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SECTION lre
w e d n e s d ay , m ay 1 8 , 2 0 1 6 New condominium and office towers, including Harbour Plaza, are transforming South Core into a vibrant neighbourhood with its own distinctive groove.
South Core
has arrived
Neighbourhood becomes a bona fide
destination for retail and residents
A
s thousands of avid Raptor fans
descended on Maple Leaf Square
(a.k.a. Jurassic Park) earlier this
month to cheer their NBA squad to playoff
glory, South Core was the conspicuous
backdrop.
Hard to fathom how this area of gleaming office and condo towers – once a
no-man’s land marooned between Union
Station and the Gardiner – has now become the place to be.
“It’s a hangout destination, a real gathering spot, with an energy that’s unique
and different from other Toronto neighbourhoods,” says Mimi Ng, vice-president
of sales and marketing for Menkes Developments. Menkes was a South Core pioneer back in 2006 with TELUS House, the
office tower at 25 York St. that triggered a
wave of commercial development across
the vast, empty swath between Bay and
Simcoe streets.
At the time, Ms. Ng recalls, people
couldn’t understand why Menkes was
digging south of the tracks. Today, South
Core has come to fruition, with an everexpanding cluster of condos and office
towers, a growing roster of retailers and,
as of last year, a Delta hotel, downtown’s
first new hotel in years. “This is a vibrant
place that has its own groove,” says Ms.
Ng. “That’s why more and more people
are thinking it’s where they want to live.”
That would include thousands of buyers
at Harbour Plaza, Menkes’ two-tower condo development at the northeast corner
of Harbour and York streets. The project
includes 1,315 suites and 200,000 square
feet of retail space housed in a four-storey
podium, including a grocery store (to be
announced later this year). The project
also has an office tower, 1 York, anchored
by Sun Life Financial.
Harbour Plaza will play a key role in connecting Toronto to its waterfront and serve
as the northern edge for a one-acre park to
be built where the Gardiner’s York Street
off-ramps are coming down (they’re being
shortened and will descend at Simcoe
Street). And Harbour Plaza will also be on
the PATH underground system, connected
to Union Station and the Air Canada Centre
via an elevated pedestrian walkway.
Continued on LRE4
The twin towers of Menkes’ Harbour
Plaza at the corner of Harbour and
York streets will play a key role in
connecting downtown Toronto and
the waterfront.
As part of Brandy Lane Homes’ deal with the city to build The Davies, the developer is enhancing Robertson Davies
Park next door to the condo building. New trees, plants and a pergola will makes it more inviting for users.
This content was produced by The Globe
and Mail’s advertising department. The
Globe’s editorial department was not
involved in its creation.
Bringing the bloom
to an urban setting
Park enhancements, rooftop garden make life
a little greener at The Davies condominium
T
orontonians like their trees.
So, when Brandy Lane Homes
started developing The Davies, at
Avenue Road and Cottingham Street
– adjacent to a park formerly called
Balfour – it spent considerable time,
energy and money protecting trees
and sprucing up the green space.
“It was good for business, good for
future condo purchasers and good for
the community,” says Brandy Lane
Homes CEO David Hirsh, a major advocate for green space. “Every building I’ve done has some kind of roof
garden and terracing. We’re outside
for only a few months of every year
so we should enjoy it.”
The nine-storey project sits at 35 to
38 suites between 1,163 to over 2,000
square feet in size, depending on how
future purchasers customize their
units. It’s in a leafy residential neighbourhood far enough from the towers
of Yonge and Eglinton, but surrounded
by upscale restaurants, grocery stores
and specialty shops.
In its long-range urban intensification vision, the city encourages the
building of mid-rise buildings like
The Davies because they make good
transition points between high-rise
and low-rise.
Parks and green space play a major
part of that urban vision as well. Parks,
Mr. Hirsh explains, have the ability to
change a city. “Look at Paris’s Luxembourg Garden and how it contributes
to the vibrancy of the city.”
