SOPA reborn

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

People showed up early for the grand opening of SOPA Square in Kelowna's South Pandosy district on Saturday.

The day offered the opportunity to buy a home at the much-delayed development, which has been pushed ahead by Aquilini Development.

"I think its location, amenities, the possibility of lake views and the pricing seem pretty good, compared to other housing and in comparison to pricing in Calgary," said Mason Coombs, a new Kelowna resident, as he stood in the long line.

Aquilini Development, a subsidiary of Aquilini Investment Group and owners of the Vancouver Canucks, purchased the development earlier this year for $29.5 million.

Since the purchase in January, the Aquilinis have been refining the design of the residential portion of the existing structure and floor plans.

According to marketing manager Deren Akinci, with Rennie Marketing Systems, SOPA Square offers resort-style lifestyle amenities in an urban setting.

Businesses already occupy the commercial units at the location, and 81 multi-family homes and 20 townhomes are expected to be built by the summer of 2017. Amenties to be built by the same date include a pool, hot tub, fireplace and fully equipped gym.

Like Coombs, others standing in line said it was all about the location.

"We just sold our house, so we thought we would come down and see what it's all about. The location is great, and it's nice to see it finally getting completed," said Gord, of Kelowna.

Ric Lazare, also of Kelowna, said he likes that it offers urban living.

"You can walk to wherever you need to go, reducing the carbon footprint, and it's also simplifying our lifestyle," he said.

Marshall McAnerney, who marketed the Aquilini offer, believes people are thrilled to see the forward movement.

"I think it will be a shocker for Kelowna to see how successful this is going to be," he said. "We haven't had a line up like this since 2006."

For more information, go to: http://sopasquare.ca