The name “Bay Street” dates back to 1797. It joined Watts Street (Queen Street West) to a bay in the Toronto Harbor. Bay Street area is now home to four out of the five top Canadian banks. Bay Street is also synonymous with the country’s top law firms.

In recent years, the price of gas has skyrocketed and Torontonians are looking for affordable transportation options. The City of Toronto began planning developments centered on the idea of urban neighborhoods. The plan was to build affordable condos that would place mass transit, shopping, recreation, and childcare facilities within walking distance.

A reverse exodus from the suburbs to the urban center in Toronto began in earnest in the 1990s. Tired of long commutes on congested thoroughfares, city residents gave up their lives in the suburbs for condos closer to their workplaces.

The Bay Street area was part of the development process that drew residents to move in to the city. The neighborhood is full of new condominiums and townhomes. People can choose from upscale condos with great views and big prices. But there are affordable alternatives widely available in the area as well.

Condos have been going up on Bay Street for 20 years now. Older buildings across from U of T are popular with student renters, while the new luxury buildings on Charles Street attract international investors. There are 25 major Bay Street condos, most centered between Dundas and Bloor – though some are to the south, such as the new Trump Tower.

Medical residents, students, lawyers, doctors and those in the financial industry will find that living in a condo on Bay Street puts them within walking distance to work and everything else. Yorkville is just north, the subway is just to the east.

Call Laurin at 416-388-1960 or or email him today if you are interested in any of these Bay Street Condos! Please be sure to let us know if you think a condo is missing.

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1132 Bay – 1132 Bay Street Completed in 1983, the condo at 1132 Bay is located in Toronto’s business district, along the Bay Street corridor. Not far south, King and Bay is the Canadian version of Wall Street. This building at 1132 Bay Street is under good management and is located close to the exclusive Yorkville neighbourhood. The condos themselves are quite large, around 2,300 square feet each, and have nine foot ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Adding to the exclusivity, there are only two suites on each of the 18 floors! Building Amenities include a full fitness center, pool and outdoor party terrace. Some call this Park Avenue on Bay Street. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

1166 Bay – 1166 Bay Street Built in 1981, this 22-storey condo was developed by Cadillac Fairview when condos first started springing up along Bay Street. 1166 Bay Street houses 103 condos that are spacious and well designed. Fees are mid-range and building amenities include a party room, well-equipped fitness room, indoor pool, 24-hour concierge and valet parking. The condos are large, ranging in size from 2,005 square feet to 2,210 square feet, and offer generous floor plans. Stop by 1166 Bay Street when looking for a Toronto condo that is close to everything but still reasonably priced. Bay street is a must see. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

1331 Bay – 1331 Bay Street This striking building houses only a modest 38 condos that are well appointed with in-suite laundry facilities, marble bathtub and shower, and balconies. There is an atrium lobby and the penthouses have large terraces. The building boasts generous amenities such as a recreation room, party room, and well-equipped fitness room, in addition to a sun deck, whirlpools, a car wash bay, convenience store and storage areas. There are rare spacious condo floor plans in this building including 850-square-foot one-bedrooms with 9-foot ceilings. Compare this to new condominiums where 850 square feet would likely be 2 bedroom condos. Many suites have real wood burning fireplaces and bathrooms with separate shower stalls. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Allegro at Opera Place – 887, 889 & 909 Bay Street The Allegro at Opera Place condos are located on the east side of Bay Street and south of Wellesley. It is a beautiful building that was built in 2000 with style in mind. The condos have large windows and spectacular city views. The Allegro and Opera Place buildings have many different condo layouts from bachelor to three bedroom suites. Most of the units have balconies, some have patios and the upper suites on the east exposure have a lake view. Amenities include an exercise room, a party/meeting room, guest suites, visitor parking, 24-hour concierge and security. The condo building even has a patio garden on the eighth floor. This condo is named Opera Place in memory of a failed plan to build a new Opera House for Toronto on this site. Plans for the Opera House were cancelled in the early 1990s, when a new Opera House was built in the 2000s, it was located elsewhere in the city. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

