INVUE
Developer: Rykon Group of Companies
Presentation Centre: 2925 Pandosy Rd., Kelowna.
Phone: 250-862-1047
Website: www.invueliving.comUnit sizes and prices: 38 of 92 units available in eight different configurations, from $151,300 to $1.85 million

Occupancy: June, 2009.

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Iconic is not a word that’s usually synonymous with residential architecture in the B.C. Interior, but the label will apply to Rykon’s InVue project, which is certain to be a show-stopper. The dramatically shaped front of the tower is being constructed to resemble a ship’s prow, which is appropriate for the location since the building faces south towards Okanagan Lake.

Adrian Block, president of Rykon Group, says that “InVue’s design was driven by the notion of a cruise ship. All of us have a desire to live a resort lifestyle, and one of our original partners is a boating enthusiast.”

Rykon has a diverse portfolio of projects throughout the Okanagan, including the well-regarded Manteo Resort in Kelowna’s Mission neighbourhood and South Bay, a gated waterfront community of seven-figure homes that’s proven popular with Albertans.

“We like to do creative, fun projects that are at the leading edge in the marketplace,” says Block. “At the same time, our projects have proven to be excellent investments.”

Flanked by busy Springfield Road on one side and a couple of blocks from Harvey Avenue (Highway 97) to the west, InVue is a 14-storey concrete highrise that will certainly change the neighbourhood it’s located in when construction is completed for a planned occupancy in June 2009. Rykon Group is planning on bringing people much closer to the true commercial heart of the city than many of the waterfront projects currently offered in Kelowna.

Anyone who knows Kelowna is well aware that walking to work is not something that a lot of people do. InVue, though, is located very close to Kelowna’s Landmark Centre, whose four building complex houses many of the city’s high-tech firms, as well as government offices, real estate developers, and professional services.

Residents will also be within walking distance of Orchard Park shopping centre — the largest mall in the B.C. Interior, anchored by big-name tenants like The Bay, Tommy Hilfiger, Sears, and Chapters/Indigo. Superb produce is available at Quality Greens, choice cut steaks at T-Bones, and there’s even a new Choices supermarket.

Block says that “the longer-range planning for this area will certainly include greater densification in an effort to create a vibrant neighbourhood.” Indeed, billboards promoting several other new projects are nearby, and high-rises also have been built farther north on Springfield, near Durnin Road.

Lest all of this sound like InVue is overly urbanized, it’s a short jog up Springfield Road to Mission Creek Regional Park, a linear parkway that links to the 15-kilometre Greenway trail that follows the creek right down to Okanagan Lake.

Whether you’re a winemaker, an orchardist or a beach bum, abundant sunshine is the cornerstone of the Okanagan lifestyle, and InVue’s floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive concrete decks will allow plenty of room for outdoor living. High-loft, nine foot ceilings are standard, with 14-foot ceilings in the penthouses. Eight different floor plans are available; though given the fact that only 38 of 92 units are currently for sale, some layouts may be scarce. Prices start at $151,000 for a 392-square-foot studio, and the $1.85-million penthouse suite on the top floor is still available.

The interior of the InVue display suite on Pandosy Road features an executive-quality Bosch appliance group (available as an upgrade), and also has a built in wine cooler, dual-spigot cappuccino machine, and microwave oven stacked atop each other.

Full-height kitchen cabinets maximize space efficiently, and are available in either medium cherry or dark walnut.

A side-by-side refrigerator/

freezer (with ice and water dispenser), Energy Star dishwasher, Corian countertops, and a slide-in range with fast-heating radiant elements completes the kitchen package.

In the bathroom, porcelain flooring is standard, but can be upgraded to travertine tiles.

A vessel-style sink with single lever faucet, glass enclosed shower, Corian countertops, and elegant cherry or walnut cabinets are designed with both style and ease of use in mind.

Stained birch doors, wool carpeting in the bedrooms, roller shades on the windows, and hardwood floors are standard in every unit.

Energy-saving washers and dryers and geothermal heating and cooling keep InVue environmentally friendly.

Owners can choose from either a “warm” or “cool” colour scheme. The decks will have pre-installed gas lines for hooking up a barbecue.

Just because a property is close to work doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun to live in, and Invue has a number of exciting and unusual lifestyle amenities planned.

The rooftop will afford fabulous views of the city, lake and surrounding hillsides and feature a swimming pool, barbecue area and outdoor movie theatre. The state-of-the-art fitness room will be augmented by a yoga studio.

Two guest suites will be available for visitors, and there’s even a conference room and lounge area planned for hosting small gatherings.

If you have canine companions, the on-site dog washing facility will keep Rover clean after a day of romping around.

Adrian Block says that right now, InVue is attracting two group of buyers, most of whom already live in Kelowna.

“Typically, it’s the ‘move down’ buyer who is downsizing out of a larger home now that the kids aren’t living there any more, but we’re also selling smaller units to young couples and even singles. A young fellow who works at the nearby Save-On-Foods recently purchased one of the studios.”