Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at ARC Condos

This week, we're heading to Bayview Village for a closer look at award-nominated ARC Condos.

Completed in Fall 2009, ARC is located at the corner of Bayview and Sheppard.  With direct access to Bayview subway station and right beside the upscale Bayview Village Shopping Centre, ARC is within easy reach of all that Toronto has to offer.  Near-immediate highway access both east/west and north/south makes ARC a practical choice for people who want quick access to the best of the GTA.


In the past 30 days, a total of two units have sold at ARC, with prices ranging from $343,500 for a 1+Den suite, to $347,900 for a 1-BR unit of 697 sq ft. Nine units were also leased over the past month, from $1,250 for a Studio space to $1,800 for a 2+Den suite.

Of these units, those for sale spent an average of 38 days on the market, while those for lease spent an average of 21 days on the market.

For more information on ARC Condos, please click here.


If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

What’s the Deal with Green Roofs?

The growing popularity of green roofs had us wondering what it really means to "go green".  We recently met with Toronto-based landscape architect Scott Torrance to find out exactly what the buzz is all about.

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at Pure Spirit Lofts & Condos

As a follow-up to Janice Mackie's informative post on the Distillery District earlier this week, we thought it would be fitting to have a look at the Distillery's Pure Spirit Lofts & Condos.

Completed in Spring 2009, Pure Spirit is located in the heart of Toronto's historic Distillery District near Parliament and Front streets.  Rich in character, the Distillery provides a picture-perfect backdrop to this residential tower which is within walking distance to critically-acclaimed restaurants, shops and galleries.  Its quiet location just ouside the downtown "core" also provides quick access to public transportation and highways.

In the past 30 days, a total of three units have sold at Pure Spirit, with prices ranging from $290,000 for a 1-BR suite to $325,000 for a 1+Den unit of about 639 to 645 sq ft, respectively. Two units were also leased over the past month, from $1,065 for a Studio space to $1,350 for a 1-BR suite.

Of these units, those for sale spent from as little as 9 days to over 4 months on the market, while those for lease spent an average of 14 days on the market.

If you’re wondering how property values are holding up, a 1-BR unit that sold in June 2009 resold last month for $12,100 more than it did last summer, while a 1-BR unit that sold in September 2009 resold this past June for $20,000 more than it did last fall.

For more information on Pure Spirit, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

Bisha: From Passion to Perfection

You know that feeling you get when you’re around someone who seems to live and breathe their craft?  When you can almost feel their passion oozing out of their very being?  Well, that’s exactly the feeling we had when we visited the presentation centre for Bisha Hotel & Residences earlier this week for an opportunity to mix, mingle and hear directly from the masterminds behind the project.

In attendance were Mel Pearl of Lifetime Developments, Charles Khabouth of INK Entertainment, Alessandro Munge of Munge Leung and Rudy Wallman of Wallman Architects.

Bisha was born out of a longtime desire to provide the city with a taste of luxury, at the same time maintaining a level of “hip-ness” and keeping the vibe down to earth. Unlike the other luxury projects he saw in the city, Charles Khabouth felt that Toronto was “lacking a luxury project with a bit of kick or lifestyle to it”. Having observed the social scene in LA and New York, he pointed out that you’d find people from all walks of life mingling in the same upscale locales, and it was that marriage of “luxury and hip” that he wanted to bring into a residential project here.

It was through his friend Alessandro Munge and a subsequent introduction to Mel Pearl and Rudy Wallman that this dream began to unfold. Through their many travels together, Khabouth and Munge discovered inspiration from one end of the globe to the other. What’s become of this is a little eccentric, and as Munge described, they “took 15 years of their worldly experiences and wrapped [them] up into a building.”

And it shows. From the mid-century chairs that sit in the lobby of the Bisha sales office to the gorgeous, multi-functional showpiece with the appearance of metal origami in the model suite, it appears as though everything is a fine work of art. Each living space and design feature has meticulously been laid out, and it’s the subtle details – from suede-covered closets to corseted support columns – that bring the eclectic mix of elements together just perfectly.

This definitely isn’t a cookie-cutter condo. There’s real substance here. And if the passion that shines through the presentation centre is any indication, Bisha Hotel & Residences is bound to be something exquisite.

For more information on Bisha, please click here, and follow the jump for more photos.

Three Ways to Design a $12.8 Million Penthouse

When it comes to home and design, we’ve come to realize – with some misery and apprehension – that our eyes are much, much bigger than our pockets. Luckily, one can always dream … and that’s precisely what we’re doing!

