Welcome to my new blog series, Open House. I will be searching Metro Vancouver property listings for interesting open houses or new development launches on the market. I will give my opinions and specifics of the listing that may be of interest.
I’m starting with a new development in a community that I have a special interest in. The Trapp + Holbrook (their Grand Opening was today), is providing a modern living environment within the historic New Westminster. It’s in the heart of the downtown’s core, situated along Columbia Street surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants, entertainment venues, and views of the Fraser River.
Now the Fraser River is not necessarily the prettiest when it comes to waterfront properties, I know, as I live along the Fraser further south, but it has a character and a deep seeded value to BC as a transportation channel for many of our goods and services. There’s something relaxing about watching the various large and small size vessels chugging to and fro.
So what do I like so much about New Westminster? The beauty of the various areas including, Queensborough, Victoria Park, downtown and 6th Avenue. I love the wedding shops displaying beautiful gowns along Columbia. I love the views of the river, bridges and mountains, the historical buildings and the various parks scattered in the city. I love that in the summer there are cafes with live music playing on the patio into dark and that it is home to a number of fantastic restaurants from sushi to sandwiches to pastas and seafood.
Some of my most favorite homes are located in New West. I frequently drive by one in particular appreciating the beautiful Victorian style design, the wide tree-lined streets and the perfectly manicured neighbourhood. The city is central to most of Metro Vancouver by car and is an easy transit commute to Surrey, Burnaby and Vancouver.
The history of the city also has grandeur to it. In 1859 it became the capital of the British Columbia colony and the first city in BC to be incorporated and have an elected municipal government. Named after London’s Parliament building area, Westminster, by the Queen Victoria herself, the city became known as “The Royal City”.
New West used to be the main corridor from the Valley to downtown Vancouver, which brought many shoppers to the area. It was a closer stop than driving all the way into Vancouver. Once the freeway was built, traffic was redirected and the once bustling Columbia Street slowly started to fade.
Since 2006, there have been efforts to restore and revitalize New West with residential projects such as the Trapp + Holbrook, Azure at Plaza 88 and Northbank.
I have attended events with market researchers saying that New West will still take some time before interest will really be seen and investments returned, but I want to encourage people to give this community a chance. It may take time, but if you enjoy a small town feel, having a variety of shopping and entertainment at your finger tips and can handle the whistling of a train here and there, I think you will eventually see a return beyond your personal enjoyment.
About Trapp + Holbrook
I attended the VIP Realtor Event on May 16th where Bob Rennie spoke for 5 minutes on the market and the great value that Trapp + Holbrook brings to consumers considering first-time purchases or downgrades. Starting at Just 219,000, Trapp + Holbrook offers a 100 units under the $299,000 price point.
With breath taking 360-degree views of Queensborough and the Fraser River, the showroom unfortunately does not provide a the view live, but they do have computer applications showing pictures of what you would see from different levels.
The design and finishings of the units are nice, clean, neutral and contemporary. Unfortunately there is very little storage space available, a number of angles on some of the layouts and not much living space to arrange furniture. Custom built-in units may be an important consideration to really utilize the space appropriately and to be able to “live” in your home. That being said, these units do provide a great start for first-time home buyers who may not have much furniture, would enjoy an affordable unit with panoramic views, want a new and modern space with the conveniences of front door access to local transit and shops.
To learn more about this development the Trapp + Holbrook website is very comprehensive with layouts, views, features, a gallery, and pricing; www.thliving.com.
With the official Grand Opening today and the low listed prices, these units might not last!
