The Slater | 66.6 m | 22 fl | Completed

[Sean1337]

Does anyone else think this condo is in the worst location possible? It's surrounded by office buildings on 3 sides...the only view pretty much is of the BMO building...and an OC transpo bus stop...speaking of which...I don't think I would be too fond of hearing buses wiz by and stop all the time...

edit: I guess if you are high enough up and on the other side of the condo you can see over one of the buildings and look towards queen street...still though...not too fond of this location...

[citizen j]

Guess what, by the time this is finished, there won't be 190 buses/hour on Slater any more because the LRT will be open.

[kevinbottawa]

Originally Posted by Sean1337

Does anyone else think this condo is in the worst location possible? It's surrounded by office buildings on 3 sides...the only view pretty much is of the BMO building...and an OC transpo bus stop...speaking of which...I don't think I would be too fond of hearing buses wiz by and stop all the time...

It's a great location if you work in those three office buildings or the BMO building, or anywhere within a five minute walk.

[JackBauer24]

So, when looking to purchase a condo the only 2 items that's important are view and noise? That's interesting criteria, but to each their own.

Personally, unless you can 100% guarantee a view (eg. you bought land at the edge of a body of water, or you own/control the adjacent lots around your property) I wouldn't put much value or thought into the view. With the development that is happening around Ottawa, there's a good chance that in a few years a newly constructed building will (entirely or partially) eliminate your view - and if you forked out an extra $10k, $20k, or $30k that money spend would be flushed down the drain. Instead, when looking for a condo, I try to focus on items that I have control over or items that are unlikely to change.
However, on the point about views, as your edit suggested, there are condos in the project that will have great views. But aside from personal taste, the view adds little to no value to your condo (just look at the resale prices of condos in the Gardens 1 & 2 - when comparing those condos that look at the adjacent tower versus those that look at the water, there isn't a significant difference in price).

As for the location of Slater:
The Slater is right downtown - pretty much always going to be an area of demand.
It will be a few blocks away from one of the new LRT stations - again, adding more demand for that location, especially in a part of the city where driving can be a pain.
You will be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, grocery stores, bus routes, Parliament, Rideau Centre, Ottawa U and some of the best bike/walking paths in the city.
Yup, sounds like a terrible urban location to me.

Originally Posted by Sean1337

Does anyone else think this condo is in the worst location possible? It's surrounded by office buildings on 3 sides...the only view pretty much is of the BMO building...and an OC transpo bus stop...speaking of which...I don't think I would be too fond of hearing buses wiz by and stop all the time...

edit: I guess if you are high enough up and on the other side of the condo you can see over one of the buildings and look towards queen street...still though...not too fond of this location...

[Boxster]

Originally Posted by Sean1337

Does anyone else think this condo is in the worst location possible? It's surrounded by office buildings on 3 sides...the only view pretty much is of the BMO building...and an OC transpo bus stop...speaking of which...I don't think I would be too fond of hearing buses wiz by and stop all the time...

edit: I guess if you are high enough up and on the other side of the condo you can see over one of the buildings and look towards queen street...still though...not too fond of this location...

[canabiz]

Originally Posted by JackBauer24

So, when looking to purchase a condo the only 2 items that's important are view and noise? That's interesting criteria, but to each their own.

Personally, unless you can 100% guarantee a view (eg. you bought land at the edge of a body of water, or you own/control the adjacent lots around your property) I wouldn't put much value or thought into the view. With the development that is happening around Ottawa, there's a good chance that in a few years a newly constructed building will (entirely or partially) eliminate your view - and if you forked out an extra $10k, $20k, or $30k that money spend would be flushed down the drain. Instead, when looking for a condo, I try to focus on items that I have control over or items that are unlikely to change.
However, on the point about views, as your edit suggested, there are condos in the project that will have great views. But aside from personal taste, the view adds little to no value to your condo (just look at the resale prices of condos in the Gardens 1 & 2 - when comparing those condos that look at the adjacent tower versus those that look at the water, there isn't a significant difference in price).

