What's the Latest Word on Canary District Condominiums?

For all you folks who have been asking for updates on the new Canary District Condominiums, we have an update!

Construction on this project is well underway, with cranes scheduled to be erected on-site at the first two market buildings next month.

Plans for the surrounding neighbourhood have been initiated, with road infrastructure work and redevelopment in progress.  Community amenities are on track for completion including the YMCA and George Brown College, to be completed in Spring 2013.

According to Urbanation and Realnet, Canary District's initial release had the highest amount of units sold of downtown Toronto projects launched in June.

The first building is now 50 percent sold, so if you're interested in placing your very own stake in this incredible community, act fast -- contact the Canary District sales office today!

For more of the latest details on the construction progress at Canary District Condos, click here.

Follow the jump for more photos from our recent visit to the Canary District's beautiful sales centre.

For previous updates on this highly anticipated project, please follow these links:

Canary District Condominiums Groundbreaking Event
Update on West Don Lands and Waterfront Revitalization
Fast Facts: Canary District
Fast Facts: Canary District Condominiums

Groundbreaking at LOVE Condos by Gemterra

 

LOVE Condos by Gemterra is ready for construction!  

A groundbreaking ceremony recently marked the occasion, with the Gemterra Team joined by Mayor Rob Ford, Councillor Norm Kelly, MPP Soo Wong, and P.C. M.P. Jim Karygiannis.

We're excited to follow LOVE's progress!

Hundreds Gathered for RCMI Cornerstone Unveiling

Today, the Royal Canadian Military Institute (R.C.M.I.) and Tribute Communities unveiled the cornerstone for the new home of the R.C.M.I. and The Residences at R.C.M.I. on University Avenue.

The new cornerstone is placed at the base of the iconic 42-storey tower to preserve the legacy of the original R.C.M.I. headquarters on this heritage site.

Hundreds gathered for the event, with a pipes and drums massed band marching on University Avenue, and the unveiling by the Governor General David Johnston.

Construction is well underway for the building (currently on the sixth floor) with tentative occupancy slated for June 2013.  For more details about the project, please click here. 

Have You Seen West Don Lands Lately?

Have you seen West Don Lands lately?   The development of the area - bounded by Parliament Street, the Don River, King Street and the Rail corridor - is being accelerated due to being the site of the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games Athletes' Village.

The latest images and some key changes we noted during a recent visit, right after the jump!

Luxury Yorkville Living for Less?

We all know that living in Yorkville comes with a premium.  It's not unusual to find new condo developments priced well beyond $1,000/sq ft, and the market doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing down.

So, are these skyrocketing prices justified?

Ask any realtor and they'll tell you it's all about “Location, Location, Location.”  Yorkville is, after all, where the stars come out to play -- if you want to share the same sandbox, you'll pay a premium to do so. 

But, other than the off-chance of rubbing shoulders with the Brad Pitts and George Clooneys of the world, what "premium" features and amenities are you really paying for?

Let's take a look at some of the most popular new condos as a point of reference.

A doorman will greet residents at Four Seasons Residences.

Four Seasons Residences, The St. Thomas and 77 Charles all offer future residents both a valet and doorman.  In fact, The St. Thomas will even indulge its inhabitants with a convenient hall porter.  Units in any of these buildings come with, at the very least, gourmet kitchens that will make you feel like a celebrity chef and luxurious, spa-like bathrooms that will make you never want to leave.  These are exactly the kind of homes that make for the perfect stay-cations.

So, what If you can’t justify the $1,000+/ sq ft price tag, but still want to live the "rockstar" lifestyle?  Take a closer look at some of the nearby developments and you'll find that just a few minutes' walk can save you $100,000's.

An entertainer's delight: Chaz's signature two-storey Chaz Club

Consider for instance, Chaz Yorkville.  Located just south of Yonge and Bloor, this more reasonably priced building is available for as low as $700/sq ft, with some unique amenities to boot.  Facilities will include a state-of-the-art computer gaming arena, a self-service pet spa that will allow residents to pamper their pooches in style, and not one, but two theatres (including a 3D Hollywood-style screening room).  A signature two-storey Chaz Club on the 36th and 37th floors is sure to be an entertainer's paradise, overlooking the lake and downtown skyline.

