Glas – The epitome of infill condos and lofts in Toronto
A virtual dream team has been working on a new condo development in Toronto – Glas Condominiums. The four individuals behind the design, development and sales are: architect, Peter Clewes of architectsAlliance (Four Seasons, Radio City, 18 Yorkville, Tip Top Lofts); developers Mark Hewitt of Niche Developments (the former VP of Development behind CityPlace and the former executive director of Emaar Properties Dubai), and Walter Harhay (developer of Zen Lofts, Abbey Lane Lofts, 169 and East); and Brad J. Lamb, condo broker of over 80 new projects in central Toronto. These guys know what they are doing.
From the outset, the idea behind Glas Condominiumswas development without compromise. The team wanted to create a landmark infill high rise that would stand the test of time. It would be a modern icon that people would stop to stare at.
“From the start the shape of the site allowed for the creation of the wide-shallow suite, the holy grail of floor plans,” says broker Brad J. Lamb. “These plans are twice as wide as they are deep allowing for maximum glass, which is very rare in the city.
“The development sits in the hot spot of King Street West and Spadina, just steps from the financial district, the theatre district, and the entertainment district,” says Lamb. “Charlotte Street is a quiet street that connects King Street West to Adelaide Street West, so you’re in the heart of the city yet ensconced in a quiet lane. It is a part of the city that feels very much like Soho in New York City; it is one of Toronto’s most exciting developing neighbourhoods.”
Glas Condominiums was conceived to be all about light and glass – essentially it is the epitome of modern architectural design. The nature of small infill-type sites allows for interesting buildings.
The main level of Glas Condominiums has seven lofthouses ranging from 1,250 to 1,500 sq. ft. Ceiling heights soar to 20 ft. high in the living room and are 10 ft. high everywhere else. All lofthouses feature two bedrooms and include an attached parking garage with locker.
“We invented the lofthouses for Glas Condominiums, which are totally unique to Toronto. Buyers really like the two level through designs with private parking, as four homes have already sold,” says Lamb. The second to 10th floors have flats with nine-ft. ceilings ranging in size from 410 to 1,000 sq. ft. The 11th to 16th floors have lofts and penthouses with 10-ft. ceilings ranging in size from 625 to 1,850 sq. ft. “The two-level penthouses have large terraces and spectacular finishes,” says Lamb. “Our penthouses are incredible!
Each has a huge terrace off the living and dining areas. They range from 1,100 sq. ft., two bedrooms to 1,850 sq. ft., three bedrooms.”
The team has assembled a unique array of finishes including Italian-style kitchens, gas cooking, gas on all balconies or terraces, four premium stainless steel appliances, stone counters, premium hardwood floors and contemporary bathroom fixtures and styling. “The finishes at Glas Condominiums are the best I’ve ever seen offered in Toronto. There is truly no need to upgrade,” adds Lamb.
“We did not want to just build an average building.” says Mark Hewitt of Niche Developments. “This is a small infill site that could have been lost to a marginal development; instead we are building something here that is beautiful inside and out. Peter Clewes [architectsAlliance] has outdone himself.”
The development is now 50% sold out and the application for building permit has been submitted with construction to start in the fall. Prices at Glas Condominiums start at $153,900 and run to $904,900.
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