Healthy communities are adaptive organisms. Such is Burquitlam, the portmanteau of Burnaby and Coquitlam, where in 1965, developers celebrated the opening of Burquitlam Plaza, the ultra-modern marketplace of its time, in the heart of the suburban neighbourhood in West Coquitlam.
Today, the evolving plaza is anchored by the Burquitlam SkyTrain Station and transit exchange, providing area residents with the utmost convenience in transportation options, including direct connection to Simon Fraser University or a short trip to K-Town, Lougheed and Coquitlam Town Centres, Port Moody's Brewers' Row, or downtown Vancouver.
Convenience is at the forefront of Gardena, an expansive, design-driven master-planned community by Intracorp, one of Metrotown's most prominent builders, now applying their expertise in Burquitlam, an urbanized and progressive location.
Where experience meets ingenuity
"As a developer that's built more communities and projects in Metrotown than anyone else, we know what convenience does for home values," says Barrett Sprowson, vice president, sales at Intracorp.
"We have the same kind of ingredients in Burquitlam: proximity to shops, services, grocery, and transit. Therefore, from an investor perspective, whether you're renting it out or buying it for your kid for the future, convenience is definitely high on the list."
Bordering the forests of Burnaby Mountain, Gardena is tucked away off the main arteries of Como Lake and Clarke Road, a five-minute walk to Burquitlam SkyTrain Station, and proximity to everyday amenities and elevated essentials.
Lotus, a 42-storey tower with 377 residences, is projected for completion in late 2026, with floor plans ranging from studios to three bedrooms.
The once small bedroom community, now couched in a renaissance, is a positive attribute for purchasers where long-term value for both homeowners and investors is top of mind, particularly at this juncture, where a lot of tangibles are in place, and an informed assessment can be made.
"Many of the question marks are out of the way, and plenty has been established, but it's still early enough that there's a runway of growth potential," admits Sprowson. "For example, Lougheed Town Centre hasn't reached its full development, new amenities are being constructed, and things will continue to evolve as more homes are added to the neighbourhood."
Exclusive masterplan, thoughtfully designed
"Currently, you know what the immediate area's going to feel like," says Sprowson. "When looking at the masterplan fundamentals, if you buy in early, as the community evolves, you'll see your values go up; a good thing if you're wearing your investor hat."
Every detail is wholly considered through multiple rounds of planning to ensure cohesion in the quality of construction, design, and lifestyle. The large scale allows for richer amenity programs, expansive greenspaces, intricate pathways and a lush boulevard travelling through the centre of the community.
Gardena's impressive spectrum of amenities cannot be understated, and their unprecedented design has set this community up as a landmark well into its future. Not to mention maximizing your own home’s value in the long run.
Over 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces are located on eight different levels. Within Lotus, high-end standouts include the Secret Garden, with greenery climbing the walls and five-storey columns soaring above, an outdoor rooftop movie theatre, kitchen and dining areas, and a spa with fire pits.
Indoors, there's the fitness studio, CrossFit studio, yoga and barre space with Lululemon Studio Mirrors, and private treatment room—all of which are just the tip of the rich offerings residents can expect.
Hard-working homes
"Gardena meets the provincial government's step code requirements for building homes that are sustainable," says Sprowson. "From an energy requirement basis, we've incorporated all the technological elements to ensure you minimize your footprint."
From another efficiency standpoint, you'll get the most functional and efficient floor plans; there's not an inch of wasted space, according to Sprowson. Homes are laid out to live larger than their actual square footage.
"As a developer, we take the position of entering the market with something designed with the community in mind," explains Sprowson. "IBI by Arcadis has that ability to take our vision and turn it into something that will stand the test of time."
For more information or to register now, visit gardenaliving.com