Alternatively, head over to One Bloor at Yonge and Bloor, and you'll find units starting around $700/sq ft.  This price point will get you beautiful, contemporary kitchens and baths as well as direct TTC subway access.  Some of its unique amenities include several hot and cold plunge pools, a year-round indoor/outdoor pool and fireplace features within over 46,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor amenity spaces.

Yet another option lies at U Condominiums near Bay and Wellesley, where prices start in the mid-$700/sq ft range.  Residents of each of its two towers will enjoy their very own 4,500 sq ft penthouse amenities area with wraparound balconies and picture-perfect views.

Yorkville living certainly comes with a premium, but not without a few comparable alternatives that may prove more affordable, while still providing a competitive selection of premium features and amenities.

Interested in this neighbourhood?  Explore condos in Yorkville and its surrounding area here!

Pics: Chaz Yorkville - Exclusive Penthouse Collection

We recently visited the Chaz Yorkville presentation centre and were impressed by what's in store for residents of their exclusive new penthouse collection.

The on-site model kitchen and bath features standard finishes for Chaz's exclusive penthouses.  We love the fully integrated Miele appliances (wine fridge included!) and sleek, multi-spray shower.  Doesn't this just ooze luxury?

If you're interested in the Yorkville lifestyle, we recommend checking out Chaz Yorkville.  Visit their website here, and stay tuned for updates about their upcoming penthouse release!

 

Backstage Condos Opening Soon at State-of-the-Art Sales Centre

Backstage Condos, a project by Cityzen Developments, Fernbrook Homes, and Castlepoint Realty Partners Ltd, will soon rise directly behind the Sony Centre at Yonge Street and The Esplanade.   Located in a desirable location which provides easy access to both the financial district and the historic St. Lawrence Market, the building will also be connected to a future PATH system and the Union Station.

The building will rise 36 stories from a 4-level podium, with retail at street level and on the second floor.  Backstage Condos offers 284 units, with 1-BR suites starting at $326,900, 1+Den suites starting at $382,900 and 2-BR suites starting at $514,900.  To find out more about the building amenities and see additional renderings, visit the Backstage Condos profile page.

Apart from the project itself, the newly completed state-of-the-art sales centre also deserves some spotlight!

The Latest from The 500 Condos + Lofts: Facts & Features, Floorplans & Figures

Situated along Sherbourne just south of Bloor, Times Group’s latest development – the statuesque The 500 Condos + Lofts – is located just steps from the TTC and minutes from Yorkville and the Financial and Entertainment districts. Only a short walk to the University of Toronto and Ryerson University, this development provides all the conveniences of urban living and is ideal for professionals, students and young families alike.

The buildings that make up this development at 500 Sherbourne feature a variety of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom condos, towns and lofts. The overall development houses over 360 residential units within three buildings, including a low-rise loft structure for those who prefer a more intimate setting.

Touted as “a living environment that’s made for living large”, this condo boasts some fabulous features and amenities including:

Toronto’s 2011 Condo Market: In Like a Lion?

Wow, we’re not even two full weeks into the new year and already we’ve seen a lot of buzz at some of the city’s hottest new condo projects. Here’s a rundown of just a few:

“Oh, Mercer Mercer Me…”

What do you think of The Mercer’s new ads? Memorable and unique as always, this condo's latest ad is a throwback to The Beatles’ Abbey Road with a touch of “Toronto” flair. Here’s a sneak peek!

Wilshire Offers Affordability to First Time Buyers

How about the incredible new incentives at Wilshire on the Green? Offering free parking and locker, $5,000 cash back and a low 5% minimum deposit, this condo will be ready for occupancy this spring!

Backstage Condos Takes Centre Stage

The wait is almost over! With so much buzz created about Backstage on the Esplanade over the past year, we’re looking forward to attending their Media Event today!

Move Into 500 Sherbourne Today!

Offering 2% off the purchase price and free locker with purchase, The 500 Condos + Lofts is now ready for occupancy and would be a great one to consider if you’re looking to move in today!

Studio Condos Sales Office Opening!

The highly-anticipated opening of Studio on Richmond's onsite Sales Office is set for Jan 22. Stay tuned for more details!

