Text below from September 14, 2019 Vancouver Sun Article
Ariva, a new project planned for Westbank, is being designed as a downsizer destination for active empty-nesters. “If you were busy before, you’ll be even busier and have more fun at Ariva,” says developer Barry Johnson of Barry and Kevin Johnson-Ariva Properties. Johnson says some baby boomers don’t downsize from large homes because a small condo or townhouse in an urban environment isn’t sufficiently attractive to encourage them to make the move. “Ariva is not competing with other developments, we’re competing against people staying in their own homes – those people are not looking because want they want doesn’t exist,” he says. Johnson is aiming to change that outlook with Ariva. He has been pondering the perfect empty-nesters’ development for about seven years with his son Kevin. “For the ideal place, we narrowed it down to three key components. There must be great real estate with [spacious] condos, a sense of community and [it must enable] a physically and socially active lifestyle,” he says.
Situated on 12 and a half acres on Old Ferry Wharf Road, Ariva will be on the crest of the hill just above the old west side ferry terminal, says Johnson. While the completed development will comprise 204 condos, the recently launched first phase includes 37 one-, two- and three-bedroom units with a range of amenities. This first building is five storeys with one level of underground parking with a parking stall for each unit. (Additional stalls can be purchased.) “When people of the same demographic are going through the same stage of life, it offers an incredible opportunity to build community,” says Johnson.
The amenities, including a bistro, wine bar, residents’ lounges with fireplaces, amphitheatre and lake-view terrace with barbecue facilities, are all intended to enhance that community spirit. But great amenities need to be complemented with programming, Johnson says, adding that he would rather have a barn and great programming than the finest amenities in the world with no programming. He envisages a lifestyle concierge who will arrange activities ranging from community barbecues to inviting guest lecturers and organizing yoga, aqua size and stretching classes. There will also be a range of excursions made possible by Ariva’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, which will transport people to local venues such as wine farms or golf courses.