You should expect big things from Oakleigh
By Lucas on Sep 01, 2016
Newinhomes.com recently received some details about a new boutique condo in Orillia, Matchedash Lofts by Oakleigh. The developer name was new to us, and once we saw the project website, we had to learn more! Fortunately, we were able to coordinate an interview with Geoffrey Campbell, Managing Partner of Oakleigh.
Matchedash Lofts is Oakleigh’s new condominium project, but the Campbell family’s history and experience in real estate is far reaching.
“My mother is an architect, so we grew up around design and construction. From working weekends on a construction site to the topics of dinner conversation, it was always a focal point,” Campbell said. “My father was a weekend warrior and spent most of his free time restoring old homes, we spent many late nights sanding floors and learning the art of drywall with him.”
Matchedash Lofts interior - hand drawn
When Campbell went to University, he thought he was going to be a lawyer, but he had the real estate bug. He ended up studying Construction Engineering and Urban Land Economics.
While in school, Campbell purchased two century homes during a student housing shortage and restored them while fully occupied, when he wasn’t studying. “It was always interesting trying to balance student life while painting rooms between classes,” he reminisced.
It was these experiences that led to Oakleigh and a career in real estate development that has taken him from coast to coast and even internationally. When he is away from the office, Campbell is a member of the Board of Advisors of Team Rubicon Canada; an international veterans services organization that rapidly deploys emergency response teams all over the world.
Matchedash Lofts in Orillia by Oakleigh
Matchedash Lofts exterior - hand drawn
When Oakleigh was first coming up with the concept for Matchedash Lofts, they planned on creating a building that seamlessly integrated into the existing community. When they revealed the renderings and information about the project, they were overwhelmed by the amount of interest from locals and even some first-time buyers.
As you can see by the rendering, the new condo is heritage inspired, which makes sense given the Campbells’ background in restoration.
“The GTA and surrounding area have developed very quickly over the last 10 years and as a result, many small towns have lost their identity and charm,” Campbell said. “During all of that time, Orillia managed to preserve its heritage features, character, assets, all those things are still intact in that downtown core.”
Matchedash Lofts interior - hand drawn
Matchedash Lofts is designed to resemble two heritage brick warehouses, rising five storeys. Campbell said that they could have proposed eight storeys and made the units smaller as is the current norm in development, but it did not make sense for the area.
Campbell explained, “We made a conscious choice to ensure this building fit into the town and was not imposing. We did not want to be the lone tower casting its shadow over the main street.”
When it comes to condo fees, Campbell refers to them as “death by a thousand cuts.” In order to keep carrying costs low for residents, there are few amenities with the focus on a rooftop terrace overlooking the lake and downtown. Campbell understands extravagant amenities as a selling tactic, but he’s thinking long term and knows that paying lower fees is a priority for all buyers.
Matchedash Lofts exterior - hand drawn
“We’re in the middle of downtown with a Walk Score of 97,” Campbell added. “If you need a gym, the YMCA is within walking distance. If you want to go to the park, the Couchiching Beach Park is right there. Everything you need is there. We want to ensure that people are leaving our building and using the city itself because that is one of the things that makes a sustainable development - encouraging residents to get out and be active members of the community.”
The floor plans at Matchedash Lofts are on the larger side. The one-bedroom+dens are approximately 975 square feet on average and there are 1,600 square foot two-storey units. There are live/work units, which are a great idea because Campbell foresees many Baby Boomers working into retirement. The live/work units give owners the opportunity to live in a vibrant downtown with a lot of foot traffic and operate the “part-time art gallery or studio that they’ve always dreamed of.”
“A lot of people associate sustainability with solar panels or anything energy efficient, but the reality is creating buildings that embrace the town and work within the fabric of an existing community is really important to developing a sustainable project,” Campbell said.
Matchedash Lofts exterior - hand drawn
The average price per square foot at Matchedash Lofts will be around $400. There will be a total of 75 units and 15,000 square feet of retail and commercial. The retail will be on the ground floor with commercial above.
According to Campbell, when they held their first public meeting, they didn’t receive one comment of opposition. In fact, there were people asking about prices and floor plans because they were interested in buying.
We foresee a successful launch coming soon and we can’t wait to see what else Oakleigh has planned. Campbell hinted at a few sites they are planning so expect to see more innovative residences from this new team on the scene.