When a park isn’t animated, as with
nearby Balfour Park, it doesn’t get
used. “People need a reason to go to
a park,” Mr. Hirsh says. “It needs to be
more visually appealing, with trees,
benches to sit on, privacy trellises,
places for kids to swing and slide and
ride their bikes.”
Continued on LRE4
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FromLRE1
South Core
Residents of the luxurious penthouses in the soaring towers of Harbour Plaza will enjoy panoramic views of the Lake Ontario waterfront and the city skyline.
Harbour Plaza’s 65- and 69-storey
distinctive residential towers – designed by Peter Clewes of architectsAlliance – are currently being built at the
foot of York, with occupancy slated
for 2017. Of note is how the buildings are using balconies as sculptural
elements.
“This will be a gateway as you go
north into downtown,” says Ms. Ng.
“We were cognizant of its place on the
skyline and wanted to contribute to it
positively.”
Now that South Core has become a
bona fide hot spot, the timing of the
launch of Harbour Plaza’s Penthouse
Collection couldn’t be better. “The
luxury segment is often the last to
arrive,” Ms. Ng explains, “but with
the community maturing and gelling,
luxury buyers are starting to turn their
gaze south and recognize South Core
as a great destination.”
The Penthouse Collection has units
ranging from 1,300 to 2,050 square
feet in two-bedroom, two-bedroomplus-den and three-bedroom layouts,
all with 10-foot ceilings, Miele kitchen
appliances, stone-clad gas fireplaces
and engineered hardwood flooring.
Prices start at $1.5-million.
Harbour Plaza’s east tower will have
five penthouse suites per floor; the
west tower will have four. “The floor
plate is split up,” notes Ms. Ng, “so that
all penthouses can take full advantage
of views,” whether it’s south-facing
vistas of Lake Ontario or postcard
panoramas of the downtown skyline.
The design of Harbour Plaza’s penthouses by Cecconi Simone Inc. was
shaped by lessons Menkes learned
from its past luxury projects, namely
the Four Seasons Private Residences.
“That’s why the penthouses here
all have functional layouts, with big
open kitchens that spill onto an openconcept living room,” Ms. Ng explains.
Kitchens boast custom-designed
cabinetry, quartz countertops and an
island with storage for pots and pans.
Bathrooms offer two under-mount
sink basins, a soaker tub with fullheight wall-tile surround and a frame-
less glass shower. Each unit comes
with a stacked Energy Star washer
and dryer.
Harbour Plaza’s amenities include a
fitness centre, indoor pool, party room
with kitchen and bar, and a large outdoor terrace with barbecues, dining
areas and private dining alcoves. There
will also be two guest suites.
While Toronto hasn’t traditionally
been regarded as a luxury real-estate
capital, Ms. Ng says, “There’s surprising depth in the market.” The fact that
Menkes sees fit to introduce higherend product to South Core speaks to
its confidence in a neighbourhood
it helped create. “A wider spectrum
of buyers will be attracted to this
location more than people might
realize,” Ms. Ng notes. “We’ve had
interest from professional athletes and
executives thinking of shifting from a
single-detached home in Rosedale or
Forest Hill.”
Harbour Plaza is also enticing because of its connection to the PATH
underground system and, with the
proximity of the Union Pearson Express airport rail link, condo residents
can easily get to the Toronto airport.
“You go downstairs, walk through
PATH, take UP to the airport and never
go outside,” says Ms. Ng. “You could
fly out on a Friday to Arizona for golf
with just your bag.
“Now that’s luxury living.”
The park
and condo
are named
for author
Robertson
Davies, who
lived in the
neighbourhood
new entrance steps, a pergola, fresh
plants and trees.
As soon as Brandy Lane took possession of the site, arborists were
hired to assess and protect some
of the existing trees. Landscape
architects were recruited to design a
setting appropriate to help blend the
building with the neighbourhood.
The park has been renamed for
award-winning author Robertson
Davies, who attended Upper Canada
College up the street and lived in the
neighbourhood until his death in
1985. Mr. Davies was the author of
18 novels and plays, as well as a University of Toronto professor, literary
critic, editor and publisher.
