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October 29, 2009

Taking flight in Ravenswood

McKee Homes’ newly opened show homes in Ravenswood appeal to a wide demographic with family-friendly designs

Pepper Rodriguez

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For the past two decades, McKee Homes has been an integral part of Airdrie’s home building industry, as the family-run business has developed a distinct feel for the needs of the local market with their line of single-family homes.

Their latest show homes, in Airdrie’s newest neighbourhood of Ravenswood, again demonstrate this fact beyond a doubt, as they have become a smash hit with the public not only for their well-designed, family-friendly functionality but also for the top quality that McKee Homes is known for.

The 2,278-square-foot Ballymartin is a perfect example of the kind of design sensibilities that McKee Homes has focused on that are aimed at a family-oriented functionality with a feel for today’s needs.

The 1,021-square-foot main floor is as much designed for the enjoyment of the family as it is for entertaining. “It’s a good size for cozy nights with just the family, and still has plenty of room to move about during large gatherings,” says area manager Doug Kirk.

Almost the entire main floor, in fact, is one continuous space broken only by the centre island off the kitchen. “You can carry a conversation through the main floor, there are hardly any walls to impede the flow of communication throughout,” Kirk adds.

A multi-use room adjacent to the kitchen provides the flexibility needed today, and can be perfect as a home office or as a playroom for small children where parents can keep an eye on them while working in the kitchen or relaxing in the living room.

The kitchen has a liberating feel about it, with its wide counters and a strategically located centre island that provides a terrific stage for preparing food and as a central spot for parties.

The walk-through pantry is a functional touch, leading straight to the garage access to facilitate moving groceries in from the car. The mudroom itself is spacious with a couple of closets where golf gear, hockey equipment and other paraphernalia can be safely stored without cluttering the whole house.

“We at McKee understand the needs of the today’s family and we design our houses with an eye at making life a little bit easier on them,” says McKee Homes President, Elaine McKee-Doel.

The 1,257-square-foot second storey continues this theme, with a vaulted family room where everyone can gather for movie nights or play video games. “It’s where the family can let their hair down and just relax,” Kirk adds.

“And the good thing with the design of the upper floor is that each room is well-separated from each other, giving each member of the family a private space they can call their own. They are very spacious rooms that leaves plenty of breathing room and are specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s modern families.”

The attached ensuite in the massive master bedroom is a study in elegance with his-and-hers vanities separated by a luxurious corner soaker tub. A generously sized walk-in closet gives owners a lot of freedom in expanding their wardrobes.

Also in Ranvenswood are McKee Homes laned products, including the 1,361-square-foot Shanagolden. “This also has a universal appeal, because it fits the needs of young families and even down-sizers. There is a garage pad at the back that has the potential for an oversized garage with ample room for a workshop,” Kirk says.

By offering such a diverse range of well-designed choices to its customers, McKee Homes works to meet the goals of Qualico Group to develop Ravenswood into a truly vibrant community that appeals to a wide demographic, keeping in mind affordable housing for young families and sustainability over the long term. NL

FAST FACTS:

BUILDER: McKee Homes 
AREA: Ravenswood, Airdrie
DEVELOPER: Qualico Group
STYLE: Two-storey, three-bedroom, single-family home
Size: Ballymartin at 2,278 sq. ft.; Shanagolden at 1,361 sq. ft.
PRICE: Ballymartin starts at $285,000 plus lot and GST. Shanagolden starts at $201,000 plus lot and GST.
ADDRESS: 2695 Ravenslea Gardens
DIRECTIONS: North on Queen Elizabeth II Hwy., east on Yankee Valley Blvd. and right on King’s Heights Gate and follow signs.
HOURS: Monday to Thursday,
2 to 8 p.m., weekends and
holidays noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit
www.mckeehomes.com

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