The promise, by the builder of Saffron on the Park, of home-ownership for as little as $485 a month inserts a preciousness into the new-home project worthy of its namesake spice.

“We can do it because we have made our one-bedroom homes very affordable at $299,000,” says Nadee Myers, Ledingham McAllister’s vice-president of sales. “We will tailor the mortgage to the client’s financial capabilities, to come as close to or to $485 a month.

“We will be offering them the financing over a two-year term.”

Saffron has always been among the most precious of spices: a pound of saffron starts out as nearly a quarter of a million stems of the saffron croci.

That croci is also a truly all-places, all-times plant, cultivated originally in ancient Asia Minor and now around the world.

That quality of the flavouring and colouring agent much attracted the Ledingham McAllister executives and managers responsible for naming the company’s new-home projects.

“I think Saffron fits perfectly with what Richmond represents and is all about,” says senior vice-president Manuela Mirecki. “This is a culturally rich and ethnic community that is both dynamic and vibrant.”

Home sales in the first Saffron building began in the spring. Home sales in the second building will start next weekend. The second building will be the location for the amenity centre: a gym, a billiard lounge and a bar.

The Saffron households who will be getting to know each other in that lounge will more than likely be a diverse lot: Ledingham McAllister is building one-bed, one-bed-and-den, two-bed-and den and three-bed apartments at Saffron.

“Saffron really caters to everyone because we offer one, two and three-bedroom homes,” Myers says.

“The location is ideal for young families,” Mirecki says. “It’s right across the street from an elementary school and park and there are community centres minutes away. Also, the various sizes of the suites allows for extended families to live close to each other.”

Saffron on the Park is a downtown Richmond addition. The new Canada Line is steps away. The best of Richmond’s dining destinations and shopping malls are nearby.

That downtown location will be acknowledged with appropriate buildings and grounds treatment. Gated stairways will lead to a courtyard whose landscaping features will include old growth trees lining a promenade and a children’s play area.

The company has put out a call for artists’ submissions for a large outdoor installation in front of the three buildings. “We envision a dynamic piece of art that communicates both forward movement and the coming together of ideals … a large piece of art that captures the essence of this new community,” Mirecki says.