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Long term accommodation in university towns such as Kingston is always in high demand. Along with the normal demands put on the housing market by the local population, students from out of town add significantly to the mix in these markets. Now, a new generation of projects are coming on stream to cater to this segment. One of these new projects is University Suites, a new investor-aimed condominium development designed for student rentals by PRK Developments, a partnership between Reichmann International Development Corporation and Podium Development Corporation.
University Suites' design is by Teeple Architects, known for their bold and playful urban style. Founded by principal Stephen Teeple in 1989, the firm has a growing reputation for their unique architectural sensibility, and have garnered six Governor General Awards, Canada’s top recognition of architectural prowess. Located at the corner of Princess and University Avenues, just steps from the campus of Queen’s University in Kingston in the burgeoning ‘The Hub’ district, Teeple's design for the building was tailored to address the characteristics of the project's location. He recently expanded upon the thought process that influenced the design here:
“The inspiration of our designs tends to be fairly specific. We custom design to the site and the marketplace, and in this instance—with University Avenue ending at our site—there is a sculptural and rotational geometry that is set up in the centre of the building. We also wanted it to fit seamlessly into its surroundings, therefore it is a mid-rise building with step-backs to blend the massing which responds nicely to the street.”
Teeple viewed the uniquely shaped development site as a ‘creative opportunity’, and has addressed the historic context and architecture of downtown Kingston with a two-toned design utilizing a dark masonry base to complement the many heritage buildings in Downtown Kingston with floor to ceiling glass windows adding a contemporary element to the design.
The design also reflects the architect and developer's understanding of who will eventually live at University Suites. Units in the development are priced starting at $188,900, giving investors a prime opportunity to rent suites to students at Queen’s University, faculty and staff from the university or nearby hospitals, or young professionals working in the nearby downtown.
Additional information and renderings can be found in ouur University Suites dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion about this project? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.
| Related Companies: | Milborne Group, Modulex Group, Snaile Inc. |
