The whY is a space that one has to physically walk through to understand because the mind has to be inside the space to comprehend the language of the building. It shows how architecture reframes our thinking and how concepts can be evolved without destroying what once existed.
An architect and urban designer have completely transformed a former YMCA into 18 condos of inspired modern living. They have reused materials from the existing building including original floors from the gymnasium, tiles from the pool, windows, walls, and wood from the bowling alleys and squash courts. The lines that were painted on the floors for basketball and squash are intact. The elements of its past are preserved in its modern reincarnation.
When you climb the stairs to the roof top terraces, you look out over Victorian homes including the Fairholm National Historic Inn which is a Picturesque style home circa 1938 when the British were establishing colonial societies here.
The condo building has maintained the exterior of the old YMCA or “The Y”, a recreational landmark at Prince and Euston, but the interior architecture and design is showing that Charlottetown’s urban vibe is finding its place in the city, too. We thought it was the perfect place to start our Likemind Charlottetown conversation.
I have been looking at the information on these Condos for a number of months and there is much there to attract me but also many questions that I would need answered.
The layout looks great but until I can walk through the units I can only speculate concerning quality and presentation. Typically a buyer will have to spend 10% of the purchase cost to upgrade basics to acceptable.
Location is fantastic. In any other city this complex would have pre-sold in hours. Why not in Charlottetown?
I am from away but I have spent over 20 years coming to the island (I bought my cottage years ago). I love the lifestyle and I will retire here. The question really now is what makes financial sense. My first criteria for any Condo is “It must be a good investment decision” and that will be up to me to decide.
One criteria I use is “Are the current buyers local or from away”. If locals are not buying then why are they not buying?
Lots of questions for my friends this summer.
I love projects like this for the summer. I walk the area, talk to people, try the local restaurants and stores, and learn more about the Island. No matter what the result I will have had fun.