Green space at The Davies doesn’t
stop with the park. The condo features an expansive rooftop garden
geared to summertime. While it
doesn’t quite replace a backyard, it
certainly enhances condo life, according to Mr. Hirsh. He’s made rooftop
gardens or courtyards a key component in all of his condo projects to
ensure residents can get outside.
“Most of our purchasers are coming from large family homes with
big backyards, and they entertain all
summer long,” Mr. Hirsh says. “I have
friends with beautiful apartments but
no outdoor space. It’s kind of sad at
a party to see everyone, drinks and
nibbles in hand, lined up in front of
the windows looking out. We long
to be outside, connected to green
space. So I make it a point to accommodate that.”
Most people want the essentials – a
place to lounge, read and soak up the
sun, or to dine al fresco. That means
tables and chairs, barbecues, wet
bars and really comfortable lounge
chairs.
While bushes, shrubs, and flowers
enhance the setting, just as important, if not more, is the elevator,
which is essential in transporting food
and drinks. “You do not want to be
hauling stuff up the stairs,” Mr. Hirsh
warns. “That’s why my little building
of 35 or 38 units has five elevators,
with one going right to the roof.”
Meanwhile, Brandy Lane has not
neglected residents who prefer their
own private terraces. To sweeten
the deal, balcony packages include
concrete floors in stylish solid colours
or patterns.
And just about everywhere you
turn, there’s some kind of outdoor
spot at The Davies – the balcony, the
rooftop and the park next door. “It’s
the best of both worlds,” Mr. Hirsh
says, “a private roof and a public park
where you can lay on a blanket and
smell the grass.”
FromLRE1
Green space
And it doesn’t take all that much
money to do it, Mr. Hirsh adds. Part
of Brandy Lane’s development agreement with the city was a requirement
to improve the park next to the condo
site. The proposed changes include
The Davies, a mid-rise luxury building at Avenue Road and Cottingham Street, provides connection to the outdoors with features such as intimate reading
areas among lush landscaping (top) and a spacious rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding tree canopy (above).
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The Imperial Plaza mixed-use condo (above) is revitalizing St. Clair Avenue West with a Longo’s market and LCBO at street level and residential condo suites above.
Why mixed-use communities matter
Developments where people can live, work, shop and play are transforming the city
I
n the 1970s, Mel Lastman, thenmayor of the former Toronto suburb
of North York, envisioned his area’s
own downtown, starting from Highway 401, north of Yonge Street, as
far as the eye could see. There would
be office buildings, condominiums,
parks, theatres and restaurants. People would work, shop, play and, most
important, live there.
Fast forward to 2016. For the most
part, the former mayor’s dream has
come true. The restaurants do brisk
business at lunch, while the area hums
at night as people leave work and
seek entertainment. During the day,
sidewalks teem with young couples
pushing strollers and children heading to school. On weekends, families
catch the latest flicks at one of the
many movie theatres, then finish the
evening with ice cream as they stroll
back to their condominiums.
Mr. Lastman called his glittering
jewel “Miracle on Yonge Street”, but
he didn’t pull it off alone. The late
Murray Menkes and his son, Alan, of
Menkes Development Inc., had a big
hand in Mr. Lastman’s vision with the
creation of Empress Walk, one of the
first large mixed-use developments
in the GTA and Canada. At Yonge
Street and Empress Avenue, the entertainment, shopping and residential
complex has sparked similar projects
along the Yonge Street corridor since
its completion in 2001. (Empress Walk
is now owned by RioCan Real Estate
Investment.)
WHAT IS “MIXED-USE”?
A mixed-use development
incor-porates residential,
commercial, cultural and/or
institutional spaces within a
single project. Buildings, spaces
and services are physically and
functionally integrated, and
pedestrian connections are
provided.
A mixed-use development can be
as simple as a building sharing space
(say, a flower shop on the bottom with
an art gallery above it), a city block
(Empress Walk) or entire neighbourhoods, such as the area surrounding
the Air Canada Centre and its nearby
amenities, including transportation
facilities and housing.
