I think we can all agree that no landmark represents Toronto more than the CN Tower which – from 1976 until 2007 – reigned as the world’s tallest structure. (Eventually, the engineering marvel Burj Khalifa in Dubai took that crown.) Even so, it still retains a spot in the top 10 tallest structures in the world at 553.33 meters (1,815 feet and 5 inches).
Completed as a testament to the strength and endurance of Canadian industry, 1537 workers toiled around the clock, 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 40 months to build the CN Tower. It weighs 117,910 metric tonnes (or 130,000 tons), contains 40,524 m3 (or 53,000 cubic yards) of concrete, 998km (or 620miles) of post-tensioned steel, 4,535 metric tonnes (or 5,000 tons) of reinforcing steel, and 544.2 metric tonnes (or 600 tons) of structural steel!
Which means you can’t miss it!
But have you ever thought about how the CN Tower – as a significant focal point on our urban landscape – influences the Toronto real estate market?
A Landmark Like No Other
Face it, when your city has a phallic symbol 1800 feet high, you can’t ignore it. It’s impossible. It’s omnipresent.
Every day – and at any time – when you navigate the city and you look up, the CN Tower is always there standing tall, guiding you home like a compass needle. Truly, the longer you live here, the more you come to rely on it like a trusted beacon. Which makes it impossible not to fall under the spell of this iconic monument. Over time, when you can gauge the time based on how the sunlight hits it, and you recognize what holiday, event, or celebration is on the calendar based on the Tower’s evening light show, you realize the CN Tower has become an essential point of reference for everyday life. It mnemonically anchors us.
Because the CN Tower serves as a collective place maker for all Torontonians – and because it’s beautiful to look at – it would stand to reason that having a view of the CN Tower from your home would be considered prized.
In fact, when it comes to Toronto real estate, be assured if a property has even a hint of the Tower in its sight lines, you’ve got a hot commodity on your hands. Like any property that has a view, to have even a glimpse of the Tower enhances its desirability. Even if you have to stand on a balcony and turn your head 120 degrees to get a peek, being able to see the CN Tower from your abode bestows an automatic cachet.
Back in the 90s, when I was in the early stages of designing my brick and beam loft in The Button Factory, I discovered one could glimpse the CN Tower through the 6 x 9 foot factory window of my second-level primary bedroom. Its spire reached above the rooftops of the houses on Clinton Street, and to capitalize on this sight line, I elevated the master ensuite washroom two steps up, so when I emerged from admiring myself in the mirror, I could easily see it sparkling over the prettiest city gardens and enjoy the peek-a-view of the CN Tower!
This is what we Torontonians do if we have a CN Tower view!
The Everyday Mindset Of A Toronto Realtor
As a realtor who sells from The Beach to The Kingsway, and from Lake Ontario as far north as Sheppard, the CN Tower is my compass. It’s what I look for as I navigate the dozens of arterial roads I drive most days. Furthermore, every property I list or show is marked on my mental map relative to its proximity to the CN Tower. It’s not something I consciously do, but it’s how I think. And if I can see the CN Tower from a property I’m promoting, I always take a pic.
Torontonians & Tourists, & Relocaters Love A CN Tower View!
Years ago, when I arrived in Toronto to attend university I was blown away to see the CN Tower glittering in the sky as the car whisked me from the airport into the city on the Gardiner Expressway. I marvelled at its looming stature and space-age shape; to me, it represented a life of new beginnings. Since then I often wonder if every new arrival to Toronto is equally transfixed. I believe so. As far as I’m concerned, to be in its presence truly signals you’ve arrived.
In this regard, it’s not only Torontonians who covet a view of the CN Tower. It’s also any mover and shaker corporate relocation coming to the Bright Lights Big City urbanscape of The6ix with the aim of advancing their success and career path. After all, what could be more affirming than orienting your new Toronto life with a vista of our city’s infamous edifice? Nothing else screams “You Are HERE!” like a CN Tower view!
