– by Doreen Marion Gee –
Changing times, attitudes and demographics are the real “mother of invention” when it comes to housing. Creativity, innovation and boldness are needed to address diverse populations with differing needs. It is also important to meet new expectations of local people about the kind of community they want. The visionaries behind the new Harbour Landing at Resthaven development in Sidney are putting people first in a distinctly unique housing project with a splendid West Coast flair.
Welcome to the future: Harbour Landing at Resthaven. The development team behind it, Brad McAdams, Darren McAdams, Rob McAdams, Ken Henderson and Russ Stubbs, are directors in the project’s company, Resthaven Lands Ltd. Their new initiative will have 37 designer homes that are already selling well, the first buyers moving in this November. But that is where the resemblance to any other development ends! Brad McAdams says it best: “It reflects a new way of thinking.”
The Harbour Landing vision is responsive to the community and the environment – the developers worked closely with Town of Sidney planners to create a project that fits into our oceanside paradise.
Brad and his team “liked the direction in which Sidney was going,” one that respected the community’s wish for lower density, less traffic and a quiet people-friendly environment. Sidney’s vision became theirs: a “pedestrian-friendly” housing development with walkways and shared smaller roadways for both people and cars, where roads, garages and driveways do not dominate the landscape.
The developers envisioned a housing project never seen before in Sidney. “Lane-ways” were built into the design: narrower roads with kinks and curves to slow and calm traffic. As well as traditional houses, Brad and his team included some “lane-way homes.” An interesting throwback to a gentler time, front porches adorn all the houses – where you can sit, talk to your neighbours and watch the sun slowly sink into a Peninsula skyline. Priority was given to creating homes with character and beauty.
The final vision was a creative response to changing demographics and residents’ needs and concerns. To address local worries about density: “We wanted single family homes, not condos, townhouses or apartments. We designed our product and our lot sizes around main-floor living.” Their target market is retired people who may not want to climb stairs but would definitely enjoy a new house that is easy to maintain with the latest counter tops, appliances and décor.
However, it is also an inclusive vision. Brad: “We want to have options for families, so we have different models where you can add bedrooms on top. Sidney was keen to have affordability built into the development as well. They liked the idea of secondary suites and so did we.” Their goal of having houses with these suites will benefit renters and owners alike. The development will also feature four duplexes at a lower entry price.
A quick glance at the Harbour Landing website and brilliant images jump off the computer – exquisitely crafted homes with hints of luxury décor. “When you move in, you really don’t need to upgrade anything.” Everything is people-centred: “The homes were designed with privacy in mind. Many of the windows are higher up so you can’t see your neighbour. There is fencing between the houses.” Priorities are sound: “It blends seamlessly with the natural environment. There will be lots of trees, shrubs, plants, bushes and natural green spaces.”
Brad McAdams is proud of the one-of-a-kind design coordinated development: “The houses at Harbour Landing are different. This is not cookie-cutter.” It radiates “West Coast Style” living with cedar shingles, custom timber framing, earth-toned colours and pitched roofs – a blend of “Arts and Crafts” and “West Coast Contemporary” motifs. “When someone says they come from Harbour Landing, people are going to know where that is.”
It is the place where they put people first.
Contact: www.harbourlandingsidney.com.
