A Panoramic Perch Overlooking Rosedale At Reputable Bloor Walk Condominium

If you ask most Torontonians to pick the centre axis of the city, they’d probably respond “Yonge and Bloor Streets”. Serving as the gateway to chic Bloor Street retailers, as well as the central pivot point of the Yonge and Bloor subway lines, no location in the city stands out as being the centrepoint by which all else radiates. Is this really true? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’  This is one of the greatest benefits of ‘Bloor Walk Condominium’. In proximity to so many fantastic neighbourhoods, it allows you a walking life where you can sample the best of each: including the designer flagships on Mink Mile, the galleries and boutiques of chic Yorkville, the parks and village shops of Cabbagetown, or even the fitness clubs and nightlife of The Village.

In addition to the synergistic ‘Bright Lights Big City’ vibe that embraces residents with a cool hip hug, this location is also amenity-rich – truly a nexus of convenience! The Manulife Centre just a block and a half west has one of my favourite Cineplex movie theatres with its large screens and plush seats, plus there’s an Indigo Bookshop, a liquor store and a grocer. Amidst the specialty shops and clothing retailers that dot Yonge Street, and tucked away on the tree-line avenues between Yonge and Church Street, you’ll find a whole slew of cute cafes and unique restaurants like WISH and O.Noir. You also can’t beat offerings like Blu on Yorkville Avenue if you’re craving Italian, or Constantine on Charles Street in the Andore House hotel for a diverse selection of Mediteranean cuisine. Basically, this is the kind of neighbourhood where, if you’ve had a long day at work and you’re too tired to cook, a short stroll from this quiet contemplative cul-de-sac will find you picking up some quality take-away or a seat for a decadent multi-course meal.

Love Toronto culture and sports? At Bloor Walk you’re also steps from the city’s premier cultural activities like The Royal Ontario Museum, The Royal Conservatory of Music or the Varsity Stadium which in the past has hosted Pan Am and Parapan AM Games. It’s a short subway ride to the Canadian Opera Company on University Avenue, and for those with children pursuing higher education, it’s a short stroll to the University of Toronto, ranked as one of the best globally.

A must-have for any urbanite is the proximity of public transportation. Nearby is the Yonge & Bloor Subway Station which takes you all points north, south, east and west. It’s also steps to the frequent and 24-hour bus routes along Yonge and Bloor. And for those who commute by car, access to the major highways is easy, given Church Street connects you to Rosedale Valley Road which will whisk you to Bayview Avenue, the Don Valley Parkway north, or south to the Gardiner Expressway. Flying Porter Airlines from the Island Airport? It’s a quick cab ride outside rush hour!

Most urbanites rate access to leisure and green space fairly high on their must-have lists, and Bloor Walk boasts convenient access to numerous locations. Stroll through the bucolic streets of tony Rosedale, or go for a bike ride through Cabbagetown – home to one of the largest collections of Victorian houses in North America and charming Riverdale Farm! Bloor Walk is also near our comprehensive ravine system that connects to the Don Valley and Evergreen Brick Works. Regardless of which direction you go, you’re certain to arrive at any number of perfect neighbourhood spots for fresh air, a cafe snack or retail therapy.

I have long admired Bloor Walk, which is one of my favourite buildings for prospective buyers. Constructed in 2004 by the Philmor Group, this condominium is home to 164 suites. Being 22 floors, the building is managed by Crossbridge Condominium Services, which is the largest residential condominium property management company in Ontario managing over 80,000 condominium units (Crossbridge Condominium Services Ltd. is owned by Brookfield Business Partners). The building – which underwent renovations in 2013 – offers a 24 hour concierge (managed by G4S) and a, state of the art security monitoring system. There is a Shared Amenities Agreement between this condominium and the neighbouring Couture Condos (28 Ted Rogers Way) which keeps fees reasonable, including the use of the ground floor pool and whirlpool with adjacent outdoor terrace, along with a health spa and fitness center. Specific to the complex is The Carlton Club, located on the top floor of the building, which includes a Card Room, Party Room, 2 Lounges, Games Room and a spectacular roof terrace with lush landscaping, 2 BBQ areas, and plenty of outdoor furnishings for lounging and dining.

