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Get Backstage Access to Backstage

Backstage Condos by Cityzen, Fernbrook Homes and Castle Point is set to rise 36 storeys at Yonge and The Esplanade, right across the street from the L Tower. Backstage is in a kind of ‘soft launch’ right now. For access to suites NOW, before the public opening planned for 2011, contact me.

There are several standout features of this project that make it a winner. The most obvious one being its prime location right at Yonge and The Esplanade. (Do not underestimate the power of location when choosing your first investment condo!) However, the two ‘killer’ features of the building are the PATH connection, and the 70′ rooftop infinity pool with lake views (not a typo-seventy feet long).

Being directly connected to the PATH in this location gives you underground access to several subway stations and hundreds of shops. If you have not been in the PATH in the financial district lately I encourage you to check it out. The retail and restaurants that you find there are trending more and more towards the ‘high end’. Imagine going to work every day in the winter and never bringing a coat!

The 70′ infinity pool looks like it will be incredible. I don’t know if there is a longer infinity pool existing or planned for any condo building downtown (someone let me know if there is). This kind of feature was unheard of in Toronto condos a few years ago, but developers like Cityzen are really starting to push the limits of what is to be expected in a mid-range condo.

It’s worth noting that the smallest suites in this building are 531 sq ft! What a contrast from most of these downtown towers that are packing their buildings with sub 500 sq ft units resulting in buildings where the majority of suites will be owned by investors. It may sound counter intuitive, but as an investor, sometimes you WANT to buy into a building where there are as few other investors as possible.  Why? Less competition for rental units, and a better maintained and cared for building.

Standard suite finishes are well above average, and prices are starting below $600 per square foot (resale units at Cityzen’s completed “London” building are selling in the $575 PSF range today). Deposit structure is very cash-friendly, with only 15% over 365 days +5% at occupancy. For floor plans and pricing for Backstage, please contact me.

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Backstage Condos

From the builder:

Backstage is Toronto’s most dramatic condominium lifestyle experience, located against the vibrant backdrop of The Esplanade just west of the St. Lawrence Market at Yonge Street. Live just minutes from the financial district and all the action at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, the Air Canada Centre, and Rogers Centre. Spend quality time with friends at the many exciting bars, bistros and nightclubs in the entertainment district. Backstage, a condominium address where you are both the performer and the audience. Welcome home.

Building Features

• 36 Storey, glass point tower with sleek, slender lines of steel and shimmering glass inspired by architect Page + Steele
• Upscale urban interiors designed by Munge Leung, and landscaping by the internationally recognized Claude Cormier
• Panoramic views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario
• Candidate for LEED certification
• Future connection to the PATH concourse running throughout the downtown core
• Amenities include rooftop garden with a 70 foot infinity pool and lake view
• Uniformed 24hr concierge

Suites Features

• Soaring 9 and 10 foot, smooth ceilings, as per plan
• Contemporary kitchen cabinetry with extended height uppers and under valance lighting
• Granite kitchen counter tops with under mount sink and ceramic back splash
• Bosch appliances include cook top stove, built-in oven, built-in dishwasher, built-in microwave/hood fan, stacked front load washer and dryer
• Fisher Paykel refrigerator and bottom mount freezer
• Multi-plant, engineered hardwood flooring in entry, kitchen, living area, dining area, den, and bedrooms
• Bathrooms include floating vanity cabinets with slab marble counter tops
• Ensuite bathroom floors offer choice of marble, porcelain, or over sized ceramic tile while main bathrooms include choice of porcelain or over sized ceramic tile
• Thermally isolated Low E, energy efficient, double glazed windows

*All details subject to change without notice and as per plan. See builder for details

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Number One Bloor

Description Coming Soon!

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The Best Penthouse in Toronto: Ritz-Carlton

Welcome to your online guide to “The Best Penthouse Suites in Toronto“. In this installment I will be profiling the penthouse suite at The Residences At The Ritz-Carlton.

Author’s note: This blog post was originally published in 2008. Hence, some of this information may be out of date. For the most up-to-date information regarding the best penthouse suites in Toronto, please contact me.

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The Best Penthouse in Toronto: Shangri-La

Welcome to your online guide to “The Best Penthouse Suites in Toronto“. In this installment I will be profiling the penthouse suites at Shangri-La.

Author’s note: This blog post was originally published in 2008. Hence, some of this information may be out of date. For the most up-to-date information regarding the best penthouse suites in Toronto, please contact me.

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The Best Penthouse in Toronto: College Park Aura

Welcome to your online guide to “The Best Penthouse Suites in Toronto“. In this installment I will be profiling the penthouse suites at College Park III: Aura.

Author’s note: This blog post was originally published in 2008. Hence, some of this information may be out of date. For the most up-to-date information regarding the best penthouse suites in Toronto, please contact me.

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Coming Soon to North York City Centre: Gibson Square

Coming soon to North York City Centre from Menkes: Gibson Square.

Contact me now to register for your chance to purchase at Gibson Square at an upcoming VIP sales event.

Menkes already has a great track record in the Yonge and Sheppard corridor with Luxe Condominiums (North York City Centre) and Savvy Condominiums (Yonge and Sheppard). Menkes is one of the largest developers and builders in the city with projects all over the GTA.

