A 112-acre fast-growing community on the southwest edge of Airdrie, Morningside is Apex Limited Partnership’s foray into that city. Under the name of Cooperstown Developments, the joint venture is an undertaking between Shane Homes and Apex, with the project managed by the latter.

“Morningside is located close to schools, shops and recreation in the community,” says Kristy Gillespie, project and marketing co-ordinator for Apex L.P.

Show home visitors will have their heyday in the community, with a total of ten to tour. First up, Trico Homes has a pair of stunning two-storey show home beauties with front-attached garages. One is the charming Carlton, a 2,498-square-foot family address with all the bells and whistles, including a front double-attached garage and bonus room, while next door is the Capri, a 1,954-square-foot gem, also with a bonus room and three bedrooms to house the whole brood.

In addition to building two-storeys in the area from the $431,000 mark, Trico is offering single-level living with a bungalow plan, the Griffin, a 1,425-square-footer which can be built from $421,000 in Morningside. As part of the Trico Select program, buyers are able to make structural changes such as an alternate kitchen or ensuite layout, without footing the expenses of custom changes.

First-time buyers and those looking for jewel boxes to pare down in have Shane’s Creations line and Excel Homes’ rear detached garage models to choose from just up the street, starting in the low $300,000s and sized from 1,300-square-feet. On display from Creations by Shane are the 1,543-square-foot Barcelona and 1,464-square-foot Athens — each boasting open floor plans, three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and options for an upstairs laundry.

Next door, Excel Homes showcases its 1,361-square-foot Windsor model with a gourmet kitchen and rear mudroom, and the stunning Sherwood II, a 1,606-square-foot gem appointed with a cosy tri-directional fireplace flanked by the kitchen and great room.

Meanwhile, the building duo of Shane and Excel also crafts larger digs with front-attached garages from 1,700- to a massive 2,500-square-feet. Front-garaged residences ring in from $379,000 from Excel and the low $400,000s with Shane Homes respectively. On parade are Shane’s 1,713-square-foot Essence and 2,012-square-foot Stratton, both making the most of space above garages with upstairs family rooms.

And Excel’s 1,691-square-foot Fairmont and 1,843-square-foot Hampton IV each show off their best sides, including family-friendly features such as bonus rooms, master ensuites and larger entertaining kitchens.

“This is our first development in Airdrie, so we really wanted to make an impact on the area,” says Gillespie.

Six phases are planned for Morningside—five of which will be single-family abodes, and the final parcel slated for multi-family construction. Sales have been brisk with the area now well into its third phase, thanks to interest from buyers from Airdrie — and not surprisingly, mostly from Calgary—which Gillespie equates to value for the money and the slew of amenities and proximity to northeast Calgary.

“Airdrie is booming. A lot of people are choosing to buy here rather than Calgary right now, where the prices have surpassed some people’s budgets already,” notes Gillespie. “Plus there are a lot of options for people here—with different builders, different home styles and the small town feel of Airdrie.”

Landscaping for a pair of water features, which already count walking paths encircling them among perks, is set for this summer. Greenery is peppered throughout the area and will only mature with age.

Parks and a future school site have been included to add to the community’s appeal to families with young children.

Meanwhile, property values get a nudge from some well-planned architectural elements required on all Morningside homes, including choices of charming front porches, arched entries, shutters and decorative windows, says Gillespie.  NL

For more information, check out http://www.morningsideairdrie.com.

To visit the show homes, head north on Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2) to Airdrie, exit west at the Big Hill Springs Road and follow the signs to Morningside. Show home hours are Monday through Thursday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (they are closed Fridays), and weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.