“The city has definitely shifted in this
direction and it’s a good thing,” says
Jasmine Cracknell-Young, a partner at
N. Barry Lyon Consultants Ltd., which
conducts feasibility studies in real
estate. “A lot of it is driven simply by
what people want and how they want
to live their lives.”
She explains that millennials may
not be attracted to living in a sprawling
suburb, so a development that offers
a health club, restaurant and boutique
food store all within walking distance
of their homes, may be more to their
liking.
It’s the same for empty nesters.
“It’s about quality of life,” says Ms.
Cracknell-Young. “It’s about approaching your day knowing you won’t be
wasting time travelling. You’re retired
and your goal is to enjoy life.”
Many people living in mixed-use
developments don’t need cars, thus
saving money on gas, repairs and
insurance. As well, many residents
absorb the walkability of their neighbourhood into their exercise regimens.
Empress Walk remains a fine example of mixed-use, with two 34-storey condo towers atop a complex
that includes a four-level retail and
entertainment centre anchored by a
58,000-square-foot Loblaws Superstore. There’s also a movie theatre,
Staples, LCBO and a Milestones restaurant. Not only that, but the complex
has direct underground access to
North York City Centre subway station.
“The development of Empress Walk
represents a pivotal milestone in the
emergence of North York City Centre
as a distinctive and mature urban
node,” says Mimi Ng, vice-president
of sales and marketing for Menkes
Developments. “As a mixed-use development, Empress Walk not only
brought new condo residents to the
neighbourhood, but it also provided
high-quality retail and entertainment
services that attracted visitors from
beyond the immediate area.” Overall,
she explains, Empress Walk created an
anchor for the community “around
which additional shopping, commercial and residential uses could grow.”
But will mixed-use work in any
neighbourhood? “Who would have
thought people would be living right
next to the Gardiner Expressway just
a decade ago?” asks Ms. CracknellYoung. “What is acceptable evolves
with time and the needs of the city.”
Pauline Lierman, director of market
research for real estate consulting
firm Urbanation says mixed use is
definitely the direction our communities are heading and it’s good for both
people and city. She explains that
these developments have rejuvenated
rundown areas of the city by adding
diversity to services and goods and
overall made life easier and more
enjoyable for its residents.
Both women agree that in a mixeduse development the infrastructure
can be used by many people around
the clock for many things. A good
example is the Air Canada Centre with
its surrounding condos, offices, restaurants, attractions (hockey, concerts,
sports) and Maple Leaf Square, where
crowds gather to watch sports.
Another project that has embraced
mixed use is the 23-storey Imperial
Plaza by Camrost-Felcorp Inc. at 111
St. Clair Avenue West. The former
headquarters of Imperial Oil was transformed into a 450-suite condominium
along with a Longo’s food outlet and
an LCBO on the main floor.
Joseph Feldman, development
manager for Camrost-Felcorp Inc.,
says the project has already enlivened that area of St. Clair Avenue but
it’s only the beginning. Soon to rise
on the compact lot adjacent to the
existing building is the 26-storey Blue
Diamond condominium and a rental
building.
The nearby Deer Park United Church,
vacated in 2008, will eventually be
modified for retail use, including a
spot for a restaurant. All the buildings
will fall under the umbrella of Imperial
Village.
“This is really going to change the
area,” says Mr. Feldman. “We’re really
thinking that a nice Italian restaurant in
the church would be great. This is what
people are asking for – a community.”
Ms. Cracknell-Young says her firm’s
research confirms that the residents
of the North York core are pleased
with how mixed-use has shaped their
neighbourhood. “They enjoy being
close to transportation and things to
do,” she says. “They say there are
plenty of green spaces and it’s just a
great place to live.”
Empress Walk in the heart of North York is an entertainment, shopping and residential complex that introduced largescale mixed-use to the Toronto area. It helped bring new residents to the neighbourhood and attracted outside visitors.
