Wednesday July 13, 2005 - Canmore Leader

Alpine Homes plans commercial site

by Alyson McAndrews

Alpine Homes may soon be adding to Canmore's commercial tax base if a planned commercial development — the first since Three Sisters' Marriott Hotel opened in 1999 — goes ahead later this summer.

As things sit now, developers foresee the area featuring a coffee shop, something along the lines of a wine boutique, and a convenience store. It may also serve as the location for the Three Sisters discovery centre, which is planned to be a place where a host of different family activities can take place.

However, the area will not just be a commercial site. Alpine Homes, who is developing the area, plan on putting a series of condominiums into the site, as well.

"We're looking to develop an interesting place where people can come down from their homes and grab a cup of coffee or a baguette and go back home if they feel like it, or sit in the coffee shop," explained Alpine Homes general manager Lawrence Hill.

Although the development is still in the planning stages, Hill said the condos will be in the 1,200 to 1,650-square-foot range, and have a different architectural feel than most of the surrounding area.

"The condos will have some kind of mountain look to them, but we want to create something different, where you can sit out on a balcony and watch what's going on around you. Or if you are desirous of some privacy, you can move to the back and have that as well," Hill said.

Alpine has the backing of Three Sisters who are happy with what they are proposing, according to the company's executive vice president.

"We think they're doing great things with the area," said Chris Ollenberger. "We needed someone with vision to get in there and start the commercial development, and he's done that."

Hill described it as two distinct elements they are planning on integrating into one cohesive unit.

"We're looking for people who are maybe a bit younger and like to be around places that are bit busier," Hill said.

He sighted people living in trendier areas in Calgary such as Kensington and downtown as their target demographic.

Alpine Homes is taking plans to town council after the summer break and hopes to be breaking ground sometime in November. Hill hopes to have the commercial space rented and tenants moved in by spring 2007, with the homeowners following in late summer.

For more detailed information on this project, go to the Mountaineers Village project page.