MuseumHouse on Bloor has recently commissioned a trio of leading Canadian designers – Powell & Bonnell, Patty Xenos Design and Munge Leung – to submit their design visions for the condo’s prestigious 2-storey, 5,618 sq ft penthouse unit. The privileged purchaser of this incredible suite will have option of choosing the winning design, and of course, which of the three designers to work with in completing their dream home*.

MuseumHouse Background

Located in the heart of Toronto’s Museum District, MuseumHouse on Bloor will house a limited collection of just 26 luxurious suites for the elite urban dwellers who wish to experience the epitome of sophisticated living in the city.

MuseumHouse prices (excluding the penthouse) range from $2.1M to $6.8M for half- or full-floor homes up to 6,700 sq ft in size.

Each suite features:

• Individual and direct elevator access

• Principal rooms with 10- or 11-foot ceilings

• European kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances by Miele and SubZero

• Heated floors in master ensuite spas

• One terrace in each half-floor suite and two terraces in each full-floor suites

• At least one gas fireplace

• Central vacuum system

• Optional A/V pre-wiring by Bang & Olufsen

• Emergency standby power providing full seamless power in the event of a blackout

Additional features offered in the penthouse includes:

• Four terraces totaling an additional 1,152 sq ft of outdoor space

• 12-foot ceilings throughout the lower floor

• Custom layout and design by one of the chosen three award-winning designers

Design Interpretations

Photos and highlights of each of designer’s stunning interpretation of this extraordinary space can be found after the jump.

An Insider’s Perspective: The Historic Distillery District

Submitted by Janice Mackie, Broker of Record for Insite Realty, Exclusive Broker for the Historic Distillery District.

 

The Distillery District is an internationally acclaimed village of brick-lined streets and dozens of vibrantly restored Victorian Industrial buildings. As one of Ontario’s hottest tourist attractions, the Distillery District is home to live theatres, galleries, fashion, design and jewelry boutiques, unique cafes and award-winning restaurants.

With Toronto selected as the site of the 2015 Pan Am Games, the popularity of this neighbourhood is sure to intensify. By accepting to host, the city promised to build out the West Don Lands, including the athletes’ village for the Pan Am Games. What will follow includes schools, transportation, retail space and 6,000 homes – in essence, a brand new community – right next to the Distillery District.

The Restoration of the Distillery District

The visionaries behind the site, Cityscape and Dundee, purchased the 13-acre parcel of land in 2001 and set out to restore all 44 of the Distillery District’s historic buildings.

Uncertainty Followed by Proven Success

In 2005, Insite Realty was approached to sell the condos at Pure Spirit. Some industry insiders thought the area would not be where people would want to live. They thought it just wasn’t ‘there’ yet: it didn’t have the necessary services, transportation was an issue...and the list went on.

That year, Pure Spirit at 33 Mill Street sold out in record time, proving the insiders wrong. Why? Because people who experienced the District fell in love with it and went with their intuition. They knew the area was just starting to get the attention it deserved. It was unique. It was different. It was unlike any area in Toronto.

Clear Spirit was then launched in 2007 during a time when interest in the area was greatly increasing. News of the West Don Lands and the revitalization of the 80-hectare site just east of the District gained people’s interest. Waterfront Toronto’s vision of the West Don Lands was exciting, and the launch of Clear Spirit was successful.

Gooderham followed in 2008, and today, there are a limited number of units still available here. With an expected completion date of November 2012, you’ll find a range of suites including two-storey units with terraces, and tower units with incredible views and wrap-around balconies. The average price in this community is now just over $500 per sq ft!

As evident in the case of Pure Spirit and Clear Spirit, the next time you hear the nay-sayers say “it’s not there yet” or “don’t buy now”....go with your gut feeling and don’t rely on others, including the media, to make your decision. Sometimes only you know what is right for you.

For more information on the Distillery District, please visit http://www.liveatthedistillery.com/.  Additional photos can be found after the jump.

Janice Mackie is the Broker of Record for Insite Realty, the Exclusive Broker for the Historic Distillery District.  Janice can be reached at jmackie@trebnet.com.

All photos courtesy of Insite Realty.

Refer Friends. Win Prizes. Get Paid.

Think you’d be interested in earning $2,500 for referring someone to buy a condo? Well, now’s your chance!

As you may remember, Backstage Condos, the latest development from Cityzen, CastlePoint and Fernbrook, was given its name this past summer with their popular NameOurCondo contest. Now, online followers have an opportunity to win more prizes and can even earn $2,500 in cash, simply for referring their friends and contacts to register on the Backstage website. 