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Condo code of conduct
Common courtesy and playing by the rules goes a long way in getting along with the neighbours
I
f condominiums issued report cards,
how many of us would get a gold
star for being good neighbours? Getting along with the Joneses is probably more important in a condo than
in a neighbourhood of single homes.
There are rules of etiquette when
you live in a condo, but, according to
Barbara Lawlor, president of Baker Realty, simply try to live by the proverbial
Golden Rule and you’ll be ahead of the
game. “It applies to every situation,”
says Ms. Lawlor, who sells numerous
condominiums downtown in a wide
range of prices and sizes. “If the mailroom is busy, don’t push your way to
the mailbox. If the elevators are busy,
don’t push your way in.”
RESPECT THE RULES It simply makes
sense, Ms. Lawlor notes, to respect
condo rules, which are in place to
keep the building looking good. For
example, if the window coverings
in your unit are identical to or in a
similar neutral shade as others in the
building, she says it creates “a beautifully consistent façade, which makes
such a difference when [viewed] from
the street.”
And it’s just as important to pay attention to the inside of your building,
especially if there are hundreds of
units and thus hundreds of people.
Make an effort to keep common areas clean and tidy, so the furnishings
and carpets stay in good condition.
If your condo has a pool, obey the
signs. There’s a reason for and a
public benefit to showering before
taking a swim, Ms. Lawlor points out.
On the terrace, put your garbage and
recycling items in the proper bins after
using the barbecues.
Kathy Russell, who owns Newmarket, Ont.–based Butler Girl Lifestyle
Solutions, has many condo clients,
some of whom contract her concierge
services for parties. “Anyone who
uses the amenities is responsible for
cleaning up after themselves – wiping
down tables, counters, putting out
garbage. If you don’t, you will likely
be charged for cleanup. If it’s a huge
party, then hire cleaners.”
NOISE Many home buyers nowadays
are opting for hardwood floors, Ms.
Lawlor reports, so be considerate of
the people living below you. For instance, instead of “tap-tapping across
the floor in stilettos,” she recommends
area rugs as a noise buffer.
Although condos are fairly soundproof, because they’re typically made
of cement with thick walls between
suites, be considerate when playing
music on warm summer nights with
the balcony doors open. “If you’re
having dinner with friends outside
on the terrace, use your inside voice
because sound carries,” Ms. Russell
advises. “And wind it down at 11, or
earlier on weeknights.”
As well, let residents on your floor
know in advance if you’re having a
party. If the guest list is long, book
the party room, which is often in the
basement, so noise isn’t so much of
an issue. Still, be reasonable with the
noise level, Ms. Russell cautions.
ODOURS While you’re cooking, Ms.
Russell recommends turning on the
stove fan or opening the balcony
doors. Because the ventilation system
circulates air throughout the building,
it’s unavoidable to get a whiff of what
neighbours have for dinner, more so
when the food is particularly aromatic.
The other big odour issue pertains
to smoking. It’s not just the smell;
it’s also those cigarette butts tossed
out from an upper balcony. “People
figure they’re on the balcony smoking,
so nobody’s going to be affected,”
Ms. Russell says. “But when a butt
is flicked off a balcony, it has to land
somewhere.” She suggests filling a
coffee can with sand to stub out the
butts.
PLANTS It’s great to have a balcony where you can grow tomatoes,
herbs and flowers, but be mindful of
the overflow when you water your
plants. Once the plants have absorbed
enough water, excess runs off and
down below your unit. Opt for pot
liners, but you still need to be careful
of water runoff.
DRESS CODE Before you decide to
take out the garbage in your PJs, keep
in mind that you will likely run into
neighbours, so dress appropriately.
Ditto for pool attire. “You may wear
a bikini at the pool, but when you’re
going back to your suite, put a wrap
on,” Ms. Lawlor says. “Because dress
codes are mostly unwritten, you need
to use common sense.”
Workout clothes are different,
though. It’s acceptable to stay in them,
as most condo residents return to their
units to shower and change.
PETS Cooped-up animals without
human company and regular exercise
can become noisy and sometimes
even destructive. Condo residents
have been asked to get rid of their
dogs for such behaviours. Hire a
dog walker and, if necessary, opt for
behaviour-modification training for
your pet.
