Media Release
Ottawa Citizen New Homes: The Powers behind a green community
Environmental responsibility is a key feature of Stittsville’s unusual Powers Enclave townhome project
BY MICHELE OBEROI
Dharma Development’s Powers Enclave will consist of 29 townhomes built around a compact, landscaped central park. It’s named after the original landowner.
Located behind a grove of mature fruit trees off the southern end of Stittsville’s winding Main Street, Dharma Development’s inaugural project is an affordable, environmentally friendly development in a private rural setting.
Named for original landowner Evelyn Powers, a local entrepreneur and1920s aviatrix, Powers Enclave will consist of 29 townhomes built around a compact, landscaped central park containing a plaque in her memory.
Dharma president Akash Sinha had been searching for a project of his own for some time when the Powers land became available. To the experienced urban planner who in the past has worked with Ottawa builders Ashcroft and Richcraft, the small enclave seemed the perfect spot to breathe life into his newborn company.
“It really was almost a no-brainer,” he says. “This is a great starting point for the company.”
For Sinha, the land’s location in a growing community with a mandate to intensify made a townhome-only neighbourhood an easy choice. As well, the shape of the property allowed for a central park, and the history of Evelyn Powers added extra flavour.
“I thought it was an interesting story,” says Sinha, who learned about Powers from her daughter when she sold him the 2.3-acre parcel of land.
Community involvement is important to Sinha. So is environmental responsibility. The homes in Powers Enclave will all contain resource-conserving standard features such as dual flush toilets, light dimmers that work with Energy Star fluorescent bulbs, high-efficiency gas furnaces, programmable thermostats, and high Rfactor insulation.
In addition, other high-end standard features of the David Blakely-designed townhomes include lofts, ninefoot and cathedral ceilings, hardwood and ceramic flooring, upper-floor laundry rooms and custom Laurysen kitchens.
The exterior of the homes will consist of grey stone, as well as burgundy fibre-cement siding, a no-maintenance, fireproof material guaranteed for up to 50 years to withstand rotting, cracking, and the elements.
“We try to be as innovative and to the forefront as possible,” says Sinha, adding that Dharma will also follow responsible construction practices by striving to recycle and reduce waste whenever possible. “That’s going to be continually evolving.”
Dharma is offering four townhome designs at Powers Enclave, with construction due to begin later this year. Occupancy is planned for spring 2006.
Although the development has been marketed to first-time buyers, it’s also attracting empty-nesters, downsizers, and those looking to relocate, says Sinha. “The interest we’ve been generating is across the board,” he says.
Open-concept model floor plans contribute to the wide appeal. For example, the smallest unit, the 1,450-square-foot Artiste, would suit either a young family buying their first home or a senior couple buying their retirement property.
Two roomy bedrooms and a loft overlooking the main-floor living room can be altered to include a third bedroom, or a walk-in closet and luxury ensuite bathroom off the master bedroom.
On the main floor, the kitchen contains a breakfast nook with a vaulted ceiling, half-walls overlooking the dining room and living room, a walk-in pantry and a second smaller pantry for extra storage.
The Artiste is priced from $219,900.
At 1,915-square-feet, the Bon-Vivant is the largest unit. The home’s roomy master bedroom has a cathedral ceiling, walk-in closet, and ensuite bathroom with a double sink vanity. Two other bedrooms are big enough for teenagers, and the fourth bedroom could be used as a den.
The home has a large porch and sunken foyer leading to a formal dining room off the long kitchen. The living room is separated from the kitchen and breakfast nook by an oak capped half wall. Tall windows over the open basement stairwell provide natural light to the two floors.
The Bon-Vivant’s finished family room in the basement makes it the ideal model to occupy one of the development’s12 walk-out sites.
The Bon-Vivant is priced from $253,900.
For more information on Powers Enclave, contact the sales office at 836-1647. Sales office hours are Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and weekends from noon to 5 p.m.
Reprint - Ottawa Citizen - August 24th 2005