The Artisan – 152 St. Patrick Street Another Tridel building completed in the late 1990’s, The Artisan is located near the financial district, as well as Chinatown and Queen West. Choose from one of 135 condos that feature generous floor plans and range in size up to almost 1,500 square feet – and there are two-storey penthouses. All of the Artisan condos feature large windows and finishes of contemporary design. The condo fees are mid-range in this mid-rise condo building. The Artisan is a 14-storey condo building of modern clay brick. It is attached to Village by the Grange, a shopping mall with trendy restaurants, a diverse array of shops and services. Amenities include a party room with wet bar and kitchen, recreation center, beautifully landscaped outdoor patio and exercise facilities. There is also a 24-hour concierge service. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

College Park – 761 & 763 Bay Street Phases 1 and 2 of The Residences of College Park are located at 761 & 763 Bay Street. The College Park condos are downtown Toronto’s most distinguished and distinctive condominium address, as lavish in its interior appointments, as it is central in its Bay and College location. The two condo towers were complete a few years, built by Canderel Stoneridge. The north tower is 52 storeys with 543 units and the south tower is 45 storeys 528 units. There are also 12 townhouses. The Residences at College Park enjoy direct underground access from the building to the College subway station. Everyone is looking forward to the new and exciting Aura Condos, the third and final Condominium phase For College Park, it should also be one of the “in places” in Toronto. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Aura (College Park Phase 3) – Yonge and Gerrard Phase 3 of the very popular College Park condo complex, Aura is something completely new in the Toronto condo market. Soaring above Toronto at 76 storeys, one of Canada’s tallest condominiums will punctuate the city’s skyline like no other building. Aura is setting new standards for both its vertical stature and architectural excellence and offers residents the ultimate in luxurious living, with elegantly appointed suites, expansive views of the city skyline and a three-storey podium floor with prime retail space and superior amenities. The building also offers direct underground access to the subway and a connection to the PATH. Aura is being developed by Canderel Stoneridge Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Burano – 832 Bay Street Burano Condominiums is the newest and hottest addition to Bay Street. Like its Italian namesake, the Burano Condos incorporate the unique and colourful art of the famed northern Italian culture in its design sensibilities. The three-storey glass lobby is just the first hint of the beauty to follow. The old world meets the refineries of modern at Burano. Climbing up from the chic retail space in the podium carved from the gorgeous old Addison on Bay building, Burano is a 48-storey tower consisting of condos ranging from 450-square-foot 1-bedroom suites to 1,400-square-foot 3-bedroom-plus-den suites. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Century Plaza – 24 Wellesley Street West The condos of Century Plaza are minutes from all the action. Centrally located near Bay and Wellesley, Century Plaza is a well-established and well-maintained condominium in the heart of downtown Toronto. Originally built in the late 1980s, this complex has undergone major renovations in recent years – it now boasts a new upscale lobby and common area finishes. Century Plaza is one of the few buildings in the city where you can find a suite with a 600+ square foot terrace overlooking Toronto’s beautiful skyline. Walking distance to Yorkville, Hospital Row and TTC at your doorstep. Century Plaza boasts a 24-hour concierge, roof top terrace with outdoor hot tub, gym with views of the city and lake, whirlpool, sauna, library, party room and visitor’s parking. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Conservatory Tower – 736 Bay Street This Bay Street condo building is centrally located north of Gerrard Street West. Developed by the Conservatory Group in 1993, it rises 31 floors with 372 units. The condos range from 460-square-foot one bedrooms to 1,266-square-foot two bedrooms suites – most with balconies. Short walk to restaurants, College Park, TTC and more. Conservatory Tower condo facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, fitness area, meeting and party rooms, 24-hour concierge and visitor parking. The Conservatory Tower has bachelor suites, one and two bedroom condos. The suites range in size from 460 to 1,266 square feet. Most condos have a balcony, some have terraces. Not everyone like the way it looks – and the condo fees are quite high. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Elev’n 21 – 1121 Bay Street Located where everything is happening – at fashionable Bloor/Yorkville. International designer shops, art galleries, chic restaurants, cinemas, world-class hotels and museums are all at just outside the front door of Elev’n 21. Elev’n 21’s 21 storeys of modern Italian-style glass architecture has a sweeping 2-storey colonnade and oval shaped wood paneled lobby. Condo amenities include 24-hour security and concierge, rooftop lounge and terrace, exercise room, saunas, party room and theatre room. Elev’n 21 offers one and two bedroom condos, ranging in size from 500 to 1,500 square feet. Most of the condos have balconies and floor to ceiling windows with 9′ or 10′ ceilings. Completed in 2002 by Edilcan Group, Elev’n 21 occupies the site of the former La Scala, an upscale restaurant where the governing elite of Ontario used to congregate. The public art in Elev’n21, along with the nearby La Scala lane, both commemorate this institution. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Four Seasons Private Residences – 1263 Bay Street At the top of Bay Street, in the heart of Yorkville, is the new Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences. Boasting some of Toronto’s most luxurious condos, this landmark complex comprises two glass towers. The West Residence is 55 stories with residences beginning on the twenty-fourth floor, while the East Residence is a 25 story tower with 107 units. The 55-storey tower sits atop a terraced 6-storey podium building, which occupies the entire Bay Street frontage. The two towers are linked together with a central access courtyard at grade, as well as by a pedestrian bridge at the 6th storey level. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