If the park is far or it’s late at night,
some owners will let their dogs out
on the balcony. Keep in mind, though,
that urine could drip down to the
neighbours’ unit below yours. To
alleviate the situation, developers
are now creating dog-walk spaces
and dog runs on condo project sites,
reports Ms. Lawlor.
The worst, notes Ms. Russell, are
dogs relieving themselves in elevators – and whose owners don’t clean
up after them. Such blatant offenders
won’t get away with this for long, she
says, because most buildings have
cameras in the elevators.
She also often observes that some
residents do not control their dog’s
behaviour in elevators. “They think
their dog is cute, but that doesn’t
mean everyone else does. And some
people are afraid of dogs, so don’t
expect people to pat your dog or to
tolerate the dog jumping up.”
RECOURSE When fellow residents refuse to comply with rules, Ms. Lawlor
recommends going to management,
who can present the condo guidelines
clearly. Don’t deal directly with the
condo dweller. “You never know how
someone is going to react,” she warns.
Ms. Russell agrees. “Don’t approach
the neighbour because it ends up becoming personal and that’s how feuds
start. You’re probably not the only one
who has complained.”
TIPPING Last but not least, the wheels
of civility – and continued good service – can be greased with a little cash.
Condo staff appreciate being shown
that they’re valued. “The concierge
is there all year, helping if you forgot
your keys, receiving parcels, watching
who’s coming in and going out,” Ms.
Lawlor notes. “You tip the hairdresser,
the wait staff and anyone else in the
service industry, so why not your
concierge? A $50 tip once a year is
a nice way to show your thanks for
all their support and it’s not going to
break the bank.”
To stay in your neighbours’ good
graces, be mindful of overflow when
watering plants on your balcony.
Excess water may drip down to
balconies below you (top).
If you wear high heels when walking
on your condo’s hardwood floors,
your neighbour below may not
welcome the sound of tap-tapping
from above (left).
Dogs left alone in condos can be
noisy or destructive. Hiring a dog
walker to exercise your pet is a good
idea (below).
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The lavish three-storey Foxbar Collection townhomes that are part of the Blue Diamond condominium offer the advantages of low-rise living in a burgeoning luxury community.
Living large at elegant Imperial Village
Foxbar Collection caters to buyers seeking residences with space of a house but freedom of a condo
I
t’s a classic dilemma for downsizers
who don’t want to give up luxury:
Is it worthwhile to compromise on
square footage for a maintenance-free
lifestyle?
Enter the newly released Foxbar
Collection, part of the 26-storey Blue
Diamond condominium development.
It offers many expansive suites and
six lavish three-storey townhomes
on Foxbar Avenue at Avenue Road
and St. Clair Avenue West. Part of the
2.2-acre Imperial Village community,
the development was designed to accommodate affluent buyers who want
the space of a home but the freedom
of a condo.
“The typical suite in the city of Toronto averages around 700 square feet,”
says Joseph Feldman, development
manager with Camrost-Felcorp. “With
the Foxbar Collection, we’re starting at
1,185 square feet for the condo units.
The townhomes will range between
2,600 and 3,040 square feet.”
The company, which also developed
neighbouring Imperial Plaza, recognized the demand for larger suites in
the area. After conducting extensive
market research with prospective buyers, Camrost-Felcorp developed the
Foxbar Collection. The condo suites,
which will occupy the upper floors
of the Blue Diamond condo development, include larger units with highly
functional living spaces, oversize bedrooms and cook’s kitchens, along
with the luxury amenities found in a
prestigious address.
“The smallest unit in this collection is
well above average in terms of square
footage,” says Mr. Feldman. “There’s
more space for them to reconfigure
layouts and accommodate what they
need. When you start with more
square footage, it’s very easy to find
what you’re looking for compared to
looking at a smaller unit, where only
so much can be done.”
