According to locally owned Prairie Sky Properties, Niverville’s newest residential development is underway. Called Fairway Drive Estates, owner Jeremy Braun says that the development will see the construction of 27 multifamily bungalows on Fairway Drive in Niverville.
Located at the west side of town, south of Highway 311, Fairway Drive Estates will back onto Old Drovers Run golf course, offering panoramic views of the course and an assurance of no future construction behind the homes. Braun notes that it is a strategic location close to dining establishments, quaint coffee shops, and walking trails. There’s the added convenience of being merely a five-minute stroll from the CRRC.
According to Prairie Sky, building design on the units aims to achieve “affordable luxury bungalows, thoughtfully designed to embody modern elegance and constructed with the highest standards of craftsmanship.”
The open-concept residences will span 1,320 square feet, featuring a generously sized master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in closet, a secondary bedroom, two bathrooms, a spacious two-car garage, large driveways, and meticulously landscaped, fenced-in yards. Each residence is complemented by a substantial covered back porch.
Starting at $479,900, Braun says what is really unique about the project is that they’ve focused on energy efficiency in the design build.
“We are building homes that are 30 percent better in terms of energy efficiency, modelled by Efficiency Manitoba,” says Braun. “We’re installing air source heat pumps in these homes. This pump essentially uses the existing outdoor air to heat and cool a home, which is far less costly to operate than a standard air conditioner.”
It was important for Prairie Sky to rough in electrical hookups for future electric vehicles. Other energy-efficient features will include R60 attic insulation, R24 exterior wall insulation, tri-pane windows, and an ICF foundation.
Over the years, energy efficiency in residential home construction has become a crucial part of the vision for Prairie Sky Properties. The family-owned company began with Andrew Braun, who worked in the construction business in the early 1960s.
“They primarily specialized in the agriculture industry, building barns mostly, and secondarily they built homes,” says Braun. “My dad eventually left construction and had other pursuits. He became a teacher, where he taught in Niverville for years. He then became a small business owner and eventually started a building company with me back in the early 2000s. Later, in 2014, my oldest brother Colan joined us and we formed Prairie Sky Properties. Since then we’ve grown quite quickly.”
While Andrew Braun has now retired, Prairie Sky has evolved to specialize in the construction of homes, condos, and some commercial ventures. But when they were just starting out, it didn’t take long before the business found its niche building affordable living duplexes, four-plexes, and other multifamily projects in Niverville and St. Pierre.
“We’ve now built approximately 150 residences over the past decade or so, and we have also built some commercial projects in Niverville.”
When Braun took over the family business, he knew he would be calling Niverville home for a long time.
“I was born in Niverville and moved very young to Winnipeg. [Then we] moved back to Niverville in my twenties, raised our kids here, and we want to continue to be involved in this growing community.”
He realized he had found purpose in work when he knew they were building quality, energy-efficient homes that he himself would be proud to live in.
“We’re a company that is committed to invest long-term in Niverville. Our family, including kids, live in this community and we want to continue to build quality homes that residents can trust.”
Braun would love to see more families of all ages come to live in Niverville.
“While we feel this development could work for many age groups, so far it seems that the 55-plus crowd are showing the most interest,” he says. “The community is really perfect for someone who is downsizing their current home and wants the amenities and peaceful lifestyle of living on a golf course.”
Prairie Sky expects a show home in Fairway Drive Estates to be completed for the end of May 2024 and welcome people to come visit and see this new project.