For referrals who simply register on the Backstage website (no purchase required):

• 10 referrals = two movie passes
• 25 referrals = $50 iTunes gift card
• 55 referrals = $500 Eaton Centre gift certificate
• 75 referrals = Apple iPad

For any referral that purchases a suite:

• $2,500 in cash

There are over $250,000 in cash and prizes to be given away, so if this sounds like a “suite” deal to you, visit http://www.backstagetoronto.com/ for more detailed information, or follow the jump to watch a quick video demonstration.

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at 360 at City Centre

This week, let’s head east to Scarborough's City Centre for a look at Tridel's 360 at City Centre.

Completed in Spring 2006, 360 at City Centre is located at the northeast corner of Brimley and Ellesmere Roads, providing incredble convenience to its residences.  Access to banks, restaurants, groceries, gas stations and shopping at Scarborough Town Centre and various 'big box' retailers is just minutes away, while the building's proximitty to transportation including TTC buses, Scarborough RT and Hwy 401 allows residents to travel to other parts of the city with ease.

In the past 30 days, a total of five units have sold at 360, with prices ranging from $241,000 for a 1+Den suite to $320,500 for a 2+Den unit of about 710 to 1,030 sq ft, respectively. Three units were also leased over the past month, from $1,350 for a 1+Den to $1,600 for a 2-BR suite.

Of these units, those for sale spent on average 27 days on the market while those for lease spent on average 9 days.

If you’re wondering how property values have held up over the past couple years, a 1-BR unit that sold in December 2007 resold last month for $37,000 more than it did almost three years ago, while a 2+Den that sold in January 2009 resold last month for $42,500 more than it did about 21 months ago.

For more information on 360 at City Centre, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

Official Grand Opening of Maple Leaf Square!

It's official!  While patrons and residences have already been enjoying the delicious food and entertainment at this incredible venue for some time, Maple Leaf Square finally marked the official grand opening of its landmark complex earlier today with a big bang.

Located next to the Air Canada Centre near York St and Bremner Blvd, the sports and entertainment destination features  two tower condominiums, Real Sports Bar & Grill and Real Sports Apparel, along with a Longos grocery store, Starbucks and Hôtel Le Germain.  This new development was a joint venture by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Cadillac Fairview and Lanterra Developments.

Today's highly anticipated event was celebrated with a showcase of precisely what this complex represents, and included an autograph session with Toronto Maple Leafs legends Darryl Sittler and Wendel Clark, as well as a fanfare of delectable eats.

Click here for more details about the residences at Maple Leaf Square, and follow the jump for more photos from the event.

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at One Park Tower

This week, let’s head west to Mississauga’s City Centre for a look at Daniels Corporation’s One Park Tower.

Completed in Summer 2008, One Park Tower’s classically-inspired gothic façade features soaring arches and gargoyle accents. The development embraces an active lifestyle, neighbouring Mississauga City Centre’s popular Square One Shopping Centre along with a wide variety of other dining, entertainment and sports venues.

In the past 30 days, a total of eight units have sold at One Park Tower with prices ranging from $222,000 for a 1-BR suite to $312,000 for a 2+Den unit of 565 to 961 sq ft, respectively. Five units were also leased over the past month, from $1,425 for a 1+Den to $1,700 for a 2+Den.

Of these units, those for sale spent on average 28 days on the market while those for lease spent on average 6 days.

If you’re wondering how property values have held up over the past couple years, a 1+Den that sold in March 2009 resold earlier this year for $40,000 more than it did a year prior, while a 1-BR unit that sold in December 2008 resold this past summer for $13,000 more than it did almost two years ago.

For more information on One Park Tower, please click here.

 

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at Waterclub Condos

This week, let’s head to Toronto’s popular Harbourfront for a look at Kolter Group’s Waterclub.

The Waterclub's three blue glass and concrete towers – completed from Spring 2004 to Summer 2005 – overlook Toronto’s waterfront to the south and its distinguished downtown skyline to the north. The development offers a wide range of studio to three-bedroom suites, and is probably best known for its first-rate amenities which include an indoor/outdoor pool and sun deck that are visible from street level.

In the past 30 days, a total of five units have sold at the Waterclub with prices ranging from $301,000 for a 1-BR suite to $438,000 for a 2+Den unit of about 550 to 1,000 sq ft, respectively. Eighteen units were also leased over the past month, from $1,250 for a studio suite to $2,450 for a 2+Den.

If you’re wondering how property values have held up over the past couple years, a 1-BR suite that sold in April 2005 resold this past June for $90,000 more than it did five years ago, while another 1-BR unit that sold in September 2006 recently resold for $83,000 more than it did four years ago.

For more information on Waterclub condominiums, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.