The Gallery – 25 Grenville Street Built in 1989, The Gallery is a great starter condo right in the heart of downtown Toronto, close to the College subway. Building amenities include 24-hour concierge, exercise room, rooftop deck, sauna and a movie screening room. This condo has some of the best buys in downtown Toronto, offering more square footage for the price. Shops, restaurants, art galleries and the university are nearby, and the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway are accessible. The Gallery is comprised of about 200 condos, ranging from bachelors to two bedrooms with solariums. The condos range in size from 420 to 1,020 square feet, many with views of the downtown Toronto skyline. The 25-story Gallery rises above the facade of the old Jenkins’ Antique and Art Galleries, constructed in 1917 Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Horizon on Bay – 633 Bay Street The condos of Horizon on Bay at 633 Bay Street are located on the east side of Bay Street, just north of Dundas. The Horizon was the first condo on Bay Street, built in 1984 by Tridel (and has some of the lowest condo fees, amazingly enough!). This 26-storey condo is comprised of approximately 476 suites, in one and two bedroom layouts, ranging from 650 to 1,100 square feet. There are about 10 different floor plans in the Horizon on Bay, some with balconies. The building has undergone renovations to the lobby, pool, hallways and rooftop. Amenities include 24-hour concierge/security, fitness centre, indoor pool with whirlpool, saunas, squash courts and a lovely rooftop garden with hot tub and BBQs. The Horizon on Bay is one of the better value condos on Bay Street. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

