Awards and Recognition

In the highly competitive business world, it’s not unusual for a business to celebrate – and wildly, at that, their 10^th year in operation. What would you do then, if your business – in this case, Greentree Homes – was celebrating its 46^th year in business? 

 

In Guy Hobman’s case, the founder of what is now called the Greentree Group, you take a step back and marvel at the fact that you’ve sustained a business in one of the most competitive marketplaces anywhere; the field of home building and multi-family construction. “Let me see – we started out in 1966. To be around 46 years after that, and still going strong, is very special”, said Hobman from Greentree’s offices. “Our goal back then, as it is now, was to be able to help people get into good quality homes at a reasonable price.”

 

While new home construction is still the core of Greentree’s business, they’ve added another component to their arsenal over the past decade or four, constructing high-quality multi-family projects. Their latest project is 55 Windmill Way, a 46 suite condominium development in Charleswood. Situated in the midst of the Park West Shopping Centre – whose other tenants include TD Bank, Shoppers Drug Mart, Extra Foods and a host of other businesses and services (7/11, Johnson Insurance and Lava Tan among them) in an adjacent, two-level mall. 55 Windmill Way is, to the best of his knowledge, the first condominium project of its kind, says Hobman.

 

“We built it there so that it would be close to key amenities such as the bank, drug store and grocery store – it’s even close to a gas station (Shell) and the Park West Motel,” he said. “It’s just a super location, because it’s also close to the Perimeter Highway, which provides access to all areas of the city. You can also use it to get out to parks, golf courses and to gain quick access to cottage country. Only 10 minutes to parks and the new Ikea. It’s a well situated, convenient location that will make life easier on its residents. That was our goal when we designed it.”

 

Of course the key component of the development is the building itself. A concrete and steel structure, 55 Windmill Way was designed to offer its residents peace and quiet upon arriving home.

 

Inside, the nine different suite models range in size from 805 sq. ft. to 1,303 sq. ft.. As is the custom with Greentree Homes, the suites are well-appointed and can be finished to meet any taste or budget – or age bracket, for that matter.

 

“We designed not only the suites but the whole building to appeal to a broad range of people – those moving down from a larger home (empty nesters), folks who are looking to move into their first home, professional couples or singles looking for a secure place to live. The whole idea was to provide them with a turnkey lifestyle in a convenient location.”

 

The condominiums at 55 Windmill Way are well-conceived from start to finish. Layouts are open and navigable, while large windows and nine-foot ceilings allow light to flow freely through the space and they are ready for immediate occupancy.

 

With our thoughtful design features – amenities at 55 Windmill Way include covered parking, a multi-purpose room, exercise rooms and lockers on every floor – it’s not surprising that the public response to the project has been strong. Hobman said extensive planning is the reason why 55 Windmill Way is following in the footsteps of the many successful Greentree projects that preceded it.

 

“I’ve always said that details make the difference”, he said. “That, and our superior customer service. Those are the principles we’ve followed for 46 years, and will continue to.”

 

The details continue to make the difference on the other side of Greentree’s business, building homes. Proven plans, an unwavering commitment to quality and the ability to respond to clients’ needs in a quick, efficient manner are the primary reasons for Greentree Homes longevity.

 

“We not only have dozens of proven home designs – from bungalows to bi-levels or two storey, but we back up those designs with the ability to work closely with customers to meet their needs in every way. From the start, our goal was to help people to get into good, quality homes for a reasonable price,” said Hobman, adding new homes come with pages of options to choose from. “When you back that quality up with strong follow-up service, it leads to satisfied clients. That’s why we’ve been successful, and will continue to be.” 

 

Not only will Greentree Homes continue to build in communities around the city, Bridgwater Forest, South Pointe, Charleswood and others, but they will also continue to bring their commitment to quality and affordability to other multi-family projects. 

 

“Our plan is to get into more projects like 55 Windmill Way”, he said. “I think the demand for more multi-family projects is there. OUR NEXT PROJECT OF THAT SORT WILL BE IN ST. JAMES ON THE SITE OF THE OLD SILVER HEIGHTS COLLEGIATE PROPERTY. SERVICING WILL BE STARTING THIS SUMMER FOR A 132 UNIT CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL HAVE ONE, TWO AND THREE BEDROOM SUITES AND HOMES. WE THINK IT’S GOING TO MEET A REAL NEED IN THE AREA – THERE HASN’T BEEN A PROJECT OF THIS NATURE THERE FOR MANY YEARS. WE’RE EXCITED TO BE INVOLVED.”

 

And, no doubt, excited about continuing to bring Winnipeggers high-quality, affordable places to live no matter whether they are a condominium or single family home.