When my single, professional, female first-time buyer enlisted my services to find her the ideal one bedroom condo for under $350,000, I knew it might take some time to find her ‘Perfect Place’. Her wish list included a kitchen that would accommodate some serious cooking, ‘good flow’ for entertaining, expansive operable windows for fresh air and abundant light, and a balcony. Oh, and she wanted it to be located in a vibrant dynamic area within walking distance to her work in Toronto’s central business district. Was this possible?
It took a few months for my Buyer and I to view a range of buildings in a variety of locations, which is par for the course for any consumer becoming educated in Toronto’s expansive condominium market. As my discerning buyer identified which areas she felt most comfortable, what buildings complimented her aesthetic, and the types of unit layouts that best suited her lifestyle, she narrowed her search to a few select condominiums in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. And then we waited for the right opportunity.
You may already know I love the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood! I adore its charming streetscapes and vintage buildings, the colourful mix of retail and cafes, its lickety split accessibility to other parts of the city, and its village-like community ambience. Here’s a past blog on the St. Lawrence Market, which has been operating since the early 1800s. And if you’re already keen on this location and considering a purchase, here’s a great vintage loft I currently have listed for $369,900.
There are several condominiums in this location which I consider Winners. The place that caught my buyer’s heart was the very fresh, urbane, and recently completed ‘London On The Esplanade’ located on Scott Street across from the Hummingbird Centre. Developed by Cityzen Development Group, the 400+ suites are situated in two towers of fifteen and thirty-three storeys high bridged by a 5 storey podium containing lofts, amenities and retail shops fronting onto The Esplanade. The thirty-three storey West Tower on Scott Street is a glass point tower mirroring the modern highrises of the financial district, while the smaller tower to its east has a more traditional brick design to reflect the character of The Esplanade. Featuring 24 hour security, this complex is also equipped with a luxe 10,000 square foot amenity space including outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, multi-purpose room, games room, board room, lounge, theatre, guest suite, workout facilities including aerobics room and spa, plus terraces on the third and sixth floors. Here’s a pic of the glittering lobby:
The turn-key one bedroom one bath suite, perched on the 31st floor with a sun-drenched east exposure, is around 615 square feet of efficiently-designed well-proportioned space. Having an unusual five-sided floor plan, the spacious layout met all the criteria on my buyer’s wish list including a generous cook’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, stone counters, and an over-sized dining island. Featuring quality fittings like wood flooring, marble tiling in the washroom, and nine foot ceilings, this bright airy space feels alot like a luxe boutique hotel suite. And with its floor-to-ceiling bedroom window and the entertainment zone’s extra tall sliding doors accessing a glass-wrapped balcony, the high floor siteline is pure sky-lake-cityvista sensational.
Here’s some photos from mls:
Interestingly, the listing broker (another firm) brought this property to market at a ‘curiously low’ list price of $339,900, even though an identical unit on a lower floor had commanded $355,000 only a few months earlier. My client, by this time a well-informed prudent buyer, was quick to view and quick to offer. Because of her prompt initiative she managed to secure the property for $338,000 – nearly five percent less than the previous sale!
If a condominium like this is the kind of Toronto living space you envision for yourself or someone you love, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance!
~ Steven and the urbaneer team
Buy Of The Month
Real Estate
