Living Large At Cityscape Terrace In The Fashion District
offered at $769,000As a realtor now celebrating my 25th year in the industry, my career began as an Innovative Space Housing Conceptualist and Realtor working with developers. You see, I began when the real estate market was just showing signs of recovery from the real estate crash which began in 1989, when prices dropped upwards of 35% during a five year decline. Having recently completed my Graduate Degree called Planning Housing Environments at York University – with a thesis on Adaptive Reuse Conversions in Toronto – I spearheaded my career in the new and resale Loft Market. Needless to say, it was a timely entry into a unique residential market.
By the mid-90s, with the City of Toronto adapting to a new ‘post-industrial economy’ based on finance, technology and services, huge swaths of the downtown core on either side of the CN Tower were rezoned from exclusively Industrial use to Live/Work zoning. This included the ‘Fashion District’ centred on Spadina Avenue, which, at the time, had almost no new housing developments in its vicinity. The area was ripe for redevelopment (so much of it was vacant) and, as the economy recovered, developers began creating housing for the emerging young urban professional market.
This property, located at 500 Richmond Street West, was one of the first condominiums introduced to this area. Located on the site of a former Salvation Army building, I was engaged by the developers – whom I did the Wellington Worx Loft Conversion at 436 Wellington West and The Movie House on the corner of College and Euclid with – and who would go on to bring us the magnificence of the Distillery District – to bring us Cityscape Terrace. The concept? To create a mid-rise building that contained ‘houses in the sky’ with most all of the units having outdoor spaces, whether they be gardens, terraces or roof top decks.
Launched in November 1998 and completed in 2000, this 109 unit six-floor complex sitting on an underground parking garage has limited common areas to keep the monthly fees reasonable. It has two entrances, and because most of the suites are two storeys – and the ground floor townhomes have their own street entrances – there are only common halls on two levels which keep maintenance and repairs economical. Developed by Cityscape Development Corp. (2000), the suites range from one to two bedroom and den layouts from around 544 square feet to over 1600 square feet of living space.
Welcome to 500 Richmond Street West, Suite 338!
Located in the heart of The Fashion District at Richmond and Augusta, where you’re a stone’s throw from Loblaws, up the street from the hip Spoke Club, and steps to the amazing drinking and food emporium Gusto 101. A few of our favorite neighbourhood destinations include Campenchano, Zoe’s Cafe, Buca, Jimmy’s Coffee, Marben, 416 Snack Bar, and Bar Chef (for stellar cocktails!).
Do you love the outdoors? Residents are just steps from the opportunity to stroll, picnic, play a little tennis or go for a skate (depending on the season) at Trinity Bellwoods Park, or to take in any of the well-known shops of Queen West. Or, for fitness lovers, there’s Downward Dog Yoga and Core Studio for Pilates. And no ultimate urban experience would be complete without access to public transport. The 24-hour Queen streetcar is literally steps away, or just walk south to the King streetcar.
500 Richmond Street West is located just west of Spadina in The Fashion District. If you’re not terribly familiar with the downtown core, let us assure you this is a stellar location. It’s just a quick streetcar ride to the financial core or University of Toronto, a short stroll to hip King and Queen West for shopping or dining, and moments to the Gardiner Expressway, providing speedy access to all points north, east and west. It’s in proximity to the Theatre District, Scotiabank Cinema, Harbourfront, and the Rogers Centre. The neighbourhood has a 99 Walk Score, and nearby Adelaide and Wellington are both bicycle-friendly streets! Need an autoshare? There’s a ZipCar located at 129 Spadina Avenue at Richmond, just steps away! Have a pet? This pet-friendly condominium complex is around the corner from the marvelous St. Andrews Playground – at 450 Adelaide West on Brant – a lush urban square with friendly off-leash zone for dogs. Your puppy will love living here!
This two storey 2bed 1.5 bath suite has the preferred sun-drenched south exposure. Having 1041 square feet inside – plus about 70 square feet outdoors – this airy home boasts nine foot ceilings on both levels, a well-proportioned space plan, and a generous treescape vista terrace. Crossing the threshold, the foyer with coat closet leads one upstairs to the sleeping sanctuary, or ushers one into the generous entertainment space with a freshly upgraded kitchen, new plank-style laminate floors, modern window coverings and a super convenient water closet. Fitted with on trend finishes including luxe granite counters with undermount sink, I love how the resident chef can showcase his culinary expertise while remaining engaged with his guests, and how there’s plenty of room for both sectional seating and a generous dining table. How perfect for at-home feasts!
Up the stairs, the open landing currently serves as additional storage, though it could be a great place to set up a home office. The jack and jill contemporary washroom – which connects from both the hall and master suite – features a double sink, stylish tiles and an indulgent over-sized shower for those who love to get steamed up! Both the master and second bedrooms are well-proportioned – and have ample storage – which work well for this young family. Note the fuel-burning fireplace – and two flat screened televisions + dvd player – which are included in the purchase, along with the window coverings, light fixtures, ceiling fans and shelving. This is definitely a turn-key ‘unpack and move-in’ residence!
Feeling more like a house than a condo, this centre-of-the-city residence is steps to all of your everyday needs. Need a parking space? The Sellers currently rent a parking space in the complex for $175 per month. That rental can be continued if required.
Want to learn more? Contact Steve@urbaneer.com or James@urbaneer.com for more info!
Are you familiar with the Queen West and The Fashion District locale? Have a look at our Queen West Neighbourhood Page featuring our flavour video, city census data on the area plus past amenity blogs! And for more, here are our other Neighbourhood Pages in the City of Toronto! We adore Toronto real estate!