pics tomorrow of one of the CP 2 units I'll be Listing For Rent for a client. Columbus Unit (facing east).

I'll see if I can upload pics of:

1. The unit proper
2. Exterior of the Building
3. Lobby and Elevator Area
4. Pool
5. Exercise Room
6. Meeting Room
7. Balcony shots
8. Garage area (maybe)
9. Locker area

Plus, I'll ask him to take updated shots of the demo of Cumberland/Besserer Corner. The unit is on the 11th floor and should have nice shots of the demo.

Client got the keys today, and I have to say everything looked swell.

If you have any other ideas for common area pics, don't hesitate to make a suggestion.

Martin

[reidjr]

Originally Posted by AznHalf

I've read through the entire post, and I'd really like to see complaints from actual owners, rather than the peanut gallery of want-to-be downtown condo owners, whose most constant supposed problem they have with these buildings are their opinionated view of it's physical appearance. Anything more substantive would be nice.

I think if there was such a big problem with the buildings, they'd obviously have problems selling the 3rd and 4th towers - which the opposite is happening. So, I'd have to say that the majority of purchasers have disagreed with your flimsy opinionated argument. Guess your opinion is just "nto great etc."

I am just going what some have said that is was not great etc does that mean its not great no i am just going by what some are saying.

[AznHalf]

probably not a good reason

[FeeltheFreedom]

Thank you very much for your info! I've already accepted the reality.

Originally Posted by ebrie014

About the raised breakfast bar, I bought in CP3 awhile back and asked them how the breakfast bars would be and if they would be raised. The Salesman at the sales office told me that they were having structural problems with some of them in CP1 and that some people were putting to much pressure on them causing a few to break because of the way they were raised. He said that they were modifying it and doing a 3/4 ft flat extension of the counter to CP2, 3 and 4.

Hope that helps.

[JoeCan613]

Hey AznHalf! Glad to see someone is still around to "defend" the condos. What's up with everyone and their ill-educated opinions?!

Anyhow, when do you move in? Anyone else in phase II...and if so, when are you moving in?

I think I'm in August if everything goes to plan

[KellBell]

I purchased a condo in Claridge Plaza II and I love it. You can't beat the location downtown, right on Rideau st. - just steps away from all amenities you'd ever need including grocery stores, bus stops, and the rideau centre. I find the unit itself to be quite beautiful. The interior finishings are good quality, and I haven't had any problems relating to overall quality thus far. Condo fees here are... well, about as good as condo fees get A friend of mine told me that claridge is pretty well known for keeping their condo fees under control (which definitely appealed to me). Anyway, I'm anxiously awaiting the next phases going up down the street. The byward market's getting more and more hoppin' with so many people moving downtown!

[c_speed3108]

Originally Posted by KellBell

I purchased a condo in Claridge Plaza II and I love it. You can't beat the location downtown, right on Rideau st. - just steps away from all amenities you'd ever need including grocery stores, bus stops, and the rideau centre. I find the unit itself to be quite beautiful. The interior finishings are good quality, and I haven't had any problems relating to overall quality thus far. Condo fees here are... well, about as good as condo fees get A friend of mine told me that claridge is pretty well known for keeping their condo fees under control (which definitely appealed to me). Anyway, I'm anxiously awaiting the next phases going up down the street. The byward market's getting more and more hoppin' with so many people moving downtown!

As an FYI the condo fees do not go to the developer, nor are they controlled by the developer. They are controlled by an elected board made up of unit owners just like you (and you can run in the election if you like). The developer is gone once the units sell. Same as when you buy a house. Builder is gone and just you remain.

The future of condo fees are controlled by a combination of things including realities (ie how much the hydro or water bill is), how much money the building will need in future repairs (Engineers will help the board determine this via the reserve fund study), and finally the level of service in terms of nice to have things likes gyms and activity rooms.

Don't be afraid to get involved in your building/complex. Always remember you don't just own your unit. You own the lobby, the elevators, the parking garage, hallways and everything else too!

Congrats on your new condo! Glad to hear you love it and are enjoying it!

