The Township of Esquimalt’s adoption of smart growth principles and densification efforts have created one of the most desirable residential markets on southern Vancouver Island, and demand for homeownership or rental opportunities throughout the municipality is surging.



 

At the centre of Esquimalt’s urban renaissance is Aragon Properties’ Esquimalt Town Square development adjacent to City Hall. Comprised of 68 move-in ready luxury condominiums, 34 rental apartments (fully leased in under 60 days) and a soon-to-be-completed office complex with retail spaces on Esquimalt Road at Park Place, the project is a symbol of change for Esquimalt and a visual reminder of its big ambitions.

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The township is a top choice among individuals in search of an urban lifestyle outside of the busy city centre of Victoria,” says Luke Ramsay, Aragon Properties’ Development Manager.



 

“The strong response to our sales and rental lease-up campaigns at Esquimalt Town Square represents a rediscovery of this historic community and the beginnings of Esquimalt’s transformation into a high density walkable hub connected to employment nodes, transit, and coastal green spaces. We were able to lease our entire rental building The Spruce in less than two months, which is a proud achievement for us and the community.”

 

As Esquimalt Town Square’s (ETS) completion nears, residents will soon welcome a state-of-the-art Greater Victoria Public Library branch that will transition from its current location at Esquimalt’s municipal hall to spacious new digs within the ground level of a five-storey, 40,000 square foot cross laminated timber office block at the heart of the project. The building’s upcoming occupancy will formally conclude a construction effort which began in 2017.

 

The Douglas and The Arbutus, a duo of six-storey move-in ready condominiums at ETS with 32 and 36 suites, respectively, are already welcoming homeowners to collections of one, two and three-bedroom homes priced from $513,900. The interior designs are inspired by west-coast modernism with distinct quality finishes the company is known for. It should come as no surprised that Aragon’s attention to detail, coupled with ETS’s central location, have attracted a strong response from purchasers who propelled the community to an over 65% sold-out status.

 

A rendering depicting a condominium suite's rooftop deck at Esquimalt Town Square's The Arbutus and The Douglas offerings.  Aragon Properties

 

One purchaser at The Arbutus, who relocated from the Cowichan Valley to be closer to her work in Esquimalt, made a leap into city life from a semi-rural, single-family-dwelling in suburban Duncan, and found ETS be a perfect fit in its amenity-rich setting.

 

“Esquimalt Town Square’s location and proximity to shopping and amenities definitely impacted my decision to relocate,” says Candace McKinty, a recent purchaser. “I can walk to the Red Barn market, Country Grocer, massage therapy, the dentist, cafes, coffee shops, eateries, the recreation centre, Saxe Point Park, a nail salon and most importantly I'm steps away from where I work.”

 

McKinty says she was drawn to Esquimalt’s eclectic vibe when she took a job in the area last winter, and was quick to recognize its potential.

 

“When I got a position in Esquimalt I had the chance to spend some time there and fell in love with the community and its diversity,” McKinty says. “I noticed The Arbutus on my first day of work in January and really liked the look of the building. When I eventually made it into the sales centre, I was greeted by a very friendly sales team, and was taken on a tour of the building. The unit I ended up buying was stunning, with a large deck and amazing views. The quality of the finishing, attention to detail, appliances and layout were everything I was looking for and more. It definitely had the wow factor.”

 

Purchasers like McKinty place high value on Aragon’s new home product that stems from decades of new housing and commercial construction in southwestern BC. The company’s functional amenities, which at ETS include a public art walk and a destination-worthy collection of retail partners, become community assets in lieu of on-site facilities like resident common areas, gyms, meeting spaces and rooftop patios that can drive up strata fees and duplicate nearby retail services.

 

Sized from just under 700 to 1,449 square feet, residences at The Douglas and The Arbutus feature quality urban finishings synonymous with Aragon’s reputation for functional opulence and market-leading attention to detail.

 

In-suite amenities such as linear electric fireplaces set into reclaimed brick accent walls add industrial flair to modern layouts, while 9’6” ceilings give each home a sense of spaciousness typically reserved for penthouse lofts. Expansive windows allow ample natural light to fill living spaces, as ultra-efficient panes and patio doors keep interiors comfortable year-round.

 

There are two colour schemes to choose from, ‘Saxe’ (light) and ‘Carlisle’ (dark). Kitchens present gourmet Bosch and Fisher & Paykel appliances throughout, and luxurious bathrooms are spa-inspired with design details that include premium Kohler fixtures, large format tiles and custom vanities.

 

Every residence at ETS has an outdoor space, be it a spacious balcony with views over the Salish Sea or Esquimalt’s lush urban canopy, or private rooftop spaces on top-floor penthouses with unparalleled vistas towards ocean and forest.

 

And in-keeping with transportation trends, every suite is accompanied by an electric vehicle-ready parking stall in a underground parkade.  Frequent bus routes immediately alongside the project’s location on Esquimalt Road at Park Place offer all-day frequency to UVic, CFB Esquimalt, the downtown core and Saanich.

 

Speaking to future value, demand for Esquimalt real-estate has surged in recent years as Victoria’s coastal lands in the Vic West neighbourhood – sharing a border with Esquimalt – continue their build-out. The progression of urban infill and densification efforts in Victoria have trended west where they've met a more than willing neighbour already poised for growth.

 

“Esquimalt has one of the best pedestrian and alternative transportation networks on the south Island, and being a walkable municipality full of amenities, it is favourably positioned to absorb growth in a smart and sustainable way,” Ramsay said. “When buyers look to new real-estate opportunities stemming from COVID-19's impacts, Esquimalt presents itself as a friendly, caring and forward-thinking place to call home.”

 

To learn more about Esquimalt Town Square and its move-in ready condominiums, view the project website here or call 250-385-6665. For enquiries related to commercial leasing, connect with Aragon Properties by calling Mike Lowe at 604-732-6170. C

 

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