The Liberties – 711, 717 Bay Street & 44 Gerrard Street West The Liberties Condos are in a central location in the downtown core, right beside the Residences of College Park. Comprised of three adjoining towers (Tower I: 717 Bay, Tower II: 711 Bay, Tower III: 44 Gerrard), the condo building is one of the few in the area which have condos with terraces larger than 300 square feet. The Liberties has recently undergone major renovations which have provided for a modern, chic look. Boasting a New York style lobby with two entrances to each tower and a security gatehouse located right in the centre of the three towers. The Liberties has studios, junior one bedrooms, one bedrooms and two bedroom condos with a den. The suites range in size from 500 to 1,400 square feet. The amenities include and exercise room, aerobic studio, party room, whirlpool, indoor swimming pool, saunas, billiard room, indoor running track, 24 hour security and concierge, video room with large screen TV, hobby rooms, 2 patio roof gardens, roof top BBQs and much more. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Lumiere – 770 Bay Street Lumiere Condominiums on Bay is one of the newest condos on Bay Street, featuring a glass-clad 30-storey exterior design and about 330 suites in total. The project has a two-storey art deco-style lobby with a 24-hour concierge, as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a landscaped rooftop patio. The condos have nine-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, engineered wood flooring, porcelain tile floors, granite countertops and backsplashes. Amenities at Lumiere Condo on Bay include a 24-hour concierge, pool, multi-purpose room, games and entertainment room, screening room, two guest suites, gym and yoga/meditation room and a landscaped rooftop patio. Lumiere is close to the College subway station and a 24-hour Dominion. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Minto Plaza – 38 Elm Street Standing 34 stories high, Minto Plaza is located on Elm Street between Bay and Yonge. Next door is the Delta Chelsea Hotel, and nearby you will find restaurants such as La Commensal, Bangkok Garden, Oro, Il Fornello, Adega, Donatello and Barberian’s Steak House. A few minutes walk to the Atrium on Bay, Eaton Centre, Ryerson University, hospitals and theatres. Minto Plaza condo amenities include the Lord Minto Club with piano lounge and bar, three party rooms, ballroom, gym, aerobic studio, billiard room, game room, video room, two meeting rooms, indoor swimming pool, whirl pool, sauna and a huge sundeck. The Minto Plaza has condos ranging in size from 608 square feet to over 1,000 square feet. Some suites have balconies. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Murano – 37 Grosvenor Street & 879 Bay Street Murano Condos is a complex of 2 towers rising from a 2-story podium featuring recreational amenities above retail shopping. Between the 35-story North Tower (37 Grosvenor Street) and the 41-story South Tower (38 Grenville Street) Murano boasts 397 condos ranging from simple flats to penthouses with each suite having exciting city and/or lake views from expansive windows and a spacious balcony or terrace. The lobby features a collection of imported Venetian glass sculptures. Centrally located along Bay Street, just north of College, Murano Condos are close to the TTC, Yonge Street, Financial and Entertainment Districts. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

One City Hall – 111 Elizabeth Street Good location and smart design are what drove Diamante Developments on their One City Hall condo project. Smaller appliances and flexible living areas make this condo work. Purchasers had the option of going with smaller appliances to increase kitchen cabinet space, and the mobile breakfast bar can be moved around and used as a dining table for 6. Spanning one city block, this condominium has 583 units and is 16 storeys high. Amenities include 24-hour concierge, lap pool area with whirlpool, elaborate exercise facility, guest suites, party room, sauna rooftop deck, business centre, meeting room and guest suites. The lower 10 floors have 8-foot ceilings, with 9 feet the standard from floors 11 to 16. One City Hall condos range in size from 370 to 940 square feet. Trivia – try to find a 4 anywhere in the building! Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

The Penrose – 750 Bay Street The Penrose Condo was developed by H&R Developments in 1999. Located on the west side of Bay Street just north of Gerrard, it rises 31 floors and houses 220 units. The condos range from 500-square-foot one bedrooms up to 1,179-square-foot two bedrooms. Most suites have balconies. Located at the southwest corner of Bay and College Street, minutes away from Eaton Centre, hospitals, Ryerson, U of T and government buildings. Amenities at The Penrose include an indoor pool, sauna & whirlpool, exercise & recreation rooms, party room, running track and 24-hour security & concierge. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

The Polo Club – 1055 Bay Street & 44 St. Joseph Street The Polo Club is a prestigious Bay Street condominium, well-established and conveniently located. Built by Tridel in 1986-1987, Polo Club I is 28 stories high, while Polo Club II has 22 floors. Housing over 700 suites, the Polo Club condos offer a total condo package which includes a great location and generous amenities. Suites are vary widely, with sizes ranging from 490-square-foot studios up to huge 2,700-square-feet two-plus-dens. The Polo Club buildings offer a 24-hour concierge, swimming pools, party rooms, meeting rooms, billiards rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, whirlpools and rooftop terraces. Conveniently located near parks, Toronto University, businesses, restaurants and entertainment – the Polo Club leaves little to be desired. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