As for the location of Slater:
The Slater is right downtown - pretty much always going to be an area of demand.
It will be a few blocks away from one of the new LRT stations - again, adding more demand for that location, especially in a part of the city where driving can be a pain.
You will be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, grocery stores, bus routes, Parliament, Rideau Centre, Ottawa U and some of the best bike/walking paths in the city.
Yup, sounds like a terrible urban location to me.

Don't disagree with you but I wonder if you bought an unit in this building & thus have a vested interest?

[Sean1337]

Maybe my opinion was biased because I bought a unit in the Claridge Tribeca East building...

Honestly though, the slater is closer to where I work by a few blocks than the Tribeca condo and I still prefer the Tribeca one due to several other factors (e.g. convenience of grocery store in base of condo, few steps from elgin street, closer to city hall (rink of dreams), closer to canal, closer to many other things). It's also not as boxed in as the slater. I expect there to be more light shining in my condo when I'm living in it.

Also, do I really want to live in the same building as a hotel? Not really.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Sean1337

Does anyone else think this condo is in the worst location possible? It's surrounded by office buildings on 3 sides...the only view pretty much is of the BMO building...and an OC transpo bus stop...speaking of which...I don't think I would be too fond of hearing buses wiz by and stop all the time...

edit: I guess if you are high enough up and on the other side of the condo you can see over one of the buildings and look towards queen street...still though...not too fond of this location...

Hopefully that means someone like me can afford even a shoebox condo, where with the nature of my work, would really only be a place to keep my stuff and rest my head.

[StolenIdentity]

Great discussion on what is most important to some in condo living. I actually like the Slater and Tribeca but for different reasons. Tribeca is probably Claridge's best project yet, the Sobey's is a huge feature (will be my grocery store as I live at Soho Lisgar). Both towers are sleek looking and will always attract young professionals. The Slater is ultra modern with fantastic floor plans. The hotel will be completely separate from the condo, in fact you won't even notice there is a hotel.
Views are tricky, Tribeca will have some fabulous views but also views of the parking garage.
A lot of people love southern exposure, so even if the view isn't amazing, they still get sunlight.

[JackBauer24]

Having lived in condos for most of my adult life (only 1.5 yrs as spent in a townhouse), I can honestly say that a view is extremely low on my list of wants/needs. However, I didn't always have that opinion, before I moved into my first condo I thought a view was something I would enjoy and love, but the novelty wore off very quick. As long as I'm not looking at something awful, I frankly have little concern over my view when I'm shopping for condos today - a) you don't spend a lot of time staring out your windows when you live in a condo, part of the supposed lifestyle of living in a condo is to be in a neighbourhood where everything is close to walking distance and the idea of living in a condo is to be out enjoying that neighbourhood; b) views are a personal thing, what I may love to look at someone else may hate, and vice versa. So when it comes to resale value, if you didn't care for a sunrise view (maybe you preferred sunset) then you wouldn't pay extra; c) you can't control your view. I've made this point on this forum a few times, unless you've bought at the edge of a body of water or you own the land adjacent to your condo, then you have no control over what your neighbouring building may look like in years to come. And if you've bought a condo in a trendy area, there's a good chance more condos will be built - and there's a good chance they will partially or entirely block the view you had. So if you paid extra to be on the 20th floor to get a glimpse of the Peace Tower, water, or whatever, and the new neighbouring building blocks that view, that additional money spent to get that view is a total waste.

