New Year, New Opportunities

By Barbara Lawlor

At Baker Real Estate Incorporated, we are looking forward to 2013 with excitement! Many of the condominiums that have been under construction will be completed and will begin occupying, which is always wonderful for suite owners and everyone in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Our new condos are architectural works of art, and they bring tremendous character to our streetscapes. In addition to stunning exteriors, the developers are paying attention to lush landscaping and including various highlights such as courtyards. Some are even creating new parks. Each building has a public art component, which enriches Toronto’s cultural arena, and even the entrances to the condos going up are making our urban landscape more attractive. We are seeing a real trend toward including retail venues on the ground floor, which enlivens the interaction with the streetscape and of course, adds wonderful convenience for residents.

The transformation of our significant intersections is particularly impressive. Take Yonge and Eglinton, which will be a hotspot to watch in the coming months. With the new Light Rapid Transit system planned to intersect there to become Toronto’s new transit hub, it is taking on a whole new character. Among the condominiums being offered in this sophisticated, trendy spot is E Condos. Residents will live in the midst of fabulous shopping, restaurants, movie theatres, clubs, and will offer direct underground access to the other three Yonge-Eglinton corners and the Yonge subway. E Condos is being created by Bazis Inc., Metropia Urban Landscapes and RioCan, which operates the Yonge Eglinton Centre across the street – also accessible through the underground retail concourse.

This new condominium’s exterior will invigorate the intersection with phenomenal architecture by renowned architect Rosario Varacalli. E Condos will introduce a first in Toronto – cantilevered glass-enclosed pools extending out from the 31st levels of the two towers. What a great opportunity for anyone who wants to live in this tremendous part of the city; now is an amazing time for investors to purchase in the area as well. 

On Eglinton just east of Bathurst, The Hill Condominiums in the Upper Village is a new boutique residence at Chiltern Hill Road – next to the elegant residences of Upper Forest Hill Village. Residents will enjoy shopping on Eglinton just steps from the front door, and the Eglinton West Subway Station is conveniently located a few blocks away at Allen Road. Plus, part of Toronto’s Transit City initiative, the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail system will soon provide another fast, reliable way to travel around the city, as far as Pearson International Airport.

In another exciting area of the city, the Bathurst-St. Clair neighbourhood has been one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets – but the secret is out now! Rise Condominiums is being offered by Reserve properties on the southeast corner of this bustling intersection. This emerging neighbourhood is literally steps to the subway and across the street from Loblaws, which used to be the Forest Hill Market. Again, the opportunity to live so close to a remarkable array of amenities is irresistible. The area is home to gorgeous parks, many of Toronto’s finest public schools, incredible bakeries, European cafés and popular restaurants such as The Stockyards, The Rushton and Ferro.

And the intersection at Bathurst and St. Clair will become even more visually vibrant, with Rise’s exterior by Graziani + Corazza Architects injecting the Mondrian style into the skyline! This iconic residence will feature horizontal and vertical white bands woven into the façade. Residents will have the use of 18,000 square feet of amenities including a fabulous infinity pool and terrace overlooking the St. Clair escarpment.

Of course, gorgeous new condos are becoming part of many places other than downtown, mid-town and uptown Toronto. In 2013, we are looking forward to representing condominiums coming to Markham, Etobicoke, Richmond Hill, Scarborough and other municipalities. As more people realize the tremendous benefits of condominium living and the world-class lifestyles offered in Toronto and the GTA, we are on track to continue our performance on the world stage as THE place to live!

Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com