A Family-Friendly Towne In Davenport Village

The Davenport Village Neighbourhood

Welcome to Davenport Village – just north of the Wallace-Emerson and east of The Junction neighbourhoods in the central west end – which collectively comprises 3 dynamic locations with significant post-industrial re-development. For those in the know, being on trend is not just about timing and good taste; it’s about recognizing the direction of a location’s rebirth well in advance of others. Davenport Village – along with its sister ‘hoods – carries a certain freshness, a hint of grit, and a lot of promise. Limited manufacturing still dots the surrounding area, and while the Canadian Pacific Railway operates a mainline intersecting these areas, one can already see a large amount of former industrial space has been converted into more contemporary uses like art galleries, services, and coffee shops. The immediate vicinity, long home to a diverse community which historically was predominantly Portuguese, Italian, and Latin American is, like many of Toronto’s urban ecosystems undergoing rebirth into a new lifecycle, attracting a new generation of first and second generation Canadians who appreciate its great value and access to downtown. This area, like much of the central west-end, is a testament to how neighbourhoods are multi-faceted; history, culture, geography, and time all play a role in the formation of the layers that combine to promote an eclectic vibe while creating a rich community tapestry.

The housing stock surrounding Davenport Village consists of working and middle-class row, semi, and detached homes dating around one hundred years old, while Davenport Village itself is newer. Bounded by Dupont Street to the south and Davenport Avenue to the north, and running west from Lansdowne Avenue to the CN Rail line, Davenport Village – once a brownfield site used by GE Canada – comprises 9 phases of residential or live/work housing in addition to lifestyle-supportive retail and service amenities. Six phases have been completed over the past 13 years (Phase 1 was completed in 2006), while the next phases are being planned and executed by the Neudorfer Corporation, with many of the structures and dwellings designed by Gabriel Bodor Architects. Once finished, Davenport Village will be home to around 1960 dwellings.

^{Image courtesy of UrbanToronto, with thanks}

These final phases – imminently underway – are located south-east of this property at 980 Lansdowne Avenue, and will include two towers (29 and 36-storeys) on a 7-storey shared podium base, a separate 12-storey residential building, two 4-storey stacked townhouse buildings, along with a one storey daycare facility! This increase in population density signals additional amenities will arrive to meet the growing needs and demand of the immediate community, enhancing your own quality of life while supporting your resale value in the years to come. By my assessment, that’s a win-win opportunity! Wouldn’t you agree?

Davenport Village – regaled as a community-within-a-community – already boasts a large park and playground at its centre surrounded by a one-time railway factory turned into an authentic residential loft building, along with stacked townhouses, condominium high-rises, as well as coffee shops, a grocer, and drug store. The neighbourhood association also secured designated funding for the Greenline Gateway project – two parcels which form links to a linear park system on Hydro One lands, not unlike the West Toronto Railpath located just west of this property. The fundamentals that surround this area – including access to green space, proximity to public transit, and urban design initiatives, among numerous other amenities supportive for urban living – position it for property prosperity in the years to come. Many good school boards are represented, with a selection of elementary and high schools, within easy access. The beauty of an industrial location which has been reinvented from a place of production to one of domesticity is that it often offers more affordable opportunities not available in more established residential neighbourhoods (making it an excellent rung of choice for those climbing the property ladder), while repurposing existing heritage architecture. For example, one of the best purveyors of coffee is Balzac’s located in the restored historic Powerhouse located just steps away from this offering!

^{Image courtesy of Balzac’s, with thanks.}

A Family Friendly Townhouse

This stylish condominium townhome, nestled in a quiet enclave on Foundry Avenue, is just a short 2-minute stroll to both the East/West Davenport bus and the Lansdowne bus that will take you north to the restaurants on St Clair West or south to Bloor Street West with its abundant retail and the Lansdowne Subway stop, or all the way to Queen West! This pocket of the city is constantly building more and more amenities, both diverse and life-enhancing! Enjoy a great espresso At Balzac’s Powerhouse, grab groceries and essentials at the side-by-side No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart (two blocks south), take in a performance at the neighbouring Aluna Theatre or work up a sweat at Boulderz Climbing Centre or Planet Fitness – both just minutes from your front door! If you consider yourself somewhat of a foodie, there are delicious offerings nearby, including one of the best chicken joints in the city: Love Chix! We also adore Parallel Restuarant, North of Brooklyn Pizzeria, and Blood Brothers Brewing on Geary Street!

Fan of outdoor recreation, picnicking, or have a pup that loves to run? There’s plenty of choice for green space in this ‘hood. Enjoy idyllic Sunday afternoons wandering through nearby Earlscourt Park to the Joseph Piccininni Community Rec Centre, or let the kids blow off steam at Symington Avenue Playground or Davenport Village Park (right on Foundry Ave!). Talk about convenient afternoon outings!

Completed in 2007 by Davlan Construction Corporation, this townhouse is located in Phase 2 of the neighbourhood’s redevelopment. Phase 1 is the townhouses on Turntable Crescent, which both originally and today sell for around $50,000 less for similar space-plans because they’re located closer to the rail corridor, Davenport Road and its large hydro line towers. Phase 2 is also a year newer, and are centred around common outdoor courtyards which have become causal places for both parents and kids to congregate. The courtyard outside Unit 36 is a great place to let your kids ride their bikes, play ball and unleash a little energy while you enjoy a quick coffee klatch with your neighbours. As the owners’ discovered and attest, it was an unexpected asset with a huge value-added return as they’ve navigated family-life.

This 3-storey dwelling offers 1288 square feet of functionally-designed space, in addition to a sun-drenched 175 square foot roof terrace! Entering at ground level and ascending a flight of stairs, one is met with a convenient storage closet before stepping into the heart of the home: a bright open plan entertainment space! The spacious living/dining area boasts a large north-facing window that floods the space with natural light. The intelligent space plan that separates the living/dining from the open kitchen allows for simultaneous activities and conversations without compromising the openness or flow. The contemporary U-shaped kitchen was just renovated, and features crisp cabinetry with modern hardware, a breakfast bar, and quartz countertops! And don’t miss the convenient pantry! For those who work from home, or require an extra bedroom, a French door leads from the kitchen to the sizable flex space with a closet that can be used to suit your needs! How amazing is that?!

The second level accommodates ensuite laundry in addition to two spacious bedrooms, both of which boast lots of natural light and ample closet space! The Master retreat features a convenient built-in wardrobe and benefits from a 3-piece ensuite bath. Dreamy! The second bedroom is roomy, bright and boasts a Juliette balcony with courtyard view. Rounding out this picturesque property is an additional third-floor flex space (currently used as a bedroom) and a dreamy sun-soaked roof terrace with sunny south exposure and warm wood decking! Yes please!!

Having reasonable common fees of $512 per month – as well as 2 deeded underground parking spaces – this unique urban home is a great option for the busy professional couple needing private home offices or a family who require as many as four bedrooms!

If you’re seeking a residence which is well-proportioned, well-situated, and family friendly (including pets!), this turn-key residence is a terrific opportunity worth considering!

Curious to learn more or to book a showing? Pop Steve (steve@urbaneer.com) a note!