Want to stay updated on the latest scoop on Toronto’s condo market? Sign up for our New Developments Newsletter today!

Got scoop? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line at info@livehigh.com.

Portrait Condos Meet and Greet

Were you at the Portrait Condos event this Sunday?  A Meet and Greet was held for existing buyers - a great turnout throughout the afternoon, refreshments and delightful hors d'oeuvres were served, along with giveaways which included a coffeemaker, iPad, and a TV.  Buyers also had the chance to meet the Developer Team themselves.

Interested in this project?  Construction has already begun, and anticipated occupancy begins early 2012.  Plus for a limited time only, purchasers can now take advantage of free parking and up to $15,000 in free upgrades.  For existing buyers, refer a friend and receive a $4,000 bonus if a unit is purchased.

For more details and renderings for this project, visit this page.

Follow the jump for the pictures from the event:

Treviso Condos - Neighbours Sneak Peek

Treviso condominiums, a project by Lanterra Developments, held a special Sneak Peek for their neighbours and pre-registrants yesterday. The fun event was family-oriented and looked more like a county fair: there were balloon twisters and temporary tattoo artists on-site, and of course plenty of pizza, hot dogs and popcorn to go around. There were even cooking demonstrations by professional chefs! Needless to say, there were line-ups everywhere we turned. 

Photos courtesy of Jack Kazmierski

In the Sales Centre, groups hovered around the scaled model and floorplans. With this being only the first of three phases in the development, the Dufferin and Lawrence corner will soon be transformed! And the local amenities are sure to be a hit: Lawrence subway station is right around the corner, while Yorkdale Shopping Centre is only a short distance away. Residents will also have quick access to Highway 401 and Allen Road.

Available suite styles range from Bachelor to 3-Bedrooms (up to 1,232 sq ft), with prices starting from the low $200,000s.

For those interested, there will be preview sales for pre-registrants, with the Grand Opening slated for the end of November. Click here for more information and look out for more details to come!

A Closer Look: Portrait Condos

We’re always interested in hearing the story that lies behind a new condo project, and Norstar Group’s Portrait Condos is no exception. We sat down with the developers to learn a little more about this new condo and what it offers to potential buyers.

For those who like the idea of luxury living in the city, Portrait may offer exactly what you’re looking for. Quietly nestled at Bathurst and Sheppard amidst parks, trails and lush greenery, this dramatic eight-storey mid-rise is just minutes from a wide array of family amenities including schools, community centres and synagogues. For shoppers, local plazas offer daily amenities such as banking and groceries, while Yorkdale Mall provides the style-conscious with access to over 240 stores and services. Downsview Station is right around the corner for easy access to public transportation, while the highway is a quick drive away.

If you’re downsizing or looking for that perfect pied-a-terre, Portrait’s impressive list of features and finishes will certainly help to ease the transition, making you feel right at home. Some of these include:

     •   Large terraces with exterior gas & water lines;

     •   Granite countertops throughout, including bathrooms;

     •   8’4”, 8’6” and 9’ ceiling heights;

     •   2nd parking spot available for purchase;

     •   Unique, one-of-a-kind layouts (there are about 50 floor plans in the building, no

         floor the same as the next).

 Nature will be brought to life at Portrait with its warm façade, manicured gardens and expansive courtyards – all inspired by the Mediterranean classical style.

True to its name, we think that Portrait Condos is a picture of elegance in an upscale neighbourhood, and at just over $400 per sq ft, its value proposition can’t be denied. Suites start at $271,900 and include a parking spot.  Plus for a limited time only, purchasers can now take advantage of up to $15,000 in free upgrades.

For more information on Portrait Condos, click here. Anticipated occupancy begins early 2012, and construction has already begun – watch these homes grow via Portrait’s new live construction link!

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.

Backstage: NameOurCondo Contest Winner Announced!

As mentioned in our earlier post, the winner announcement for the NameOurCondo contest was scheduled earlier today at the opening ceremonies of Buskerfest.

As blogged by Cityzen Developments this afternoon, the official name of the newest addition to the St Lawrence neighbourhood will be...BACKSTAGE!

Congratulations to Cityzen, Castle Point and Fernbrook on their latest achievement!  And a big hats-off to the winner, Adam Thody, and all the other contest participants.  Great job everyone!