The Royalton – 801 Bay Street The Royalton condominium was built in 2000 by Diamante (of One City Hall fame). The Royalton has condos that range from studios up to and 2 bedrooms with a den. The studios are around 575 square feet, one bedrooms from 651 to 800 square feet and two bedroom suites between 850 and 1,150 square feet. The building has underground parking. The suites have modern and high quality finishes, most with balconies. At the north end of Bay Street, it is walking distance to Yorkville, world-class shopping and fabulous restaurants. Just across the street from College Park and College subway stations, The Royalton is an excellent example of what Toronto condo living is all about. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Strasscorp – 1001 Bay Street This established downtown condominium residence provides the perfect blend of downtown flair and secure, luxury living. The Strasscorp at 1001 Bay Street is a gorgeous 36-storey Toronto condo building shimmering black glass and granite cladding. Amenities include an indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, basketball and squash court, guest parking, fitness centre and rooftop patio with BBQs and deck for those hot summer days. The Strasscorp condos include studios, one, two and three bedroom layouts – as well as a lavish executive penthouse – ranging in size from 498 to 1,316 square feet. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Success Tower – 33 Bay Street Success 2 at Pinnacle Centre is the newest addition to this stunning community in the heart of the city. Located at 33 Bay Street, the residences of Success 2 are designed to enhance your condo living experience. Elegantly appointed features and finishes, and private spacious balconies overlooking the waterfront and the city. Residents of Success 2 will also enjoy all of the fabulous convinces available at the Pinnacle Centre, include the 30,000 square foot pinnacle Club that features wide variety of exclusive amenities. Offering the best of downtown Toronto, Success 2 at Pinnacle Centre is only minutes away from the Financial, Entertainment and Theatre Districts, as well as the city’s finest shops, restaurants and major league sports venues. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Trump Toronto Tower – 325 Bay Street Trump Toronto now soars 65 stories above Adelaide and Bay, represents history in the making. The hotel, for example, will be one of the city’s first five-star properties. The amenities, the level of service, the finishes and appointments of the condo residences themselves approach the exquisite. The residences are simply breathtaking. They occupy floors 35 through 70 and range from 2,226-square-foot, two-bedroom suites to a magnificent, 7,000 square-foot Grand Skyplex occupying the top three floors of the towering building. There is also a series of bi-level Skyplex units with floors connected by grand staircases, lit by 22-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows. There is absolutely nothing else in Toronto that compares. Contact us today if this condo interests you. ———-

Queens Park Place – 62 Wellesley Street West Somewhat obviously, this building gets its name from its proximity to Queens Park. Convenient location and good value is what best describes this older condominium building (completed in late 1981 by Greenwin) just off the Bay Street strip. U of T, Yorkville, Museums, Shops and restaurants are all nearby. The price per square foot of the building is good value. Many of the 103 condos in this 18 storey building have been extensively renovated. The condos range in size from 1,280-square-foot one bedrooms to a 1,900-square-foot three bedroom. There is a large rooftop indoor pool, 24-hour security/concierge, squash court, fitness facility and large sun terrace. Contact us today if this condo interests you.

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Many of the best condos in Toronto are along the bustling Bay Street corridor. They’re popular with people employed in the many nearby corporate and financial head offices, hospitals, universities and government offices – plus investors looking to rent to local students.

Make downtown Toronto your playground! Come home after work, take off your suit and get out for a night on the town. Choose from dozens of world-class theatres and concert halls, or barhop through clubs and pubs and bars. Sample the city’s finest shopping, from posh Yorkville to the Eaton Centre and sparkling Dundas Square. Or taste the world at Kensington Market and Chinatown with their multicultural smorgasbord of restaurants.

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information – 416-388-1960

Laurin Jeffrey is a Toronto Realtor with Century 21 Regal Realty. He did not
write these articles, he just reproduces them here for people who are
interested in Toronto real estate. He does not work for any builders.
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