Redefining small – By Pepper Rodriguez

Battistella has always been at the forefront of multi-family innovation in Calgary’s inner-city, with a long string of successful mid-rise apartment-style condos and luxury townhomes that push the envelope of modern, cosmopolitan styles. They bring this same love for cutting-edge designs to this 117 unit, 14-storey high-rise in East Village with units starting from 368 square-feet.

“We are bringing the minimalist mind set to another level with INK,” says Battistella’s Liz Schrettlinger. “We wanted a condo that captures the vibrant millennial lifestyle that focuses more on having the ability to thoroughly enjoy a downtown lifestyle affordably.”

And INK seems to be off to a rocking start selling 40 per cent of the development in its first few weeks with hardly any marketing push.

INK offers eight floorplans from 368-square-foot studio apartments, to 444-square-foot one-bedroom units, and 689-square-foot two bedrooms, which is their largest. Prices range from $181,000 to $419,000 plus GST.

What makes INK different from other micro-suite condos is that, in addition to affordable units that have no parking, they also offer some units that have the option to purchase a parking stall in their underground parkade. “This way you still have the option of owning a car,” Schrettlinger says.

“Our buyers are more interested in living their lives than maintaining a home, they lead a lifestyle where all they really need is a bedroom, and the money they save from paying a huge mortgage goes into travel and enjoying all that downtown life has to offer,” she adds.

What makes this car-less lifestyle appealing is that INK is right in the heart of East Village, just off the edge of downtown, near the C-Train, and surrounded by already existing amenities and more coming down the line.

This historically important part of Calgary has become a shining example of urban redevelopment. East Village is now a coveted inner-city destination, and with the new Central Public Library and National Music Centre going up in the neighbourhood, with their construction already going at a fast clip, this comunity is vying to become the cultural centre of Calgary. And INK will be right in its midst.

“INK is expected to be completed in 2018, which is also the year when a lot of these key developments will be opening in East Village,” she points out. “People who buy at INK now can have these to look forward to when they move in.”

Of course, Battistella is no stranger to East Village, and one of their earliest developments — Orange Lofts — heralded new residential development here even before there were concrete plans for the redevelopment of this riverside area. INK’s sales centre is, in fact, along the main floor of Orange Lofts.

Speaking of which, the sales centre features a show suite of their one-bedroom units, expertly displaying the commitment to making small spaces work in a cohesive, practical manner.

INK’s interiors merge smart, functional layouts with stylish materials and features, complemented by nine-and-a-half-feet tall ceilings with matching window walls.

“The loft-like overheight ceiling provide an open, airy atmosphere to reveal exposed pipe and venting, which with Battistella’s signature polished concrete floors give suites that singular modern, industrial look,” Schrettlinger says.

Kitchens have a full array of stainless steel appliances and a choice between two modern wood grain cabinetry options. Bathrooms are just as sleek, with custom floating cabinetry and smart storage solutions.

INK’s exterior is just as unique with a visionary design by S2, which combines concrete construction with a soaring glass-and-steel facade, creating a modern architectural landmark for East Village.

There are several in-house amenities that adds to the ease-of-living promise, including a spacious rooftop patio with fireplaces and plenty of room for entertaining. “It’s a private spot where you can enjoy the company of friends and neighbours with the glittering downtown skyline as a backdrop,” Schrettlinger says.

INK also has a Repair Room where residents can tackle their DIY projects. Tune up your bike, fix your skateboard, adjust your skis or do small household repairs in a shared space equipped with all the tools you need. There’s also a pet wash station and easy in-and-out secure bike storage rooms.

“We give residents all they will need to thoroughly enjoy their downtown life,” she adds.