For photos and further details on the winner and runners-up, please visit the official corporate blog of Cityzen Developments here.

The Bisha Hotel and Residences Launch!

Wondering what was going on last night on Blue Jays Way?   Jazz players on an outdoor balcony, and passers-by looked curiously at the entourage who welcomed guests as they arrived.  It was the long-awaited launch of Bisha Hotel and Residences!

Rising to 41 storeys and designed by award-winning Rudy Wallman of Wallman Architects, Bisha Hotel and Residences will be situated in the heart of the Entertainment District on Blue Jays Way, just south of King Street West.  This location will be close to the Financial District, steps to popular restaurants, live theatre, sporting events and music venues.  Not to mention its proximity to the new home of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The chic sales centre, along with the building interiors and amenities, are designed by internationally-renowned Munge Leung.  Bisha will include a breadth of amenities and services such as 24-hour café, rooftop restaurant, bar and infinity pool, housekeeping and grocery delivery services, just to name a few.

It will surely be a popular destination once completed - a place for star-gazing during the film festival, perhaps?

For pictures of scale-model and additional project details, visit the Bisha profile page. 

What's in a Name?

Ever wondered what goes into naming a condo? Well if you've been keeping up with the latest in Toronto's condosphere, then you know that the folks over at Castlepoint, Fernbrook and Cityzen have left that task in the capable hands of the project's potential buyers, residents and spectators.

With their Name Our Condo contest well underway, the name of the highly anticipated development at the corner of Yonge and Esplanade will be chosen by a panel of judges from the top 10 name submissions. The winning submission receives $5,000 and the glory of having their selected name imortalized. The 2nd and 3rd place submissions receive an iPad.

Among the thousands of entries submitted, we've found those ranging from thoughtful and reflective to humourous and entertaining.  Others still have taken the contest to heart, undertaking (what some may call) crazy tactics to win:

Aside from the running Top 10, some other interesting submissions include:

• 
  
  Escapade Condomimums (currently #23, see video above)
• 
  
  The O'Keefe (currently #97)
• 
  
  Yesplanade (currently #178)

Click here for information on this exciting new development, or visit http://www.nameourcondo.com/ to view and vote on all the entries, contest updates and more.

Update: As announced on Aug 26, the name of this development will be Backstage.  We have since updated this condo's profile page to reflect this change, which can be found here.

The Condo Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): What to Expect & Tips

After seeing some interest on our website, we met with Chris, a condo investor, and asked him to share his recent experience of condo unit pre-delivery inspection (PDI).  Given that he was going through this process for the third time, he already had a pretty clear idea of what should be expected.

Chris arrived at the condo for his PDI a week prior to occupancy, as scheduled by the builder.  The unit being inspected was approximately 770 sq ft, and it took about an hour to review the suite thoroughly. 

Walking through the common areas in the building, it was noted that the elevators were not yet ready and the hallways still looked like construction zones.  Chris was asked to wear a hard-hat for the tour.  Inside the unit, things appeared more optimistic but there were still a few outstanding items.  The most notable were that some of the appliances were not yet connected, the thermostat was missing and some large areas were missing paint.  Other items that were missing included kick-plates at the bottom of cabinets and doorstops and caulking on tiles.  The balcony remained unfinished.  As you can imagine, the unit felt incomplete (similar to Chris' last PDI experience), but most items were completed by the time he took occupancy a week later.

5 Tips from Chris about PDIs:

1. Bring your purchase agreement and upgrade list for the inspection as a checklist.  For those looking for a more complete checklist, you can also visit the Tarion website.  This checklist is designed for both house and condo inspection, and can be used as a guideline for review.
2. Bring a small electronic device, such as a nightlight, to test the electrical outlets.  Chris discovered four outlets that were not operable.
3. Set your expectations and be prepared that there will be unfinished items.  This way, you won't be disappointed.
4. If items were missed during PDI, you can include them in the 30-Day Warranty Form to be sent to Tarion and the builder. There is also a final opportunity to report items on the Year-End Warranty Form.  

   You can now complete and submit the Warranty Forms to Tarion through their website.
5. Be prepared that the builder will require access to the suite, with notice, to complete any outstanding PDI items.