As I first wrote back in December, Symmetry Developments has a brand new condo/loft in the works!  At the time all we had to work with was a rough preliminary rendering … but now we have a much more refined image (pictured above), a name to call this gorgeous structure, and even an address!

Very much true to it’s design, the loft will be called Origami and will be built at 202 Bathurst St. just north of Queen.  The opening of CB2 is a further testament to the changes happening in the area and a clear indicator of the transitions taking place!

In a move similar to their Hive Lofts in Etobicoke, Symmetry has brought Teeple Architects back to design Origami.  I especially like the way the penthouses appear to be floating above the building, and the large “202″ at the base of the building.  It serves as functional component to the structure, as well as a topographical one for those living at the lofts!

The latest from Sayf is that they’re still tweaking the design and should have an even awesome-r rendering in the coming weeks!

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On Tuesday night, the Lanterra development team hosted an exclusive dinner for their top sales representatives!  I was invited to the dinner and had a wonderful time listening to Mark Mandelbaum and Barry Fenton (who is incredibly funny and very witty) unveil the companies new development sites for 2012!

The project I was most interested in learning more about was their conversion of the Sutton Place Hotel at 955 Bay Street!  The latest update is that they’ll be submitting their zoning application very shortly. They plan on making some minor adjustments to the building including the addition of a few floors above and wings on either side of the hotel!  If all goes according to plan, the project should launch towards the summer of 2012! Read the rest of this entry »

A trip to New York City is not complete without a stop at the LEGO store! As a lifetime lover of the multicoloured bricks, I made it one of my first stops in the City.  The store boasts some of it’s most intricate models on display and several replicas of local NY landmarks.

Before the high-rises, cranes and commissions… my first true love for architecture came from Lego! They’re latest line of Archtecture and Landmark pieces captures some of the most unique and beautiful structures from around the world.  Being in NYC, I couldn’t pass up the chance to buy the Empire State building and Rockefeller block!

Lego currently has 11 structures in it’s collection with prices ranging from $25 to over $200 for Frank Lloyd Wrights Robbie House pictured below!

According to a rezoning application submitted to the City, Baker Street Bakery (located at 396 Hopewell Ave) may soon be home to townhomes instead of cakes and tarts! The application reads:

The proposed development is comprised of a combination of stack townhouse buildings, arranged in four blocks. A total of 102 dwelling units are proposed for the site and will consist of 67 one bedroom units and 35 two-bedroom. A private driveway is proposed off Hopewell Avenue which will allow access to the parking level. A total of 110 parking spaces are provided for residents and visitors.

If approved, the townhomes are a further shift from the mainly industrial area that once occupied the area!  I’ll be following the developments of the application for updates in the coming months.   Read the rest of this entry »

Broadview and Danforth, look out… because some Bold neighbours are moving in!  I was driving through the area the other day when I saw sandwich boards up for Bildcrests (think The Swanwick Lofts church conversion in the Upper Beaches) latest development – Bold Towns.

Not much is currently known about the town-homes but judging by the rendering above, it looks like a collection of possibly 14 units.  The Bold Towns will be built on a vacant Broadview Ave parking lot, on the east side just north of Pretoria Ave.  Here’s what many may recognize the site to look like in the past:

Sitting at approximately 3 stories tall, I like the look the towns will add to the area… after all, anything is much better than what’s above!  The strip of Danforth (at Broadview) has really come to life in the past 5 years with Shoppers Drugmart opening up on the north side and a variety of new restaurants setting up shop in the area.  And of course, let’s not forget the accessibility of the area with the Danforth Subway Station and the on ramp to the DVP less than a block away. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re looking for a home with both turn of the century history and new world drama, the Maclean Estate at 7 Austin Terrace is the perfect fit for you!

Sitting on the quite streets of the Casa Loma neighbourhood, The Maclean house was built in 1910 for Mr. John B. Maclean. Mr. Mclean was the founder of The Financial Post, Chatelaine Magazine and most famously – Maclean’s Magazine! He lived in the home for over 40 years until he passed away in 1950.

Of course, Maclean didn’t hire just anyone to build his Georgian Revival styled dream.  Instead, he commissioned the acclaimed Canadian architect John M. Lyle … and yes, that’s the same John M. Lyle who’s other famous projects include Union Station and the Royal Alexandra Theatre.  How’s that for a home with character!

In the last few years the property has been home less notable stories including a feud with it’s new owner and the neighbourhood on it’s historic merits.  The property made headlines when the owner wanted to tear down the home and build a new 3 storey home of their own.  The residents and City fought hard to preserve this piece of Toronto history and in the end won.

Today, the property is being redeveloped by Renaissance Fine Homes (different owners) with a much stronger commitment to preserving the integrity of 7 Austin Terrace.  Characteristics like a gabled roof, dormer windows, wood cornices and brick chimneys will be restorted to give the home it’s historic look.  Of course modern finishes like a wine cellar, heated floors, and underground parking will also be integreated into the homes.  The towns will range from 2,700 sq.ft. to 3,400 sq.ft. each. Read the rest of this entry »

In an effort to sell off the remaining units at 3018 Yonge St, the developers are offering a purchasers the opportunity to buy with just 5% down!  Buyer’s only need to give $2000 at time of signing the offer with the remaining 5% due in 30 days. The remaining 15% isn’t due until occupancy!

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