This building is well-managed and reputable. Seventy-five per cent of the units have owner residents or children of owners residing in the units. Air BnB and other short term rentals are not allowed though short term rentals of at least 90 days are okay provided the Management Company is notified. The building has a No Smoking/No Cannabis rule in effect. Communication between the Owners and Management Company is done through ‘Condo Control Central’, an on line and app based portal which provides email communication and amenity booking opportunities. There are ten visitor parking spots underground, accessible from Jarvis Street. I’ve always secured a space every time I’ve visited. The building is in solid financial shape, and currently has a 2.5 month Operating budget surplus (216K) and $2.6 million in its Reserve Fund. The Reserve Fund study is up to date and the condominium corporation is on track with re-investment requirements. Incidentally, Fibre Stream will be available for residents starting late 2018.

Suite 2003 is a spectacular sub-penthouse with 2 balconies featuring exceptional postcard vistas. Offering 1524 square feet of living space, this expansive 2+1bed 2bath suite with north-east exposure offers quality fixtures and fittings. The foyer is a good size, with recessed lighting and conveniently located closet space. From the gracious foyer, the suite unfolds down a gallery hall past a 3-piece washroom with a glass shower, pedestal sink and pocket door. The layout flows into an expansive open-concept entertainment space that benefits from the light from a north-east exposure; the living space is amplified by a walk-out balcony.

The challenge in a condominium is to embrace the space and make it expand. This house-sized condominium feels even bigger with a well-proportioned floor plan, nine foot ceilings ,wood floors, tasteful moldings, and a rare-to-find gas fireplace. I envy the unusually spacious eat-in kitchen with ample stone counters, newer appliances including a built-in concealed laundry centre, and lots of storage. This kitchen also boasts pragmatic task-oriented recessed lighting, which home cooks will appreciate.

Offering the coveted split bedroom plan, the master bedroom features two walk-in closets with custom built-in hanging shelving and drawer. Other features in this indulgent sanctuary include recessed lighting and wood floors. The highlight, however, has to be a spectacular postcard view overlooking Bloor St and Rosedale. The master ensuite is quite dreamy! It’s the perfect space to unwind at the end of the day, with stone floors and counters, deep oval soaking tub, glass shower, double vanities, floor to ceiling cabinets and an expansive mirror over the vanity. Welcome to bliss.

The generous second bedroom – off the entertainment space – will accommodate each occupant’s specific requirements. Offering additional space and potential is the separate den, accessible from the hallway and currently connected to the master bedroom suite through pocket doors. Depending on your needs, it can easily be converted into a third bedroom for those with children. (If you do have children, note that this property is within walking distance to the beloved Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Schools, and Jarvis Collegiate for secondary students.)

Along with the exceptional space plan, this house-in-the-sky has direct seats ‘front-row-and-centre’ overlooking the historical Manufactures Life Insurance Building. Located at 200 Bloor Street East, this historical edifice was completed in 1925. Originally built having 8 stories, in 1953 an additional 12 stories were constructed keeping the original architectural concept in mind. The grounds are kept immaculate, often acknowledging cultural events and history including night lighting. It is, without a doubt, one of Toronto’s most beautiful buildings. Perfectly framed and positioned, this bird’s eye view of what I consider ‘quintessentially Gotham’ – with Rosedale beyond – is a beautiful sightline of our changing seasons and essentially priceless.

Featuring several upgrades and bespoke fittings, a deeded parking space with locker conveniently located near the elevator on P2, and reasonable common fees of $1339 per month plus approximately $135 per month for gas and hydro, this up-size or down-size swell-elegant condominium offers the best of the best in urban living.

Which begs the question: “Do you long for a home that is the embodiment of your downtown dreams?”. Well-positioned amongst coveted amenities, in a setting of uncompromising elegance, this sleek suite at 100 Hayden Street may be the perfect Home for you.

Want to know more? Email steve@urbaneer.com for more info!