Uptown Markham Hits the Mark

MARKHAM, ON, CANADA, May 04, 2011

Less than four weeks since its formal launch, the first phase of Times Group Corp.'s stunning Uptown Markham master-planned community - called River Park - is enjoying spectacular sales success with 70 per cent of units sold. Eager purchaser line-ups resulted in 400 of the available 580 units being purchased at an estimated market value of more than $130 million, says Times Group Marketing Director Elmar Busch.

The extraordinary success doesn't surprise Busch, who strategically spearheaded the River Park marketing campaign. "Our original estimate was to reach 60 per cent of sales within eight months but I always suspected we'd be there in less than two," says Busch, noting that the development is attracting a good mix of purchasers, from the elderly and young families to single professionals and investors who appreciate the future value potential.

Stretching along a prime 88-acre parcel of land within the confines of the spectacular Rouge River Valley, east of Warden Avenue and south of Highway 7 in Markham, Uptown Markham is one of Canada's largest new residential condominium developments. Situated next to nearly 50 acres of natural and landscaped park environment, the extremely family friendly community will be home to 4,500 residential condominium units when all phases are completed.

An environmentally friendly development, Uptown Markham is being built to the highly efficient LEED Gold Standard and will include more than 500,000 square feet of commercial space once it is fully developed. The European-style Uptown Square plaza, featuring 150,000 square feet of commercial space, is scheduled to be completed six to eight months prior to the first residents taking occupancy towards the end of 2013.

As the first residential phase, River Park consists of two high-rise and one mid-rise condominium residences. Of the three buildings initially released, Buildings B and C are over 85 per cent sold while Building A, released less than two weeks ago and offering an additional variety of floor plans, is also already 33 per cent sold.

Of particular appeal are the southwest and southeast facing two-bedroom corner units available in Buildings A and B, says Busch. "These larger residences feature spacious balconies or terraces overlooking the Rouge River Valley to the south, and are extremely attractive to single parents and young families who appreciate the community's expansive park area and the uniqueness of the one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor pre-school play centre," he says.

River Park suites are priced between $240,000 and $600,000, plus $25,000 for parking. For a limited time, Times Group is still offering a free locker, free upgrade to stainless steel appliances, upgraded wood flooring and quartz stone countertops with under-mount sinks in all kitchens and baths as a special launch promotion.

One-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom and two-bedroom plus den floor plans are available, ranging in size from 587 to 1,292 square feet. Each building features traditional European-style architecture with terraces, balconies, decorative railings and columns, as well as high-end interior finishes throughout.

Energy-saving features incorporated at River Park include double glazed, Low-E windows with argon gas; heat recovery ventilators to reduce energy demands; high-pressure, low-flow shower heads; dual flush water efficient toilets; sub-metering for individual allocation of electricity and water costs; and, Energy Star appliances to reduce energy use. In addition to the pre-school play area, Uptown Markham amenities will include a party room, gourmet kitchen and bar, indoor swimming pool and sauna, fitness facility and yoga studio, business centre, theatre/screening room, billiards and card room.

In designing Uptown Markham, Times Group leveraged its 25-year proven track record, collaborating closely with the Town of Markham to ensure adherence to principles of sustainability, environmental preservation and smart growth. The result is a legacy community that is expected to positively impact the area for years to come.

SALES OFFICE DETAILS

Two stunning full-sized River Park model suites are now available for viewing at the newly opened sales centre at Majestic Court, 60 South Town Centre Boulevard in Markham. The sales centre is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m.; closed Fridays; and, open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information about Uptown Markham, visit http://www.uptownmarkham.com.

ABOUT TIMES GROUP CORPORATION

Times Group Corp. is one of Canada's most respected names in real estate development. The company has earned numerous design awards while committing itself to fully LEED standards of green design that reflect its environmental conscience and commitment. Founded in 1985, the company is currently considered the premier developer in Richmond Hill and Markham.

Media Contact: Mark Wessel, Bullpen PR, (705) 445-2733, mwessel@bullpenpr.com