The townhomes are designed for
buyers who want to feel like they’re
in a spacious home but without the
maintenance associated with it – have
backyard terraces, full basements and
underground garages. Some redesign
features include moving the master
bedroom from the third floor to the
second to create an expansive master
suite with walk-in closets and ensuites
that go beyond utilitarian and become
rooms in their own right. They’ve
also added basements with laundry
facilities built into a proper room and
maximized the backyard space to
facilitate amenities like barbecues and
garden space.
The Foxbar Collection, which is
offered within the Blue Diamond Condominiums, comes with a sterling realestate pedigree. According to Mr. Feldman, the Blue Diamond condominium
and the Foxbar Collection within it will
be integral parts of Imperial Village, a
burgeoning luxury community in the
prestigious neighbourhood.
Nearby is Imperial Plaza – at 111 St.
Clair Ave. W. – the pioneer in this
three-development community, to
culminate in the Blue Diamond and
Foxbar, scheduled for completion
in 2018. Meanwhile, the 21-storey
Imperial Plaza, now with occupants,
has incorporated into its design certain architectural elements from its
original owner, Imperial Oil, including
extravagant gold mosaics, marble
slabs and a massive mural. An LCBO
The Foxbar Collection
townhomes include
open-concept layouts,
high-quality finishes
and backyard terraces
(above).
Residents of south-facing
suites in the Foxbar
Collection at the Blue
Diamond condominium
will enjoy sweeping
views of the city (left).
flagship store, a Longo’s market and a
restaurant anchor the building, setting
the tone…which is anticipated to open
this summer.
The 20,000-square-foot complex
– to be shared by the residents of
Imperial Plaza, Blue Diamond and
Foxbar Collection next door – promises to take condo amenities to the
next level. Besides a swimming pool,
steam rooms, hot tub, two squash
courts and a 10,000-square-foot fitness
facility, the Imperial Club will provide
screening rooms, sound studios, a golf
stimulator and a games room.
The Imperial Village community sits
at the meeting point of a number of
Toronto’s premier neighbourhoods –
Forest Hill, South Hill and Deer Park
– and is close to prestigious communities such as Rosedale and Summerhill.
The location was also selected for
the sweeping vistas of the city that
the area offers.
“With restaurants within easy walking distance and access to two subway
lines, you can be anywhere in the city
in a short amount of time, which will
be a huge draw for many residents,”
says Kevin Crigger, Blue Diamond’s
exclusive-listing real-estate broker.
He points out that the Deer Park
United Church, which sits beside the
Blue Diamond development, is expected to generate a lot of interest
in the community, with a restaurant
planned. “I think it will become a
real meeting place for the neighbourhood.”
Residents of the Foxbar Collection
are expected to vary in demographic.
“We’ll definitely see a large segment of people downsizing from their
homes in the neighbourhood,” says
Mr. Crigger, “but the misconception is
that these are people in their 70s and
80s.” He’s finding that more people
are looking for a lifestyle change
The 20,000square-foot
Imperial Club aims
to take condo
amenities to the
next level
much earlier. “A lot of our clients
are downsizing in their 50s. They’re
definitely going into a smaller space,
but are upsizing in terms of amenities.
No home can rival the amenities the
Imperial Club is offering.”
He is also seeing the boomerang
effect as people who moved to the
suburbs to raise their families on larger
properties and bigger homes are now
pulled back to the city to shorten their
commutes and live a more urban
lifestyle. Mr. Crigger says the Imperial
Village is an option that was previously
unavailable for people who don’t wish
to live downtown but want to enjoy a
condo lifestyle.
The Foxbar Collection townhomes
are expected to appeal also to young
professionals and families who want
the space and convenience of a home
with a street entrance without the
lawn and snow maintenance associated with it.
The condominium units are priced
at $850,000 to $2.695-million, and
townhouses will be available starting
from $2.35-million. The development
is currently in the pre-construction
stage and is pre-registering buyers.
“The introduction of this collection
has been well received,” notes Mr.
Feldman. “People are looking for this
very unique product that is hard to
come by.”
ADVERTISEMENT
BOUTIQUE LUXURY LIVING
AT THE DAVIES.