The top items I look for when condo shopping are: location (yes, the old adage is true), layout of the condo itself, builder's reputation/past projects, quality of finishes (within the condo and the common areas), type of amenities and price is always a factor, but I weigh that against the quality of the project, I don't only judge absolute price.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by JackBauer24

Having lived in condos for most of my adult life (only 1.5 yrs as spent in a townhouse), I can honestly say that a view is extremely low on my list of wants/needs. However, I didn't always have that opinion, before I moved into my first condo I thought a view was something I would enjoy and love, but the novelty wore off very quick. As long as I'm not looking at something awful, I frankly have little concern over my view when I'm shopping for condos today - a) you don't spend a lot of time staring out your windows when you live in a condo, part of the supposed lifestyle of living in a condo is to be in a neighbourhood where everything is close to walking distance and the idea of living in a condo is to be out enjoying that neighbourhood; b) views are a personal thing, what I may love to look at someone else may hate, and vice versa. So when it comes to resale value, if you didn't care for a sunrise view (maybe you preferred sunset) then you wouldn't pay extra; c) you can't control your view. I've made this point on this forum a few times, unless you've bought at the edge of a body of water or you own the land adjacent to your condo, then you have no control over what your neighbouring building may look like in years to come. And if you've bought a condo in a trendy area, there's a good chance more condos will be built - and there's a good chance they will partially or entirely block the view you had. So if you paid extra to be on the 20th floor to get a glimpse of the Peace Tower, water, or whatever, and the new neighbouring building blocks that view, that additional money spent to get that view is a total waste.

The top items I look for when condo shopping are: location (yes, the old adage is true), layout of the condo itself, builder's reputation/past projects, quality of finishes (within the condo and the common areas), type of amenities and price is always a factor, but I weigh that against the quality of the project, I don't only judge absolute price.

Good analysis.

I have lived in other cities with mountains, the ocean or more interesting skylines and the view can really become the focus of the apartment.In Ottawa this is just not the case. I think there is really only one view worth paying for in Ottawa and that is of Parliament Hill. But, there are very few buildings that actually have a decent view of it. I imagine the view from a unit in the Viu in Gatineau would never be unappreciated.

[kwoldtimer]

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one not persuaded by the importance of "the view". To me, the quality of light in a condo is a more important consideration. At the moment I'm on the second floor of my building with huge east/south/west facing windows. I've had spectacular views in the past in other buildings, but after a while it becomes so much wallpaper. Plus, I'm more content knowing I can get in and out of my unit quickly and easily in case of power outage or fire.

[JackBauer24]

I think the reason why so many people focus on a view is that it's one of the big items that a townhouse or single family house can't offer you - unless you consider a "view" looking at your backyard. With condos being the newest type of housing in Ottawa and not many people have actually resided in one, the true "benefit" (or lack there of) of having a view isn't known to many. Like I said, before I lived in my first condo a view was one of the first things I asked about.

Originally Posted by kwoldtimer

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one not persuaded by the importance of "the view". To me, the quality of light in a condo is a more important consideration. At the moment I'm on the second floor of my building with huge east/south/west facing windows. I've had spectacular views in the past in other buildings, but after a while it becomes so much wallpaper. Plus, I'm more content knowing I can get in and out of my unit quickly and easily in case of power outage or fire.

[Urbanarchit]

*

[phil235]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Good analysis.

I have lived in other cities with mountains, the ocean or more interesting skylines and the view can really become the focus of the apartment.In Ottawa this is just not the case. I think there is really only one view worth paying for in Ottawa and that is of Parliament Hill. But, there are very few buildings that actually have a decent view of it. I imagine the view from a unit in the Viu in Gatineau would never be unappreciated.

The Viu does look like it has great views - apparently it is well named.

I think that you are selling Ottawa a bit short. I would have to think that the Ottawa River provides some nice views as well, as do Dow's Lake, the Canal etc. I also think that the Market makes for a good backdrop with its historic buildings and buzz.

But I agree that views become like wallpaper after a while. I'm much more interested in what amenities I can walk to than what wonders I can see in the distance.

[JackBauer24]

I would imagine Big Ben, the Peace Tower, the Eifle Tower and the CN Tower are also favourites of yours too.

I personally like the curvatures of the Museum of Civilization and the rounded mountains you mentioned.

