cover story less water, and eco-friendly materials which emit lower levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). 15 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, August 5, 2009 SIOBHAN EVANS editor Hip, fit and green living in Downtown Burlington for the luxury condo dweller From the elegant two-storey lobby complete with waterfall and fireplace, to the roof-top swimming pool and bar/lounge overlooking Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, the Strata condominiums in downtown Burlington will offer residents a luxurious living environment and the amenities to shape their ideal lifestyle. The project has recently received official city approval and shovels will hit the ground this fall. The 21-storey building will contain 186 units and the revised design includes expanded green space and landscaping at the entrance. The front of the building will be set back from Maple Avenue by an additional five to six metres, and an enhanced water feature will be added on the south side. Strata will be a pioneer in "green living" for Burlington, as the first high-rise condominium in the city to register for LEED® certification. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System provides a definition, widely accepted by industry around the world, of what constitutes a "green building". LEED® Canada provides builders with explicit environmental performance criteria in five key categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. By meeting these criteria, Strata will use resources more efficiently than conventional buildings, create a healthier living environment, improve air and water quality, and reduce solid waste. Strata will also be one of the first residential buildings in the city to use a geothermal system for heating and cooling a system which not only reduces energy costs for its residents, but also produces no greenhouse gas emissions. A beautiful 5,600 square foot Meditation Garden, with lush green plants, will also provide a green space in which residents can relax day-to day. To be located on Maple Avenue, just a few blocks north of the Burlington waterfront and the picturesque Spencer Smith Park, Strata is the latest residential project of the Molinaro Group, an award-winning developer with a 45 year history in Southern Ontario. Billed as luxury condo living for the "Hip, Fit and Green", this project "takes the green building concept to a new level and is also a first for the city in terms of lifestyle amenities," says Vince Molinaro, President of the Molinaro Group. Strata's living features go beyond LEED® standards and geothermal systems as well. They extend to the smallest of details within each unit: energy-efficient lighting and appliances, plumbing systems that use Furthermore, Strata will have a 3,000 square foot ground-level bicycle storage room custom-designed by Neworld Cycle of Burlington to make cycling easy and secure. It will include protected storage for every resident's bicycle and lockers for those seeking an added layer of security for high-value bikes. Strata will also feature a car share program. "While car share programs are beginning to appear in larger cities such as Toronto, this will be a first for Burlington residents," says Molinaro. The building will own a 6-speed manual transmission MINI Cooper, which Natural Resources Canada named 2008's most fuel-efficient subcompact car. Having access to a car for occasional use Strata, with its fabulous rooftop terrace, will be one of the first residential buildings in the city to may allow some two-car families to move to use a geothermal system for heating and cooling. one, and others may decide they don't need their own vehicle at all. Strata will also offer the amenities to build a "hip" and "fit" lifestyle. It is "hip" in its sleek urban décor from bright units with striking modern finishes and stainless steel appliances, to the contemporary lobby that is reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Strata provides amenities for those who love to socialize, including a rooftop bar/lounge, and is within walking distance of Burlington's most popular bars, gourmet restaurants and boutique shops. The condominium is also ideal for people embracing a "fit," healthful lifestyle. The building offers a Fitness Centre, Wellness room for yoga and pilates, and an incredible rooftop swimming pool. Strata will be located on Maple Avenue, just a few blocks north of Strata provides amenities for those who love to socialize, including a rooftop bar and lounge. picturesque Spencer Smith Park, providing plenty of opportunity for residents to walk, bike, or rollerblade. "We've taken a complete lifestyle approach to the building," says Mr. Molinaro. "People want luxury suites and a prime location, but also everything they need to indulge in their interests." Strata will also include a business centre, guest suite, 24 hour concierge service, and a live-in superintendent. The Strata condominium offers home buyers much more than a place to live. Greenfriendly and loaded with amenities, Strata is also a way of life. Strata offers a lot of variety, with multiple floor plans in units ranging from 600 to 2,000 square feet. Remaining units begin at The condo is ideal for people embracing a "fit," healthful lifestyle. The building offers a Fitness $235,000. For more information, please visit Centre,Wellness room for yoga and pilates and an incredible rooftop swimming pool. www.stratacondos.ca or call (905) 333-6360.