CONDO BUYER KNEW LOCATION WAS RIGHT – MACKAY HOUSE (THE OTTAWA CITIZEN 2008)

(By Louise Rachlis) – Condo buyer saw the sign and knew location was right.

After scoping out the location for quite some time, condo seeker Kevin Kattas was the first to buy into MacKay House, a modern 27-unit brownstone building that rises four storeys on the corner of MacKay and Dufferin overlooking Rideau Hall in New Edinburgh. The Uniform-built and Barry J. Hobin-designed condo offers condo living within an established and historic neighborhood setting. “MacKay House is Uniform’s most recent condominium building crafted from an attention to detail that we feel is evident throughout the building,” says John MacDougall Vice-president of Uniform Urban Developments. “The selection of exterior building materials right down to the interior finishes and mechanical systems support this detailed approach to construction, resulting in a meticulously built boutique style building that is second to none in Ottawa.” Kevin Kattas, who retired from the Royal Canadian Mint in 2004, agrees. “This is exactly what I wanted. Uniform was great.” Mr. Kattas previously had a townhouse downtown and was looking for a condominium because he wanted the convenience of a condo as he gets older. He was also looking for an investment, the same as he was when he sold his town house for over one and a half times what he paid 10 years ago. “I did well there. “I do my homework and make sure I’m making a correct decision. Now with the condo, once again it’s location, location, location. The spot is ideal and the MacKay United Church and the Governor General’s residence will be there forever. It’s an ideal spot within walking distance to all the shops on Beechwood, but still close enough to downtown. It’s a safe, old fashioned type of neighborhood. People say hello to me on the street.” When he saw the sign saying the site was going to be developed, he called the city and found out who was building. He spoke to the Uniform sales manager before they even had prices and marketing material. He knew exactly what he wanted, and in January 2006, he picked the Stanley, on the penthouse facing the church and a view of the Parliament Buildings and the Rideau River. He also loved everything he saw designed by architect Barry Hobin. “This design for our building fit into the entire neighborhood of New Edinborough but had the modern conveniences. “I liked that particular design of the building because it houses only 27 units. That’s remarkable. I can know all my neighbors. I can also walk down four flights of stairs, so it’s safer as well. It’s like one big home!” he says. As when buying car, the actual price is not as important as the after-sales service, he says. “The after sales service at Uniform is always with a smile, no hassle. I went numerous times to their offices to meet people from the receptionist to the owners…I had lists and lists of questions I wanted to pose about the building, the efficiency, the safety, the quality of the finishes…I always had a complete and thorough response and if the answer wasn’t available they’d get it for me. I have to be able to trust anyone I deal with, and with Uniform I felt I could trust everyone.”

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