WHERE FOREST HILL MEETS YORKVILLE.
THE DAVIES OVERLOOKING ROBERTSON DAVIES PARK
PRIVATE SUITE ACCESS ELEVATOR
SUITE H TERRACE
SUITE G INTERIOR
The Davies, an intimate new luxury condominium on Avenue Road just minutes from Toronto’s prestigious Yorkville
district, represents boutique living at its very best. This well-established neighbourhood is just a five minute walk to private
racquet clubs, excellent schools and the fabulous shops at Summerhill and Yonge.
The developer, Brandy Lane Homes,
has paid close attention to detail on this
exclusive building located right next to
Robertson Davies Park. Working with the
award winning firm of SMV Architects,
The Davies is destined to become one
of Toronto’s most desirable addresses.
Surrounded by the elegant stone and brick
homes of Summerhill, The Davies is a
quiet oasis perfectly designed as an iconic
transition between the action of Yorkville
and Bloor Street to the sublime luxury
of Forest Hill. “The colour palette of the
building is based on wood and stone shades,”
says Dan Cowling, principal of SMV. “The
limestone base of the building, the natural
stone gracing the second floor and smooth
stone wrapping the large terraces are
complemented by an artfully designed stone
ribbon that changes shape as you go up the
building. The Davies is a building I will
always be proud of.”
NAK Design Group is well known for
their creativity in landscape design. They
have created a beautiful and well thought
out green rooftop terrace for residents.
There you’ll find private open air reading
rooms where you can enjoy your morning
coffee and experience a glorious sunrise.
The west side of the building has been
furnished with chaise lounges for sunbathing
and relaxation. Overlooking the skyline
Illustrations are artist’s impression.
of Toronto at the south end of the terrace
you’ll find the perfect spot for hosting your
sunset cocktail parties complete with the
convenience of a wet bar. NAK is also
designing enhancements to Robertson
Davies Park as part of Brandy Lane’s
commitment to the community.
The Avenue Room, on the main level,
is an elegant space for entertaining, with
an adjacent catering kitchen. Designed by
Lukas Design Interiors, the room features
built-in banquette seating, cocktail tables
and custom chairs in front of the fireplace.
“We wanted a versatile space where you
could roll up the rug, move the chairs
and have a lively dance party, or have a
perfectly catered sit-down dinner party
where you can comfortably seat 25 guests,”
says David Hirsh, president of Brandy Lane.
A formal conference room/dining room is
also available for smaller affairs or business
meetings. There is also a fully equipped
fitness room, a dog-wash station for those
rainy day walks, and a fully equipped guest
suite. “We put a tremendous amount of
thought into complementing every lifestyle,”
continues Hirsh, “whether it’s keeping fit,
enjoying the incredible views with your
favourite burgundy or throwing an elegant
party. It’s all about living life to the fullest.”
In addition to private elevator access into
your suite (there is also another convenient
service elevator for deliveries and staff),
each residence features a luxury Bosch
appliance package, custom Cameo kitchens,
gas fireplaces and spa-inspired super baths.
Every suite opens onto a private balcony
or terrace, complete with gas hook-ups
for BBQ’s, becoming an extension of your
private living space.
Founded thirty years ago, Brandy Lane is
one of the GTA’s most respected developers,
with a well-earned reputation for creating
high quality, design-driven yet very livable
spaces. The company has won many
awards including the Presidential Award
of Merit from the Building Industry and
Land Developers Association (BILD) for it
integrity and high ethical standards.
Visit the Sales Centre at 281 Avenue
Road to get a taste of all that is offered at
The Davies. (They’ve even installed a fully
functioning example of the private elevators!)
Spacious suites from 1,163 sq. ft., and priced
from the $800’s. For a limited time, the
developer is offering customization and
combination suites to create your ultimate
new home. Hours are: Monday to Thursday
from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., weekends from noon
to 5 p.m. and by appointment on Fridays.
For more information on this opportunity for intimate,
boutique living in the best part of Toronto, visit
thedavies.com or call 416-873-0862.