Yes, You Must Go Up The CN Tower
I highly recommend you go up the CN Tower. While a ticket up the tower currently costs $40, it’s the only game in town to get a bird’s eye view of Toronto (unless you buy my penthouse listing!). It’s totally worth it, though make sure you go on a clear day to see the forever views and go early as the line-ups can be onerous. Every time I go I still shudder when I step on the Glass Floor (apparently it can support the weight of 35 moose!), and I have yet to brave the EdgeWalk – where you strap on a safety harness, go onto the roof of the CN Tower restaurant and hang off the edge – which is well-suited to thrill-seekers. The revolving restaurant in the CN Tower – called The 360 – is a bit pricey but you can access the LookOut and Glass Floor levels of the CN Tower, following your meal, with the purchase of a prix fixe by each guest. I once took a friend keen to overcome his fear of heights to The 360 one winter’s eve and I have to say the meal – which uses Canadian ingredients – was very good, and we sat in an elevated booth which was very comfortable!
Here’s the website for the CN Tower!
Take a peek at this listing we SOLD in Leslieville. We call it: So Sweet Ya Gotta Brush Yer Teeth – On Colgate Avenue In Leslieville.
This sun-kissed ground floor unit – one of only two 2-bed units on this level – has a premium patio with south exposure. Seriously, whether you’re in the bloom of youth, baby-making, giving your boss the Freedom 55 finger – or just YOU being YOU – when you live here life will be more dynamic, people will be more engaging, and everything that matters will be within walking distance!
Here are six other listings we’ve sold that had their own unique CN Tower point of view!
660 Eglinton Ave West #703
You won’t want to miss having a peek at this penthouse that boasts swoon-worthy twilight city vistas! Have a peek-a-view at A Panoramic Penthouse Perch In Forest Hill! This generous one-bedroom penthouse suite (it used to be two bedrooms!) is over 1000 square feet, with a large south-facing terrace of almost 300 square feet! Dreamy! NOW SOLD!
68 Broadview #404
Loft 404 is prized for its industrial aesthetic, airy & expansive dimensions, and twinkling city vistas! The raw and authentic brick-and-beam backdrop is enhanced by modern upgrades and a functional space plan with delineated zones for lounging, dining, culinary excellence, and respite! NOW SOLD!
Here’s How Urbaneer’s Custom Marketing Program Sold This Authentic Broadview Loft In Riverside.
8 Dovercourt Road – Art Condos
This offering was an efficient thoughtful urban retreat that’s perfect for busy professionals – swinging singles and contemporary couples alike! Those who have dreamt of owning a succulent slice of downtown will adore this bright and airy dwell, perched above the crowds and clamour, with peaceful panoramic views of residential treescapes, the city skyline, and even the CN Tower! Check it out here: The Perfect Canvas At Art Condos Near West Queen West!
1 Shaw Street – DNA Lofts
If you love to lounge or dine alfresco with the affirming image of Toronto’s famous tower in the background – a big city, bright lights reminder, or the urban paradise you’re a part of – then you’ll love our past listing, called: A Cool, Contemporary Sky-High Suite On King West! It’s NOW SOLD, but check out that panorama!
660 Pape Avenue – The Glebe
There was also a great view from an exceptional 2-storey custom loft I sold in a converted church in Riverdale on the east side last year! If your tastes tend toward an architecturally unique custom 2-level 2bed/den 2bath 2parking loft with some history, check out A Heavenly Sanctuary In A Converted Riverdale Church – NOW SOLD!
33 Charles Street East – Penthouse 1 – Casa Condominio
In addition to the sweeping south vista of Lake Ontario and the downtown core, this 2level 2bed/den 3bath 2parking 1locker glass-wrapped 1980 square foot contemporary jewel-box of perfection features nearly 1300 square feet of outdoor space perched on the 46th and 47th floor near Yonge & Bloor. If you’re cosmopolitan, a non-conformist, and on-trend (if not trend-setting!) this rare offering – NOW SOLD – would have been a good fit for you! –> Culture, Couture & Contemporary Living At Casa Condominio Near Yonge & Bloor!
Did you enjoy this?
You might also enjoy our posts on some other Toronto landmarks!
Graffiti Alley Is Toronto’s Laneway Louvre
Rediscovering The Royal Ontario Museum In Toronto, Ontario
Are You An Architectural History Buff? We Adore The Dazzling Distillery District!
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