Originally Posted by defishel

Other than some nice buildings Ottawa might have, one might really want a view of the Gatineau Hills. Not many people have seen them from up high, but they are quite stunning. When I get a chance I'll try to get a picture of the snowy hills to the Northwest that you can view from the Civic Hospital that are stunning. For now I have a picture taken from above the Canal.

The hills and their undulations are just so majestic, that they deserve views more than boring, old Parliament Hill. The people in the Gardens and Cathedral Hill will have some great views of them, and it would be nice if some high-rise condos took advantage of these natural wonders.

(Also, for some of you straight men and lesbians, two of the hills beside the office tower in the distance form something that one could argue appears like lady bits, further adding to some as the 'arousing' beauty of Mother Nature, viewable from downtown Ottawa.) At least, that's what I imagine one looks like - I'm more into large skyscrapers, myself.


Gatineau Hills by Shel DeF on Flickr

[JackBauer24]

I didn't buy one. I just like the Slaters location. Actually, I like a lot of things about the Slater. I'm sure it'll be a great investment for many, I wasn't able to purchase one when they initially opened.

Originally Posted by canabiz

Don't disagree with you but I wonder if you bought an unit in this building & thus have a vested interest?

[Boxster]

Would this pass the test of a nice view of Parliament Hill.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/9008795325_2ae4dcc7c0_b.jpg

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Good analysis.

I have lived in other cities with mountains, the ocean or more interesting skylines and the view can really become the focus of the apartment.In Ottawa this is just not the case. I think there is really only one view worth paying for in Ottawa and that is of Parliament Hill. But, there are very few buildings that actually have a decent view of it. I imagine the view from a unit in the Viu in Gatineau would never be unappreciated.

[YOWflier]

For me, the importance of having a "view" does not mean having the ability to gaze out of the window at interesting scenery. While it can be fun for a few seconds, most dwellers don't do it very often nor for very long.

However, the importance of having a "view" does mean being able to live free (relatively) of obstruction(s) that will impede the entry of natural light into the unit. More generally, it means having a unit whose openness is unchallenged.

I've lived in condo/apartment style living for about 7 years now and the view as I describe it is of massive importance to me; right up there with overall quality/amenities/location/etc. If I step into a unit whose primary view(s) are impeded as I described above, I'll cut loose right away and won't give it another thought.

I lived in Little Italy for 3 years and my apartment faced south. My view was of a gravel parking lot and some ugly government buildings. Yippee. However, that view was one that assured the exposure of my unit to unlimited natural light, resulting in the overall feel of my unit being wide open.

I could have paid much less if I literally crossed the hall on the same floor into the exact apartment, but oriented to face north. The view in this situation was dominated by office buildings in close proximity. The place was dark and felt like a dungeon. I didn't even consider it.

[JackBauer24]

Good news for you, most new high rise condos offer larger windows compared to their older counterparts. So if natural light is important to you, then most new condos will be able to provide lots of that.

Originally Posted by ac888yow

For me, the importance of having a "view" does not mean having the ability to gaze out of the window at interesting scenery. While it can be fun for a few seconds, most dwellers don't do it very often nor for very long.

However, the importance of having a "view" does mean being able to live free (relatively) of obstruction(s) that will impede the entry of natural light into the unit. More generally, it means having a unit whose openness is unchallenged.

I've lived in condo/apartment style living for about 7 years now and the view as I describe it is of massive importance to me; right up there with overall quality/amenities/location/etc. If I step into a unit whose primary view(s) are impeded as I described above, I'll cut loose right away and won't give it another thought.

I lived in Little Italy for 3 years and my apartment faced south. My view was of a gravel parking lot and some ugly government buildings. Yippee. However, that view was one that assured the exposure of my unit to unlimited natural light, resulting in the overall feel of my unit being wide open.

I could have paid much less if I literally crossed the hall on the same floor into the exact apartment, but oriented to face north. The view in this situation was dominated by office buildings in close proximity. The place was dark and felt like a dungeon. I didn't even consider it.