Gibson Square will feature two high-rise towers with direct subway access from the lobby and connection to North York City Centre. More details coming soon including floor plans and pricing. Please contact me for the latest information and for your chance to buy at Gibson Square Condos.

Oct 23 Update: VIP sales event on now. Floor plans and pricing for Gibson Square now available. Contact me for details.

Project Details:

Location: Yonge & Park Home
Builder: Menkes
Building Size: Two 42 storey towers – 441 units total
Occupancy: October 2012
Parking: 1 spot Included in the purchase price (except Unit 10 – “Stratos”)
Maintenance Fees: Approx $0.44 per/sq.ft + hydro
Deposit Structure: 5% with offer | 5% in 90 days | 5% in 180 days | 10% on occupancy
Lockers: $3000 (tentative)
Suite Features: Granite kitchen countertop, mosaic tile backsplash, plank laminate flooring in kitchen/breakfast area, living/dining room, den and bedroom(s), choice of porcelain or ceramic floor tiles in foyer, kitchen/breakfast area and bathroom(s), 6 quality brand name appliances and vertical blinds. 8′ Ceilings on units 28th floor and lower. 9′ ceilings on floors 29 and above.
Building Amenities: 24 hour Concierge, 20,000 sq. ft. Gibson Club features a State-of-the-Art Recreation Centre including an Indoor Swimming Pool with access to an Outdoor Terrace, Weight & Cardio area, Yoga & Aerobics area, His and Hers saunas and change rooms, 2 Party Rooms featuring catering kitchen & bar with walk-out to a landscaped rooftop garden, Theatre Room, Games Room, Mah Jong and Bridge Room and 2 Guest suites. Direct Subway Access.

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Hullmark Centre by Tridel – Coming Soon to Yonge and Sheppard

Hullmark Centre by Tridel will soon be transforming the cityscape at Yonge and Sheppard in North York. Contact me now to register for your chance to purchase a suite in this project before the public launch.

The project will feature a dynamic mix of retail, commercial and residential use that will be unique to Toronto. The concept is almost like a minature Yonge-Dundas Square, or call it Yonge-Sheppard Square.

Certainly the Yonge and Sheppard corridor has absolutely taken off in recent years and with the launch of mega towers like Hullmark and Emerald Park, uptown has become a sort of ‘new downtown’. There are serious concerns growing over how the roads will handle all these thousands of new residents, however, with both Emerald Park and Hullmark featuring direct subway access, this will certainly help alleviate the situation and encourage people to either leave the car at home, or not even own a car at all.

From Tridel’s marketing materials:

Hullmark Centre. A signature development at the corner of Yonge and Sheppard marked by a prestige office component, prime retail fronting onto a vibrant public plaza, and the two tallest condominium towers to grace the North York skyline. Served by direct indoor underground access to the Yonge and Sheppard subway station, this is the most important corner and address in the city. It is undeniably central.

Contact me to be the first to receive floor plans and pricing for Hullmark Centre.

Oct 11 update: Floor plans and pricing for the VIP Sales Event now available. Contact me now to get your hands on them right away!

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Emerald Park: Units Available NOW!

Good news condo investors. I now have access to units at Emerald Park in advance of the upcoming agent’s only sales event in July. Please contact me now with what unit you are interested in.

Here is a sample of a few units I have available for purchase RIGHT NOW:

1) Unit 4107 – Penthouse suite (top floor of building-soon to be unit 4707 as they will be adding more floors), 1163 sq ft, 2 bed + den, 2 full baths including a spectactular master ensuite with double sinks and separate shower and tub, Contact me for price. North west corner unit.

2) Unit 3306, 778 sq ft, 2+den, Contact me for price west exposure.

3) unit 2904, 581 sq. ft, 1 bedroom, Contact me for price

All the above units are going to be in the East tower. (there will be an east and a west tower)

Let me know if you are interested in any of these units and if you would like to purchase a unit BEFORE the sales event in July.

The excitement is growing and this project is looking really good. More and more news stories are focused on the gap that is growing in real estate values between the suburbs and the city. With DIRECT SUBWAY ACCESS Emerald Park is sure to be a fantastic investment both now and in the years to come and more and more Canadians ditch the suburbs and move back in the city. Just yesterday there was another article on this subject in the New York Times.

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Emerald Park by Bazi’s International at Yonge and Sheppard: VIP Sales

From Bazi’s International, the developer behind 1 Bloor and Crystal Blu, Emerald Park is about to be launched at Yonge and Sheppard.  Contact me now for your chance to buy before the public and save thousands.

Stand out features include direct subway access, high-end Miele appliances, 9′ ceilings, and LEED certification. Amenities include indoor pool, roof top terrace, party rooms, and state of the art fitness and Yoga centre. Every suite will have a balcony and terrace suites will be available.

Prices from the $200s but most suites 700 sq. ft and above will be in the 3s and 4s. Price per square foot is in the $460-500 range which is good considering the direct subway access feature (excellent for resale).

This is probably the most highly anticipated development in the Yonge and Sheppard corridor this year. Please contact me now if you are interested as it will sell quickly and prices will go up accordingly. GET IN EARLY!

Links (Get on my email list for updates as more information is released):

Floor plans

Terrace suite floor plans

Prices (with information about deposit structure, maintenance fees, occupancy dates etc.)

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