:-)

[Boxster]

Originally Posted by KellBell

I purchased a condo in Claridge Plaza II and I love it. You can't beat the location downtown, right on Rideau st. - just steps away from all amenities you'd ever need including grocery stores, bus stops, and the rideau centre. I find the unit itself to be quite beautiful. The interior finishings are good quality, and I haven't had any problems relating to overall quality thus far. Condo fees here are... well, about as good as condo fees get A friend of mine told me that claridge is pretty well known for keeping their condo fees under control (which definitely appealed to me). Anyway, I'm anxiously awaiting the next phases going up down the street. The byward market's getting more and more hoppin' with so many people moving downtown!

I did not know the developer dictated the condo fees?

I would say that phase 3 and 4 are right next door, across the street.....not down the street.

[c_speed3108]

Originally Posted by Boxster

I did not know the developer dictated the condo fees?

I would say that phase 3 and 4 are right next door, across the street.....not down the street.

The developer sets the condo fees for the first year. They are on the hook for any year one budget shortfalls. This is condo act stuff. This is designed to prevent a developer from promising condo fees during the sales process that are unrealistic.

After year one the condo fees are set by the board. Any end of the year shortfalls must be made up by the owners via special assessment. This is why sometimes in new condos there will be a bit of a fee adjustment after year one and/or after year two. Many real estate agents advise allowing for a jump of up to 33% in fees in new buildings just to make sure you don't find yourself living in something you can't afford because the developer told you such and such.

[note that does not mean they will increase by 33%. It is generally less. It is just an amount to make sure you are safe]

[JackBauer24]

Originally Posted by AznHalf

I've read through the entire post, and I'd really like to see complaints from actual owners, rather than the peanut gallery of want-to-be downtown condo owners, whose most constant supposed problem they have with these buildings are their opinionated view of it's physical appearance. Anything more substantive would be nice.

I think if there was such a big problem with the buildings, they'd obviously have problems selling the 3rd and 4th towers - which the opposite is happening. So, I'd have to say that the majority of purchasers have disagreed with your flimsy opinionated argument. Guess your opinion is just "nto great etc."

So, you're racking on other posters "flimsy opinionated argument" and yet your theory is that because CP 3 & 4 is selling, CP 1 & 2 are problem-free? In 2012, Claridge had 12 sites across the city and sold about 145 condos all year - that's an average of 1 condo sold at each site, each month. Hardly a sales volume to boast about - spoiler alert: Vendor's have been known to "fudge" the total number of sales on their on-site slaes boards/lists. You may have been one of the lucky Claridge owners to get a properly built suite, but if that is the case, I can assure you - you are in the minority.

Open the door to any Claridge building (CP 1 & 2, 700 Sussex, York St. Plaza, etc...) and the problems are obvious. Last time I was in CP 2, the poor workmanship was too obvious not to notice - the ceiling literally had waves in it (they attempted a flat finished ceiling), the granite was so thin I would be scared to sit on the countertops, my friend who lived there wasn't able to take hot showers at certain times of the day, and the list goes on and on. That's just one purchaser in one Claridge project. If I had recorded all of the times I heard complaints about a Claridge product (high-rise condo, townhome, etc...) I could have a book the sizeof the Lord of the Rings triology.

[JackBauer24]

Originally Posted by c_speed3108

The developer sets the condo fees for the first year. They are on the hook for any year one budget shortfalls. This is condo act stuff. This is designed to prevent a developer from promising condo fees during the sales process that are unrealistic.

After year one the condo fees are set by the board. Any end of the year shortfalls must be made up by the owners via special assessment. This is why sometimes in new condos there will be a bit of a fee adjustment after year one and/or after year two. Many real estate agents advise allowing for a jump of up to 33% in fees in new buildings just to make sure you don't find yourself living in something you can't afford because the developer told you such and such.

[note that does not mean they will increase by 33%. It is generally less. It is just an amount to make sure you are safe]

Part of the intention of the Condo Act was to prevent exactly what you stated - a drastic increase in condo fees after the first year. But builders/vendors have become very creative with their budgets and condo fee estimations. For instance, there is a new condo in Westboro that just had its first anniversary from registration and had their first condo fee increase; they went up by 47% - although most of the increase was planned and noted (aka hidden) in the budget. So be sure you do your homework in your cooling-off period (aka read the proposed budget and small print in the condo docs) and don't be shy to ask for the increase of condo fees in the builders past projects.