Hungerford Properties

Pablo Vimos has lived on Burnaby Mountain, in the UniverCity neighborhood, for the last five years. His kids, now 6 and 13, have grown up here, and he’s seen many changes. In the past few years, this small community, surrounded by forest, has seen dozens of new residential buildings go up, more retail and more traffic. But when he moved into the community from Helsinki in 2007, it was almost all forest.

Today, it’s a vibrant and burgeoning mix of residential and retail, surrounded by 30 km of trails in the Burnaby Conservation area. With more than 3,500 residents, there is a good mix of first-time homeowners, downsizers, students, professors and investors. Interestingly, about 60 percent of residents live at UniverCity because of the natural beauty of the area. That’s what initially drew Pablo and his family to the mountain, and he wouldn’t trade it for the world.

As Pablo is now leading up the new Burnaby Mountain Residents Association, he wants to ensure the growing UniverCity community is staying connected and engaged. “We want to make sure everyone feels a sense of community, identity and belonging,” says Pablo. “We want to help keep the neighborhood safe, pleasant and green. We will play a large part in dealing with any problems in the community, as well as organizing community events.”

One of the ways he is planning to engage the community is to connect all the various online groups that currently exist in the neighborhood – parents groups, school groups, the SFU scouts, book review groups—and get them together for events like the recent flea market or the Christmas winter festival.

“Everyone knows everyone up here,” says Pablo. “It’s a great community but it’s still very new, and interestingly - very virtual. We’re trying to foster the physical community and build a sense of belonging. Everyone comes from different places and parts of the world. We have no traditions. We need to start those.”

Altitude is excited to be a part of this growing UniverCity community as our first tower is now under construction. Altitude condo homes are exceptionally priced from $299,000.

When you walk into SFU’s Fitness Centre, the first thing you notice – other than the whirring of bikes and cardio machines and the number of high-energy members using them, is the wall of windows overlooking the track, known as Fox Field. It’s a brightly lit, happy place to workout. And it’s one of the perks of living in UniverCity – having access to this 12,000 square foot fitness centre. From Hungerford’s Altitude, in the heart of UniverCity, the fitness centre is a short ten-minute walk through the campus.

“This is a really great place to work out,” says Shawna Lum, the recreation coordinator. “We have amazing staff and regulars and it’s easy to get to know people and find workout partners.”

Shawna, an SFU grad with a degree in Kinesiology and a certificate in Health & Fitness, fell in love with the camaraderie of the fitness community while she was at school. In 2011, she was hired as the fitness coordinator and for the past two years, she’s been loving her job. We were fortunate enough to have Shawna give us a tour of the facility. See the video below for a virtual walk through that we were able to capture on the fly.

The membership cost for UniverCity residents is just $20/month and lower for longer-term contracts. And if you want to add a family member, it’s just another $5/month. Here are Shawna’s favorite things about the SFU Fitness Centre:

1. They have highly discounted personal training.
2. They offer free fitness consultations where you can meet with a trainer for 30 minutes and they can help guide you towards your fitness goals.
3. You can do a free trial week to check out classes in yoga, pilates, martial arts, dance, zumba and spin to find out what you like. Group fitness classes are at the AQ (closer to Altitude!) and for an extra $55/month, you can have access to unlimited drop-in classes like step classes, body sculpt, indoor cycling and cardio core.
4. They have drop-in for sports like badminton, basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball and hockey.
5. They have a great swimming pool, tennis courts, a track, table tennis, squash and raquetball.
6. They have an “Ask a Trainer/Dietician” board where SFU professionals will answer any questions you post.
7. Some of the staff have surprising credentials. Among them are a national level, Dragon boating racer, an Iron Man, a trainer for one of the SFU Varsity teams and a professional dancer. Let them inspire you!

“All our staff love giving tours and orientation to new members,” says Shawna. “So come on it and we’ll show you how it works.”

For more information, check out the SFU Fitness Centre online: http://students.sfu.ca/recreation/facility/indoor.html

Burnaby condo homes priced from $299,000 now selling at Altitude.

The city has long had major plans for Richmond to become a more urban, modern-day version of the suburbs. The arrival of the Olympic Oval and the Canada Line was a major shot in the arm. Last year, there was $4-billion worth of development on the books in Richmond’s City Centre alone. Aspac’s 25-building River Green complex on the south bank of the Fraser River is massive, but it’s only one of the 10 projects currently under way. Vancouver’s Hungerford Properties aims to build a 400-unit complex across from the waterfront park that will include a 15-storey tower, which is the highest they can go. They are still in discussion with the city.

“The rate of change is incredible,” says Andrew Hungerford, who’s part of the family business with his brother, Michael. “What’s happening there is amazing. The neighbourhood already has a critical mass for a vibrant community. As you move north, the next phase is being developed. That’s us.”

Read full story in the Globe and Mail.

Picture this: two sleek, shimmering condominium towers located at the highest point to date of SFU’s vibrant UniverCity neighbourhood. Sophisticated condominium residences featuring upscale finishes that include engineered hardwood flooring, roller blinds, GE Cafe appliances, and large outdoor spaces. Now say hello to Altitude and your new life at the top of Burnaby Mountain. “This is absolutely the premium location on Burnaby Mountain,” says Jason Dolker, Hungerford’s director of sales and marketing. “Altitude is truly a rare, not-to-be-missed opportunity.”

Click here to read the full article.

Burnaby, February 18, 2013 - Ground breaking is set for Saturday at Altitude, Hungerford’s latest development just steps from Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain. The two-tower condo development will soon become the highest rising towers in Metro Vancouver. Topping out at 1,300 feet above sea level, the towers offer 360-degree views of Burrard Inlet, down Indian Arm, the North Shore mountains and the twinkling lights of downtown Vancouver.

Situated on one of the last premium view properties that will ever be offered at Burnaby Mountain, the development is part of the award-winning, master planned community of UniverCity.

Click here to read full press release.