By Martin Slofstra – Toronto Sun

With a staggering 265 new condo sites in and around Toronto to choose from, there certainly was no shortage of candidates for a recent “condo tour” organized by market researcher Urbanation and the Ontario Home Builder Association.

Regardless, the final list of five sites — The Fly Condo, Five St. Joseph, The Berczy, River City and Trinity — offers proof there are a lot of “exciting new designs” and an “unprecedented range of choice,” says Ben Myers, Urbanation vice-president and tour host . Myers expects strong demand for condos to continue for the rest of the year. “There will be no bubble burst here,” he confidently says.

A good example is the “FIVE Condo” at 5 St. Joseph St. which celebrated its opening in June. It is already two- thirds sold. A fantastic location (on a historic, tree-lined street near Yonge and Bloor) is critical, but buyers want more than that.

Outstanding architecture, sophisticated interiors and a complete package of amenities also helps, says Gary Switzer, CEO for MOD Developments which is in a joint venture with Graywood Developments Ltd. to develop the Five St. Joseph historical building/condo project.

“Tastes are changing, the condo buyer (in Toronto) has never been more sophisticated, and people want more than glassboxes on generic street fronts,” he says. “Renovating this historic building — we believe — is a good start.”

River City

Although only now in its first phase (16 storeys, 348 units), observers can’t help but be impressed by this ambitious project which seeks to “build an entire community from scratch.” It also hopes to benefit from plans for Toronto’s new revitalized waterfront, and when fully built out, will include 23 acres of parks and public space on what is now industrial wasteland. Approximately 900 suites are to be built over four phases in the next five to seven years. As for the condos units themselves, many include high-design loft styles and are LEED-certified.

The Berczy

Concert Properties’ first condo project in Toronto, the Berczy takes its name after the park located adjacent to site of this planned 13-storey, heritage-inspired midrise that is designed to blend seamlessly into its neighbourhood. And it’s off to a fast start — 80% sold since its May 15 launch. Carol Hrabi says there’s a lot of interest in the architectural heritage of Front St. E. The right combination of lifestyle and amenities also helps seal the deal.

Fly Condos

‘Location’ and ‘lifestyle’ are the two selling points at Empire’s FlyCondo unit. “You start with a lifestyle before you talk about a building,” says Paul Golini, executive v-p at Empire Communities of the effort to combine “uptown chic with downtown cool.” The 24-storey, 45-unit design had to go back to the drawing board after a failed launch during a slow economic period in September 2008. Since its re-launch, it is now 93% sold, benefitting from a prime Spadina and Front St. location.

Five – Joseph St.

Buildings need personality, insists Anne Simone of this edgy design found within this combination 45-storey condo development/restoration project on a charming street located near Yonge and Bloor. A restoration has to be more than skin-deep, she says, and carried through from the exterior to the interior, and beyond the lobby and into every unit. The project had an impressive opening weekend in June and is already two-thirds sold. Construction is expected to begin at the end of the year.

Trinity Lofts

And what’s not to ‘desire’ about this small boutique entry from Streetcar which specializes in four to eight storey, 50 to 100 unit “high-rise alternatives.” Located in Toronto’s distillery district, the project gets its mojo from the nearby Corktown district and its Victorian style buildings. It will also be a big part of the eastern Donlands revitalization effort.The developer gets its name, as all sites are located along streetcar lines, explains Jeanhy Shim.

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information  –  416-388-1960

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